Jazz Consumer Guide (14):
Surplus

This is the surplus file for Jazz Consumer Guide #14. These are short reviews of records that for one reason or another have been dropped from active consideration while working on this column. These reviews will be published in the blog when the column comes out.

Alvin Batiste: Marsalis Music Honors Alvin Batiste (2006 [2007], Marsalis Music/Rounder): Released along with a Bob French tribute, which nabbed an honorable mention right with a slight edge over this. Then Batiste, a veteran New Orleans clarinetist who had rarely been recorded well, passed away, making this all the more valuable. B+(**)

Stefano Bollani: Piano Solo (2005, [2007], ECM): An attractive, eloquent album, well crafted, patiently executed, enough to overcome my congenital resistance to solo piano, but still didn't quite inspire me to write about it. B+(**)

Harry Connick Jr.: Chanson du Vieux Carré (2003 [2007], Marsalis Music/Rounder): A big band album of old New Orleans, dusted off post-Katrina and sloughed off on Connick's B-label, where he had to get others to take the vocals. I ultimately decided that the A-label Oh, My Nola (2006 [2007], Columbia) was slightly better overall, then wound up using neither. B+(**)

Joel Futterman/Alvin Fielder/Ike Levin Trio: Live at the Blue Monk (2006, Charles Lester Music): An old-fashioned avant-garde trio, which is to say they like to make a racket in additional to wheeling and dealing freely. Futterman is a pianist of the Cecil Taylor school; Levin a saxophonist who can get dirty; Fielder has his AACM credentials. I always dig their records, but somehow never get around to writing about them. B+(**)

Gold Sparkle Trio With Ken Vandermark: Brooklyn Cantos (2002 [2004], Squealer): The Trio already has a fine saxophonist in Charles Waters, as well as a superb drummer in Andrew Barker. Adding Vandermark doubles the fun, but this was old when I got it and kept slipping behind newer records. B+(***)

Dave Holland Quintet: Critical Mass (2005 [2006], Dare2/Sunnyside): Seems like Holland is such a big name this should have been dealt with in a more timely fashion, but I was real slow on the uptake, or maybe just fascinated with the idea of cutting it down. Ultimately, there's just too much talent here for that. B+(***)

Jerry Leake: The Turning: Percussion Explorations (2005 [2006], Rhombus Publishing): Nine out of ten jazz musicians claim to be educators these days, but Leake really is one, and this is a world-class textbook on percussion. B+(***)

Abbey Lincoln: Abbey Sings Abbey (2006 [2007], Verve): Aside from We Insist -- Freedom Now, under husband Max Roach's name, I've never found a record by her that I've really cared for. At first these were disappointing; over time they became annoying. She does have her fans, including critics I rarely argue with, so I figure my resistance to her is just one of those weird personal quirks. For whatever it's worth, I think this is her best record, at least of the half-dozen or so I've heard. The songs are field-tested, the arrangements cleverly developed. Her voice is rougher than it used to be, and I think that helps. Francis Davis wrote a rave in the Voice already. I don't see much value in adding my lukewarm consent. B+(***)

Roswell Rudd & Yomo Toro: El Espíritu Jíbaro (2002-06 [2007], Sunnyside): One of Rudd's world music match-ups, with Bobby Sanabria reinforcing Toro's Puerto Rican country beat, and Rudd just being the great trombonist he's always been. Better than his beatless Mali album; not as intriguing a mix as those Mongolian throat singers. Francis Davis reviewed this among a bunch of Rudd records in the Voice, and I wrote plenty on this in RG. B+(***)

David Smith Quintet: Circumstance (2005 [2006], Fresh Sound New Talent): Young Canadian trumpet player gets a nice coming out party, with a strong assist from saxophonist Seamus Blake. B+(***)

Toph-E & the Pussycats: Live in Detroit (2004 [2006], CD Baby): Basically a funk band, not all that special, but fun enough I was long tempted to slip them in somewhere. B+(**)

Lars-Göran Ulander Trio: Live at the Glenn Miller Café (2004 [2005], Ayler): Swedish saxophonist, a local legend from the 1960s, given a shot at a headline album, which he aces. Between the obscurity and the competition, I never got back to this. The label has since moved into a new download-only business model, which is a shame given the nice packaging. Also given the distaste I have for downloading. B+(***)

Other Drops

Also dropping the following. Don't have anything to add to what was previously said in the prospecting notes (for this or some previous Jazz CG cycle).

• Don Aliquo: Jazz Folk (2006, Young Warrior) B
• Rodrigo Amado/Carlos Zíngaro/Tomas Ulrich/Ken Filiano: Surface: For Alto, Baritone and Strings (2006 [2007], European Echoes) B+(*)
• Anjani: Blue Alert (2006 [2007], Columbia) B+(*)
• The Leonisa Ardizzone Quartet: Afraid of the Heights (2006 [2007], Ardijenn Music) B+(***)
• Lynne Arriale Trio: Live (2005 [2006], In+Out/Motema) B+(***)
• The Bad Plus: Prog (2006 [2007], Heads Up) B+(**)
• Stefano Battaglia: Re: Pasolini (2005 [2007], ECM, 2CD) B+(*)
• The Birdhouse Project: Free Bird (2006 [2007], Dreambox Media) B-
• Theo Bleckmann/Ben Monder: At Night (2005 [2007], Songlines) B
• Luigi Bonafede/Pietro Tonolo: Peace (2005 [2007], ObliqSound) B+(**)
• Tad Britton: Black Hills (2006 [2007], Origin) B
• Brian Bromberg: Downright Upright (2006 [2007], Artistry) B
• Dave Brubeck: Indian Summer (2007, Telarc) B+(*)
• Joey Calderazzo: Amanecer (2006 [2007], Marsalis Music/Rounder) B
• Michel Camilo: Spirit of the Moment (2006 [2007], Telarc) B+(**)
• James Carney Group: Green-Wood (2006 [2007], Songlines) B+(*)
• Amanda Carr: Soon (2007, OMS) B+(**)
• Daniel Carter & Matt Lavelle: Live at Tower Records (2006, Tubman Atnimara) B-
• Ron Carter: Dear Miles, (2006 [2007], Blue Note) B+(**)
• André Ceccarelli: Golden Land (2006 [2007], CAM Jazz) B
• Bill Charlap Trio: Live at the Village Vanguard (2003 [2007], Blue Note) B+(**)
• Frankie Cicala: Frankie Plays! (2006, 3B's) B-
• Circus (2006, ICP) B
• Nels Cline/Wally Shoup/Chris Corsano: Immolation/Immersion (2005, Strange Attractors) C+
• Nels Cline: New Monastery: A View Into the Music of Andrew Hill (2006, Cryptogramophone) B+(**)
• Club D'Elf: Perhapsody: Live 10.12.06 (2006 [2007], Kufala, 2CD) B+(**)
• Harry Connick Jr.: Oh, My Nola (2006 [2007], Columbia) B+(***)
• Dick De Graaf Quartet: Moving Target (2006 [2007], Soundroots) B+(**)
• Ron di Salvio: Essence of Green: A Tribute to Kind of Blue (2005 [2007], Origin) B-
• Kelly Eisenhour: Seek and Find (2007, BluJazz) B+(*)
• Bruce Eisenbeil Sextet: Inner Constellation: Volume One (2004 [2007], Nemu) B+(**)
• Eldar: Re-Imagination (2006 [2007], Masterworks Jazz) B+(*)
• Liberty Ellman: Ophiuchus Butterfly (2005 [2006], Pi) B+(**)
• Robin Eubanks + EB3: Live Vol. 1 (2006 [2007], RKM) B+(**)
• Eye Contact: War Rug (2006 [2007], KMB Jazz) B+(*)
• Michael Fein: Four Flights Up (2005 [2006], Dreambox Media) B
• Sonny Fortune: You and the Night and the Music (2007, 18th & Vine) B+(*)
• Satoko Fujii Min-Yoh Ensemble: Fujin Raijin (2006 [2007], Victo) B+(**)
• Rob Garcia's Sangha: Heart's Fire (2005 [2007], Connection Works) B-
• Stephen Gauci Trio: Substratum (2006 [2007], CIMP) B
• Darrell Grant: Truth and Reconciliation (2005 [2007], Origin, 2CD) B+(*)
• Maria Guida: Soul Eyes (2007, Larknote) B+(**)
• David Haney & Julian Priester: Ota Benga of the Batwa (2006 [2007], CIMP) B+(*)
• The Jon Hemmersam/Don Minasi Quartet (2006 [2007], CDM) B+(*)
• Tom Harrell: Light On (2006 [2007], High Note) B
• Joel Harrison: Harbor (2006-07 [2007], High Note) B+(*)
• Helena: Bang! Dillinger Girl and "Baby Face" Nelson (2006 [2007], Sunnyside) B
• Todd Herbert: The Path to Infinity (1999-2003 [2007], Metropolitan) B+(*)
• Lisa Hilton: The New York Sessions (2007, Ruby Slippers) B-
• Bruce Hornsby/Christian McBride/Jack DeJohnette: Camp Meeting (2007, Legacy) B+(*)
• François Ingold Trio: Song Garden (2006 [2007], Altrisuoni) B+(**)
• Tomas Janzon: Coast to Coast to Coast (2006, Changes) B+(**)
• The Jazz O'Maniacs: Sunset Cafe Stomp (2005 [2007], Delmark) B+(**)
• Ed Johnson & Novo Tempo: The Other Road (2007, Cumulus) C-
• Chris Kelsey Quartet: The Crookedest Straight Line Vol. 1 (2006 [2007], CIMP) B+(*)
• Guy Klucevsek/Alan Bern: Notefalls (2006 [2007], Winter & Winter) B+(*)
• Mark Knox: Places (2006, Dreambox Media) B
• Kreepa: Inside-A-Sekt (2006 [2007], Monium) B+(*)
• David Lackner: Chapter One (2006, Dreambox Media) B+(*)
• Matt Lavelle: Trumpet Rising Bass-Clarinet Moon (2004, 577 Records) B+(**)
• Matt Lavelle and Daniel Carter (2006, downtownmusic.net) B
• Matt Lavelle: Cuica in the Third House (2007, KMB Jazz) B
• Nguyên Lê: Purple: Celebrating Jimi Hendrix (2002, ACT) B
• Nguyên Lê Duos: Homescape (2004-05 [2006], ACT) B+(*)
• Joélle Leandre/Pascal Contet: Freeway (2005 [2007], Clean Feed) B+(*)
• The Jason Lindner Big Band: Live at the Jazz Gallery (2005 [2007], Anzic, 2CD) B+(*)
• Fred Lonberg-Holm Trio: Terminal Valentine (2006 [2007], Atavistic) B+(*)
• Russ Lossing/Mat Maneri/Mark Dresser: Metal Rat (2006 [2007], Clean Feed) B+(*)
• Lucky 7s: Farragut (2006, Lakefront Digital) B+(**)
• Gloria Lynne: From My Heart to Yours (2007, High Note) B
• Robert MacGregor: Refraction of Light (2006 [2007], Black Tri) B+(*)
• Billy Martin/John Medeski: Mago (2006 [2007], Amulet) B+(**)
• Martirio: Primavera en Nueva York (2006, Calle 54) B+(***)
• Bill Mays/The Inventions Trio: Fantasy (2001-05 [2007], Palmetto) B-
• Donny McCaslin: In Pursuit (2007, Sunnyside) B+(**)
• Andy Milne: Dreams and False Alarms (2006 [2007], Songlines) B+(*)
• Andy Milne + Grégoire Maret: Scenarios (2007, Obliqsound) B+(*)
• Brian Stokes Mitchell (2000-06 [2006], Playbill/Legacy) B
• Monk's Music Trio: Monk on Mondays (2005 [2007], CMB) B
• Nordic Connect: Flurry (2005 [2007], ArtistShare) B+(**)
• Miles Okazaki: Mirror (2006 [2007], CDBaby) B+(**)
• Oregon: 1000 Kilometers (2006 [2007], CAM Jazz) B+(**)
• Evan Parker: A Glancing Blow (2006 [2007], Clean Feed) B+(**)
• William Parker & Hamid Drake: Summer Snow (2005 [2007], AUM Fidelity) B+(**)
• Misha Piatigorsky: Aya (2007, Misha Music) B+(**)
• Play Station 6: #1 (2006 [2007], Evil Rabbit) B+(**)
• Jimmy Ponder: Somebody's Child (2003-06 [2007], High Note) B+(**)
• Porter-Di Castri-Sferra Trio: Italian Encounter (2006 [2007], Altrisuoni) B+(*)
• Tineke Postma: A Journey That Matters (2007, Foreign Media Jazz) B+(*)
• André Previn: Alone (2007, Emarcy) B
• Queen Mab Trio: Thin Air (2005 [2006], Wig) B+(**)
• Boots Randolph: A Whole New Ballgame (2006 [2007], Zoho) B-
• The Rodriguez Brothers: Conversations (2006 [2007], Savant) B
• Daniel Bernard Roumain: Etudes 4 Violin & Electronix (2007, Thirsty Ear) B
• Samo Salamon NYC Quintet: Government Cheese (2004 [2006], Fresh Sound New Talent) B+(**)
• Saltman Knowles Quintet: It's About the Melody (2007, Blue Canoe) B
• Dino Saluzzi Group: Juan Condori (2005 [2006], ECM) B+(*)
• Dino Saluzzi/Anja Lechner: Ojos Negros (2006 [2007], ECM) B
• Bobby Sanabria: Big Band Urban Folktales (2007, Jazzheads) B+(**)
• Sten Sandell Trio + John Butcher: Strokes (2006 [2007], Clean Feed) B+(**)
• Arturo Sandoval: Rumba Palace (2007, Telarc) B
• Paul Scea: Contemporary Residents (2005 [2007], BluJazz) B
• Lalo Schifrin & Friends (2007, Aleph) B+(*)
• Kendrick Scott Oracle: The Source (2005-06 [2007], World Culture) B
• Seattle Women's Jazz Orchestra: Meeting of the Waters (2005-06 [2007], OA2) B
• David Sills: Green (2006 [2007], Origin) B+(*)
• Carol Sloane: Dearest Duke (2007, Arbors) B+(**)
• Mark Solborg 4: 1+1+1+1 (2007, ILK) B+(*)
• Golda Solomon: First Set (2002, JazzJaunts) B+(**)
• Spark Trio: Short Stories in Sound (2006, Utech) B
• Martin Speicher/Georg Wolf/Lou Grassi: Shapes and Shadows (2006 [2007], Clean Feed) B+(*)
• Russ Spiegel: Chimera (2006 [2007], Steeplechase) B+(**)
• The Chip Stephens Trio: Holding On to What Counts (2006 [2007], Capri) B+(**)
• Helen Sung: Sungbird (2006 [2007], Sunnyside) B+(**)
• Third World Love: Sketch of Tel Aviv (2005 [2006], Smalls) B+(**)
• Thomas Storrs and Sarpolas: Time Share (2005 [2006], Louie) B+(***)
• Tied + Tickled Trio: Aelita (2007, Morr Music) B
• Tin Hat: The Sad Machinery of Spring (2007, Hannibal) B
• Pietro Tonolo/Gil Goldstein/Steve Swallow/Paul Motian: Your Songs: The Music of Elton John (2007, ObliqSound) B+(*)
• Trio Nuevo: Jazz Meets Tango (2006 [2007], Soundroots) B
• Gianluigi Trovesi/Gianni Coscia: Round About Weill (2004 [2005], ECM) B+(***)
• Gianluigi Trovesi/Umberto Petrin/Fulvio Maras: Vaghissimo Ritratto (2005 [2007], ECM) B+(**)
• Akiko Tsuruga: Sweet and Funky (2006 [2007], 18th & Vine) B+(*)
• John Vance: Dreamsville (2007, Erawan) B+(*)
• Hope Waits (2007, Radarproof) B+(*)
• Torben Waldorff Quartet: Brilliance: Live at 55 Bar NYC (2006, ArtistShare) B+(***)
• Bennie Wallace: Disorder at the Border: The Music of Coleman Hawkins (2004 [2007], Enja/Justin Time) B+(**)
• Danny Weis: Sweet Spot (2007, Marshmellow) B
• David Witham: Spinning the Circle (2006 [2007], Cryptogramophone) B+(**)
• Dept. of Good and Evil Feat. Rachel Z (2007, Savoy Jazz) B+(*)

Finally, the following appeared (or soon will) in Recycled Goods:

• Muiza Adnet: Sings Moacir Santos (2006 [2007], Adventure Music) B
• Chet Baker: Chet (Keepnews Collection) (1958-59 [2007], Riverside) B+(*)
• Andy and the Bey Sisters: 'Round Midnight (1965 [2007], Prestige) B
• Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers: Caravan (Keepnews Collection) (1962 [2007], Riverside) B
• Boca Do Rio (2007, Vagabundo) C+
• Anthony Braxton/Joe Fonda: Duets 1995 (1995 [2007], Clean Feed) B+(***)
• Peter Brötzmann Group: Alarm (1981 [2006], Atavistic) B+(***)
• Marc Broussard: S.O.S.: Save Our Soul (2007, Vanguard) B+(*)
• New Wonderland: The Best of Jeri Brown (1991-2006 [2007], Justin Time) B
• Bruford: Rock Goes to College (1979 [2007], Winterfold) B
• Donald Byrd: The Cat Walk (1961 [2007], Blue Note) B
• Don Cherry: Live at Cafe Montmartre 1966 (1966 [2007], ESP-Disk) B+(*)
• John Coltrane: Stardust (1958 [2007], Prestige) B+(*)
• John Coltrane: Fearless Leader (1957-58 [2006], Prestige, 6CD) A-
• Introducing Kenny Cox and the Contemporary Jazz Quintet (1968-69 [2007], Blue Note) B+(***)
• Todd Dameron/John Coltrane: Mating Call (1956 [2007], Prestige) B+(**)
• Steamin' With the Miles Davis Quintet (1956 [2007], Prestige): A-
• Hamilton de Holanda: Íntimo (2006 [2007], Adventure Music) B+(*)
• Booker Ervin: The Freedom Book (1963 [2007], Prestige) A-
• Bill Evans: Everybody Digs Bill Evans (Keepnews Collection) (1958 [2007], Riverside) B+(***)
• Art Farmer: Farmer's Market (1956 [2007], Prestige) B
• The Essential Maynard Ferguson (1954-96 [2007], Columbia/Legacy, 2CD) B-
• Frank Foster: Manhattan Fever (1968-69 [2007], Blue Note) A-
• Bud Freeman: Chicago/Austin High School Jazz in Hi-Fi (1957 [2006], Mosaic) A-
• Red Garland: Soul Junction (1957 [2007], Prestige) B+(**)
• The Essential Benny Goodman (1934-46 [2007], Columbia/Bluebird/Legacy, 2CD) A-
• Dexter Gordon: Clubhouse (1965 [2007], Blue Note) B+(***)
• Roy Haynes/Phineas Newborn/Paul Chambers: We Three (1958 [2007], Prestige/New Jazz) B+(**)
• Jimmy Heath: Really Big! (Keepnews Collection) (1960 [2007], Riverside) A-
• Andrew Hill: Compulsion (1965 [2007], Blue Note) A-
• Andrew Hill: Change (1966 [2007], Blue Note) B+(***)
• Etta Jones/Houston Person: Don't Misunderstand: Live in New York (1980 [2007], High Note) B+(*)
• Thad Jones: Detroit-New York Junction (1956 [2007], Blue Note) B+(***)
• Joseph Jarman: As If It Were the Seasons (1968 [2007], Delmark) B+(**)
• Barb Jungr: Bare Again (1999 [2007], ZC) B
• Fred Katz: Folk Songs for Far Out Folk (1958 [2007], Reboot Stereophonic) B+(*)
• Roland Kirk/Jack McDuff: Kirk's Work (1961 [2007], Prestige) B+(***)
• Charles Lloyd: Of Course, Of Course (1964-65 [2006], Mosaic) A-
• Frank London's A Night in the Old Marketplace (2006 [2007], Soundbrush) B
• Erin McKeown: Sing You Sinners (2006 [2007], Nettwerk) B+(***)
• John McLaughlin/Jaco Pastorius/Tony Williams: Trio of Doom (1979 [2007], Columbia/Legacy) B+(*)
• The Essential John McLaughlin (1963-2006 [2007], Columbia/Legacy, 2CD) A-
• Jackie McLean: New and Old Gospel (1967 [2007], Blue Note) A-
• Steve Miller/Lol Coxhill: The Story So Far . . . Oh Really? (1971-74 [2007], Cuneiform, 2CD) B+(*)
• Charlie Mingus: Tijuana Moods (1957 [2007], RCA Victor/Legacy) A
• Thelonious Monk Trio (1952-54 [2007], Prestige) A
• Maria Muldaur: Naughty Bawdy & Blue (2007, Stony Plain) B+(***)
• The Essential Jaco Pastorius (1976-81 [2007], Epic/Legacy, 2CD) B-
• Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen/Ulf Wakenius/Jonas Johansen: The Unforgettable NHØP Trio Live (1999-2005 [2007], ACT) B+(**)
• Susan Pereira and Sabor Brasil: Tudo Azul (2006 [2007], Riony) B+(*)
• Pink Martini: Hey Eugene! (2005-06 [2007], Heinz) A-
• The Puppini Sisters: Betcha Bottom Dollar (2005-06 [2007], Verve) B+(*)
• Flora Purim: Butterfly Dreams (Keepnews Collection) (1973 [2007], Milestone) B
• Putumayo Presents: Latin Jazz (1973-2006 [2007], Putumayo World Music) B+(**)
• Duke Robillard's World Full of Blues (2006-07 [2007], Stony Plain, 2CD) B+(**)
• Ricardo Silveira: Outro Rio (Another River) (2005-06 [2007], Adventure Music) B+(**)
• Just Like a Woman: Nina Simone Sings Classic Songs of the '60s (1967-78 [2007], RCA/Legacy) B
• Jimmy Smith: Straight Life (1961 [2007], Blue Note) B+(***)
• Somi: Red Soil in My Eyes (2005-06 [2007], World Village) B-
• Art Taylor: A.T.'s Delight (1960 [2007], Blue Note) B+(**)
• Stanley Turrentine: A Bluish Bag (1967 [2007], Blue Note) B+(***)
• Muddy Waters, Johnny Winter, & James Cotton: Breakin' It Up, Breakin' It Down (1977 [2007], Epic/Legacy) B+(**)
• Alexa Weber Morales: Vagabundeo/Wanderings (2007, Patois) B
• Robin Williamson: The Iron Stone (2005 [2007], ECM) B+