Jazz Consumer Guide (25):
Surplus

This is the surplus file for Jazz Consumer Guide #25. 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.

The Blasting Concept (2001-07 [2009], Smalltown Superjazz): A label sampler that does what few label samplers do: take a stack of difficult records and turn them into a coherent and genuinely listenable starting point. (Thirsty Ear's Blue Series Essentials, back in 2002, was another example.) Peter Brötzmann, Mats Gustafsson, Ken Vandermark, Joe McPhee, Lasse Marhaug, various guitarists excaped from Zu, the Ex, and Sonic Youth, and a lot of drummer Paal Nilssen-Love. Most of the constituent records are dicey HMs, but this is a thrill. A-

Art Pepper: Unreleased Art, Vol. V: Stuttgart May 25, 1981 (1981 [2010], Widow's Taste, 2CD): I didn't really pay much attention to Pepper until I read Geoff Dyer's But Beautiful, but since then I've fallen hopelessly in love with virtually every stage of his career: the Aladdin recordings of 1956-57 were the pinnacle of post-bebop alto sax in the 1950s, and he returned to form as often as he got out of jail -- 1957's Meets the Rhythm Section, 1960's Smack Up and Intensity, 1975's Living Legend, then just everything until his death in 1982 -- no point shying away from the 16-CD The Complete Galaxy Recordings or for that matter the 9-CD The Complete Village Vanguard Sessions, but definitely don't miss Winter Moon or Straight Life. Since 2007 his widow, Laurie Pepper, has been mopping up the bootlegs and spare tapes, and her first five packages are all worthwhile -- not quite up to the sound of the above, but sometimes the performances just blow such considerations away. This Vol. V is the diciest to date: ugly sound, inconsistent, Milcho Leviev on piano -- evidently a favorite, but the studio recordings favored the more polished and soulful George Cables. Relatively speaking I was tempted to downgrade it, but he's truly magnificent on "Landscape" on the first disc and closes the second with marvelous takes of "Over the Rainbow" and "Cherokee." A-

Doug Webb: Midnight (2009 [2010], Posi-Tone): Very straight, quite lovely mainstream standards, sax quartet. Maybe too straight -- he could use a little vibrato if he wants to get into quiet storm. Actually, not clear what he wants to do. A consummate pro, makes his living ghosting in Hollywood, could no doubt sell more if he signed his records Lisa Simpson (but maybe not by the time everyone got their cut). Moved this from the top of the bracket to the bottom. 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).

• Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet: Natural Selection (2010, Sunnyside) B+(**)
• Marcos Amorim Trio: Portraits (2009 [2010], Adventure Music) B+(**)
• Jeff Antoniuk and the Jazz Update: Brotherhood (2010, JAJU) B+(*)
• Ehud Asherie: Organic (2007 [2010], Posi-Tone) B+(**)
• Ab Baars: Time to Do My Lions (2008 [2010], Wig) B+(*)
• Sheryl Bailey: A New Promise (2008 [2010], MCG Jazz) B+(**)
• Newman Taylor Baker Singin' Drums: Drum Suite Life (2010, Innova) B+(**)
• Lucian Ban & John Hébert: Enesco Re-Imagined (2010, Sunnyside) B
• Al Basile: Soul Blue 7 (2009, Sweetspot) B+(**)
• Doug Beavers 9: Two Shades of Nude (2007 [2010], Origin) B
• Richie Beirach/Dave Liebman: Quest for Freedom (2009 [2010], Sunnyside) B+(*)
• David Bixler & Arturo O'Farrill: The Auction Project (2010, Zoho) B+(*)
• Luis Bonilla: Twilight (2010, Planet Arts/Now Jazz Consortium) B+(**)
• Geof Bradfield: African Flowers (2009 [2010], Origin) B+(*)
• Federico Britos: Voyage (2010, Sunnyside) B+(**)
• George Brooks Summit: Spirit and Spice (2010, Earth Brother Music) B
• Alex Brown: Pianist (2009 [2010], Sunnyside) B
• Greg Burk and Vicente Lebron: Unduality (2010, Accurate) B
• John Burnett Orchestra/Buddy DeFranco: Down for Double (2000-10 [2010], Delmark) B
• Johnny Butler: Solo (2009 [2010], Johnny Butler Jazz) B
• Bill Carrothers: Joy Spring (2009 [2010], Pirouet) B+(**)
• Hugo Carvalhais: Nebulosa (2009 [2010], Clean Feed) B+(**)
• Charito Meets Michel Legrand: Watch What Happens (2008 [2009], CT Music) B
• Xavier Charles/Ivar Grydeland/Christian Wallumrřd/Ingar Zach: Dans les Arbres (2008 [2010], ECM) B+(*)
• Jay Clayton: In and Out of Love (2007 [2010], Sunnyside) B+(**)
• Ryan Cohan: Another Look (2010, Motéma) B+(**)
• Chris Colangelo: Elaine's Song (2010, C Note) B+(**)
• Scott Colley: Empire (2009 [2010], CAM Jazz) B+(**)
• Joey DeFrancesco: Never Can Say Goodbye: The Music of Michael Jackson (2010, High Note) B-
• Eli Degibri: Israeli Song (2009 [2010], Anzic) B+(**)
• Denise Donatelli: When Lights Are Low (2010, Savant) B
• Paquito D'Rivera: Panamericana Suite (2010, MCG Jazz) B+(*)
• Peggy Duquesnel: Summertime Lullaby (2009 [2010], Joyspring Music) B
• Eric Felten: Seize the Night (2007 [2010], Melotone) B+(**)
• Fond of Tigers: Continent & Western (2010, Drip Audio) B-
• Ken Fowser & Behn Gillece: Little Echo (2010, Posi-Tone) B+(*)
• Rebecca Coupe Franks: Check the Box (2010, RCF) B+(*)
• Jan Garbarek/The Hilliard Ensemble: Officium Novum (2009 [2010], ECM New Series) B+(*)
• Matt Garrison: Familiar Places (2009 [2010], D Clef) B
• The Glenious Inner Planet (2009-10 [2010], Blue Bamboo) B+(**)
• Jared Gold: Out of Line (2009 [2010], Posi-Tone) B+(**)
• Brad Goode: Tight Like This (2010, Delmark) B+(**)
• Taylor Haskins: American Dream (2009 [2010], Sunnyside) B
• Conrad Herwig: The Latin Side of Herbie Hancock (2008 [2010], Half Note): B
• John Lee Hooker, Jr.: Live in Istanbul Turkey (2010, Steppin' Stone) B+(*)
• Lauren Hooker: Life of the Music (2010, Miles High) B
• Owen Howard: Drum Lore (2009 [2010], Bju'ecords) B+(**)
• Chie Imaizumi: A Time of New Beginnings (2010, Capri) B+(**)
• I Never Meta Guitar: Guitarists for the 21st Century (2009-10 [2010], Clean Feed) B+(*)
• Justin Janer: Following Signs (2009 [2010], Janer Music) B+(**)
• Tomas Janzon: Experiences (2010, Changes Music) B+(*)
• Capathia Jenkins/Louis Rosen: The Ache of Possibility (2009, Di-tone) B+(*)
• Marc Courtney Johnson: Dream of Sunny Days (2004-08 [2009], Dreamy Jazz) B+(**)
• Tom Johnson: Rational Melodies (2008 [2010], New World) B+(**)
• Darrell Katz/Jazz Composers Alliance Orchestra: A Wallflower in the Amazon (2010, Accurate) B+(*)
• Achim Kaufmann/Robert Landferman/Christian Lillinger: Grünen (2009 [2010], Clean Feed) B+(*)
• Guillermo Klein: Domador de Huellas: Music of "Chuchi" Leguuizamon (2010, Sunnyside) B-
• Hilary Kole: You Are There (2008-09 [2010], Justin Time) B+(**)
• Dana Lauren: It's You or No One (2010, Dana Lauren Music) B+(*)
• Urs Leimgruber/Evan Parker: Twine (2007 [2010], Clean Feed) B+(**)
• Daniel Levin Quartet: Bacalhau (2009 [2010], Clean Feed) B+(*)
• Greg Lewis: Organ Monk (2010, Greg Lewis) B
• Mike Mainieri/Marnix Busstra Quartet: Trinary Motion (2008 [2010], NYC, 2CD) B+(**)
• Tony Malaby's Tamarindo: Live (2010, Clean Feed) B+(*)
• Mike Marshall/Caterina Lichtenberg: Caterina Lichtenberg and Mike Marshall (2009 [2010], Adventure Music) B+(*)
• Jacob Melchior: It's About Time (2010, Jacob Melchior) B+(*)
• Pablo Menéndez & Mezcla: I'll See You in Cuba (2009 [2010], Zoho) B+(*)
• Mercury Falls: Quadrangle (2010, Porto Franco) B+(*)
• Peppe Merolla: Stick With Me (2010, PJ Productions) B
• Tim Moltzer + Markus Reuter: Descending (2010, 1k) B
• Joe Morris/Nate Wooley: Tooth and Nail (2008 [2010], Clean Feed) B
• Neel Nurgai: Neel Murgai Ensemble (2008 [2010], Innova) B+(*)
• Roberto Occhipinti: A Bend in the River (2010, Alma) B-
• Andrew Oliver Sextet: 82% Chance of Rain (2009 [2010], OA2) B+(**)
• Jamie Ousley: Back Home (2010, Tie) C+
• Makoto Ozone/No Name Horses: Jungle (2009 [2010], Verve) B+(*)
• Ivo Perelman/Rosie Hertlein/Dominic Duval: Near to the Wild Heart (2009 [2010], Not Two) B
• Houston Person: Moment to Moment (2010, High Note) B
• Odean Pope: Odean's List (2009 [2010], In+Out) B+(**)
• Debbie Poryes Quartet: Catch Your Breath (2009 [2010], OA2) B+(*)
• Prester John: Desire for a Straight Line (2010, Innova) B
• Mike Pride's From Bacteria to Boys: Betweenwhile (2010, AUM Fidelity) B+(*)
• Steve Raegele: Last Century (2009 [2010], Songlines) B+(*)
• Marc Ribot: Silent Movies (2009 [2010], Pi) B+(**)
• Pete Robbins: Silent Z Live (2009 [2010], Hate Laugh Music) B+(***)
• Jason Robinson and Anthony Davis: Cerulean Landscapes (2008 [2010], Clean Feed) B
• Jason Robinson: Cerberus Reigning (2010, Accretions) B+(*)
• Florian Ross: Mechanism (2009 [2010], Pirouet) B+(*)
• Jerome Sabbagh/Ben Monder/Daniel Humair: I Will Follow You (2010, Bee Jazz) B+(*)
• Robert Sadin: Art of Love: Music of Machaut (2009, Deutsche Grammophon) B-
• Thomas Savy: French Suite (2009 [2010], Plus Loin Music) B+(**)
• Louis Sclavis/Craig Taborn/Tom Rainey: Eldorado Trio (2009 [2010], Clean Feed) B+(**)
• Benny Sharoni: Eternal Elixir (2008 [2010], Papaya) B+(**)
• Gwilym Simcock: Blues Vignette (2009 [2010], Basho, 2CD) B+(*)
• Ches Smith & These Arches: Finally Out of My Hands (2010, Skirl) B+(*)
• Mary Stallings: Dream (2010, High Note) B
• Helen Sung: Going Express (2009 [2010], Sunnyside) B+(*)
• Richard Sussman Quintet: Live at Sweet Rhythm (2003 [2010], Origin) B+(*)
• Sándor Szabó/Kevin Kastning: Returning (2008 [2010], Greydisc) B+(*)
• Benjamin Taubkin: Adventure Music Piano Masters Series Vol. I (2007 [2010], Adventure Music) B+(**)
• Jacky Terrasson: Push (2009 [2010], Concord) B+(*)
• Ken Thomson and Slow/Fast: It Would Be Easier If (2009 [2010], Intuition) B+(*)
• Eric Vloeimans' Gatecrash: Heavensabove! (2008 [2010], Challenge Jazz) B
• Myron Walden: Countryfied (2010, Demi Sound) B+(*)
• Greg Ward's Fitted Shards: South Side Story (2010, 19-8) B
• Chris Washburne and the SYOTOS Band: Fields of Moons (2009 [2010], Jazzheads) B+(**)
• Kenny Werner: No Beginning No End (2009 [2010], Half Note) B-
• Jessica Williams: Touch (2010, Origin) B+(*)
• Bruce Williamson Quartet: Standard Transmission (2009 [2010], Origin) B+(**)
• Sarah Wilson: Trapeze Project (2009 [2010], Brass Logic) B+(**)
• Norma Winstone: Stories Yet to Tell (2009 [2010], ECM) B+(**)
• Robert Wyatt/Gilad Atzmon/Ros Stephen: For the Ghosts Within (2010, Domino) B+(*)
• Denny Zeitlin: Precipice (2008 [2010], Sunnyside) B+(**)
• Michael Zilber: The Billy Collins Project: Eleven on Turning Ten (2007 [2010], OA2) B

The following appeared (or soon will) in Recycled Goods:

• Amabutho: Sikelela (2010, Alma, CD+DVD) B+(**)
• The Blasting Concept (2001-07 [2009], Smalltown Superjazz) A-
• Catalyst: The Complete Recordings, Vol. 1 (1972 [2010], Porter) B+(***)
• Catalyst: The Complete Recordings, Vol. 2 (1974-75 [2010], Porter) B
• Roberto Cipelli/Paolo Fresu/Philippe Garcia/Gianmaria Testa/Attilio Zanchi: F. ŕ Léo (2007 [2010], Justin Time) B+(**)
• Ted Daniel Quintet: Tapestry (1974 [2008], Porter) B+(**)
• Gaida: Levantine Indulgence (2009 [2010], Palymra) B+(***)
• Gamelan Madu Sari: Hive (2005-07 [2010], Songlines) B+(*)
• The Lou Grassi Po Band with Marshall Allen: Live at the Knitting Factory Volume 1 (2000 [2010], Porter) B+(**)
• Lars Gullin: 1953-55 Vol. 8: Danny's Dream (1953-55 [2005], Dragon) A-
• Dave Holland/Pepe Habichuela: Hands (2009 [2010], Dare2) B+(**)
• Bobby Jackson: The Café Extra-Ordinaire Story (1970 [2010], Jazzman) B+(**)
• Klezwoods: Oy Yeah! (2010, Accurate) B+(**)
• Odean Pope: Plant Life (2008, Porter) B+(**)

The following were briefly sampled from download sources (e.g., Rhapsody). They may be revisited if/when I get real copies: noted [**].

• The Bad Plus: Never Stop (2010, E1 Entertainment) B+(**)
• Taylor Ho Bynum/Tomas Fujiwara: Stepwise (2010, Not Two) B+(*)
• Evan Christopher: Remembering Song (2009 [2010], Arbors) B+(*)
• Marty Ehrlich: Fables (2010, Tzadik) B+(**)
• Kahil El'Zabar's Ritual Trio: Big M: A Tribute to Malchi Favors (2004 [2006], Delmark) A-
• Henry Grimes/Rashied Ali: Going to the Ritual (2008, Porter) B+(***)
• Henry Grimes/Rashied Ali: Spirits Aloft (2009 [2010], Porter) A-
• Mary Halvorson Quintet: Saturn Sings (2010, Firehouse 12) B+(***)
• Joe Hertenstein/Pascal Niggenkemper/Thomas Heberer: HNH (2008 [2010], Clean Feed) B+(**)
• Eric Hofbauer: American Fear! (2009 [2010], Creative Nation Music) B
• Billy Jenkins with The Voice of God Collective: Sounds Like Bromley (1982, VOTP) B+(***)
• Billy Jenkins with the Voice of God Collective: Greenwich (1985, VOTP) A-
:
• Billy Jenkins: Uncommerciality: Volume One (1986, VOTP) B+(***)
• Billy Jenkins: Uncommerciality: Volume Two (1988, VOTP) B+(***)
• Billy Jenkins: Uncommerciality: Volume Three (1991, VOTP) A-
• Billy Jenkins: I Am a Man From Lewisham (2010, VOTP) B+(***)
• Yusef Lateef/Adam Rudolph: Towards the Unknown (2009 [2010], Meta) B
• Russ Lossing: Personal Tonal (2009 [2010], Fresh Sound New Talent) A-
• The Wynton Marsalis Quintet & Richard Galliano: From Billie Holiday to Edith Piaf: Live in Marciac (2008 [2010], Rampart Street Music) B+(*)
• Masada String Trio: Haborym: The Book of Angels, Volume 16 (2010, Tzadik) B+(***)
• "Buck" Pizzarelli and the West Texas Tumbleweeds: Diggin' Up Bones (2009, Arbors) B+(**)
• The Pizzarelli Boys: Desert Island Dreamers (2009 [2010], Arbors) B
• Adam Rudolph/Ralph Jones: Yčyí (2009 [2010], Meta) B+(***)
• Moe! Staiano's Moe!kestra!: 2 Rooms of Uranium in 83 Markers: Conducted Improvisations, Vol. II (2003-04 [2007], Edgetone) B+(*)
• Mark O'Leary & Sunny Murray: Ode to Albert Ayler (2002 [2009], Ayler) B+(**)
• Catherine Russell: Inside This Heart of Mine (2009 [2010], World Village) B+(**)
• Randy Weston and His African Rhythms Sextet: The Storyteller (2009 [2010], Motema Music) B+(***)
• Cassandra Wilson: Silver Pony (2010, Blue Note) B
• Katherine Young: Further Secret Origins (2009, Porter) B