If you want to know what is missing in today’s sax players, this four disc set will serve as the template for comparison. Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis (1933-86) was one of the last “tough tenors”, meaning he had a bluesy growl…
Category: Ringer of the Week
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Wolfgang Lackerschmid & Chet Baker: Welcome Back
One of my true musical regrets is that, when I first got into jazz in the 70s and 80s, I had countless chances to see Chet Baker play in small clubs. I didn’t go see him, as I was told…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****THE MOUNT RUSHMORE OF TENOR SAXES…Classic Jazz At The Philharmonic Jam Sessions (1950-1957)
Once upon a time, the Giants roamed the earth… To put this 10 cd, limited edition by Mosaic Records in perspective, one must remember that after The Swing Era of 1935-45, musicians from that era started hearing the modern sounds…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****ZAPPA THE JAZZER…Frank Zappa: Waka/Wazoo 50th Anniversary Edition
Back in the early 70s, when he was a rock star for the underground, Frank Zappa got confined to a wheelchair after being pushed off stage at a concert in London. Breaking his up and band (which included Flo and…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****WHO KNEW? Janis Joplin & Jorma Kaukonen: The Legendary Typewriter Tape
If you really want to get to the essence of Janis Joplin, this recent issue will answer a lot of your questions. Recorded informally back in June 24, 1964 at the home of guitarist Jorma Kaukonen, if finds a 21…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****WHEN GIANTS ROAMED…Al Di Meola/Jean-Luc Ponty/Stanley Clarke: Rite Of Strings-Live At Montreux 1994
Sometimes, you forget how good and exciting jazz, particularly fusion, can actually sound. This 1994 concert at the Montreux Jazz Festival is finally and thankfully released, and it’s a treat for the ears. Three giants from the golden days of…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****COOL STRINGS…Johnny Smith: The Classic Roost Album Collection
One of the most influential, yet currently overlooked guitarists has to be Johnny Smith (1922-2013). His cool sand calm tone can be detected in artists ranging from Pat Metheny to Jim Hall and Kenny Burrell. This four disc boxed set…
****RINGERS OF THE WEEK****TAYLOR MADE JAZZ…Billy Taylor: Taylor Made Jazz, Complete Recordings- Custom Taylored & Uptown
Better known for his educational work than his stellar playing, pianist Billy Taylor was one of the early boppers, playing with the likes of Ben Webster, Stuff Smith and Slam Stewart before focusing on his popular jazz radio program Jazz…
FOXY! Jim Hendrix Experience: Los Angeles Forum-April 26, 1969
To put this essential album in perspective, by April of 1969, Jimi Hendrix had released his last album with his “Experience” of drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding, namely the classic Electric Ladyland. He would soon break up that…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****THIS IS A TEXAS TENOR…Buddy Tate & White Label: Tate’s Delight*
If you don’t know what a “Texas Tenor” is, then this album is your introductory lesson. Essentially, it’s a tenor sax player who has a big, breathy and growling sound, swinging with a swagger. Every big band in the 30s…