Pharoah Sanders - Pharoah (1978)

 

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Sander's 14th effort shows him and group exploring a slower, almost psychedelic vibe on Side A. There's definitely something spiritual and meditative in the droning. Side B is a bit more upbeat and features the brilliant guitar work of Tisziji Muñoz and keys player Jiggs Chase trading solos, and even Sander's himself sharing his vocals.  You need more Pharoah in your life. I know I do. 

Pharaoh

Frank Lowe - Fresh (1975)

 

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Frank's 3rd album features the help of the Bowie Brothers in churning out a pair of Monk tunes, and 3 Lowe originals. There's moments of far-reaching freakouts, and moments of clear and concise jamming. I've been really enjoying the U.K. based Black Lion releases pretty constantly over the years. It's always a treat when the internet gods bless me with a new find, and I hope this share gives you the same feelings

Fresh

Tomasz Stańko - Chameleon (1989)

 

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Almost deadcenter in the middle of Stańko's career and he was still pumping out quality tunes. Albeit, dated sounding at times, what with those big ass 1980's synths and larger than life basslines. The group makes up for it with outstandingly eerie sounding tracks like Euforila and  Balladella. Give it a chance. 

Chameleon

John Abercrombie - The Third Quartet (2007)

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By this point in John's life, he'd already recorded over 100+ albums as a leader or with other groups, and with a sizable number of those recordings with the prestigious ECM records. Herein the guitar virtuoso plays open, playful tunes, while allowing Feldman an opportunity to shine as well. The album carries a relaxing and upbeat vibe that's a welcome change from all the thunderous noise I've been filling my head with, as I battled these few remaining days of the cold. 

The Third Quartet

Sun Ra - Deep Purple - (1973)

 
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Recorded at various times and locations between 1953-1973, Deep Purple [also known as Dreams Come True] showcases some wonderful jazz tunes, that aren't too far-out reaching like some of  The Arkestra's later works. A friend of mine once described Ra's later 1970's work as "Space Blowing its Nose", and I couldn't agree more. This collection is shortly after Ra set up shop in Philly, and before he really started directing space traffic. 

Deep Purple

Don Cherry - Brown Rice (1975)

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Don was one of the hardest working musicians in the business. He'd play with virtually anyone, on any idea, no matter how far reaching or controversial. This set, and in my opinion his greatest recording, features some of the usual suspects; Frank Lowe on sax, Charlie Haden making an appearance on bass, and Billy Higgins holding down the drums.  The direction on this recording touches on jazz fusion and world styles, all wrapped neatly together in 4 tracks. Sometimes its very pensive, and almost meditative. Other times all you want to do is shake your ass. I believe this record represents all of the influence of his career for the last 25+ years. There are a few moments on this recording that remind me of another great trip. I enjoy this record the most when I'm walking on a brisk day through the crowded streets of downtown Chicago.

Brown Rice

Noah Howard - Live in Europe - Vol. 1 (1975)

 

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We briefly touched on Howard a while back, with his The Black Ark record. This set was recorded during his tour of Europe in the early 70's, featuring once again Muhammad Ali on the drums. The set is far reaching, sometimes spiritual at times. Which shouldn't come as a surprise, considering he covers Coltrane's Olé. Overall this is a solid record with a lot of great moods to hold your attention. 

Live in Europe - Vol. 1

Tomasz Stańko Quintet - Purple Sun (1973)

 

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There's an incredible amount of energy on this record. Stańko blows some expressive phrases that will lodge themselves into your psyche, and show up at some of the most in inopportune moments. Like when you're at the store, shopping for toilet paper and you start scatting those same phrases out loud, unbeknownst to yourself, in a crowded isle. 

Purple Sun

Frank Lowe - Decision in Paradise (1984)

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I was drawn to this record by the simplicity of the cover. It reminded me of this murual I seen as a kid, when I would visit the downtown area on the weekends, with my Grandmother. I'm only familiar with Frank's sophomore record, which completely blew my brains out, so it was only fitting to see if he still had the chops mid-career. Needless to say this record does not dissppoint. Doubly so with the group Frank has playing with him. Most notably the prolific trumpeter Don Cherry. I've been meaning to get around to posting his Brown Rice album, which to me is his magnum opus. 

Decision in Paradise

Arthur Blythe - Illusions (1980)

 

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Blythe's 6th record as a leader, and in my opinion his most funky and far-reaching to date. Immediately you get slapped in the face by some of the most driving, foot-stomping tuba playing I think I've ever heard. Blythe's playing is fun and free and it's clear he's having a great time. Oh but the tuba! I might need more tuba in my life. It's not featured on every track, however the songs featuring Stewart are definitely my favorite. Grab this, kick back, and watch the snow fall. 

Illusions

Noah Howard - The Black Ark (1969)

 

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Way back in the day I used to go to this place in Evanston Illinois, called Pick-a-Cup Coffee Club on Friday nights, without fail. The baristas and I would proceed to get overly caffeinated and completely stoned out of our skulls, because at 7 PM on the dot, about 20+ musicians would get into a circle and blastoff into outer space. Despite the array of drums, percussion instruments, sometimes saxophones, etc... this group was so tight they could start and stop on a drop. Howard's 3rd recording as a leader takes me back there, every time I put it on. There's cacophonous moments, but as soon as Howard blows a phrase order comes back and the band is in sync again. Damn I miss that place. Pour yourself a cup of tea/coffee and feel the music.

The Black Ark

Arthur Jones - Scorpio (1971)

 

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BYG Records: Acutel Series released some of the most interesting recording of the late 1960's/early 1970's. A French label specializing in free-jazz and avant-garde music whom purportedly did some shady shit, but despite the history, they've started reissuing their Actual Series which includes one of my favorite records. Jones is at peak performance on this recording, blowing his religion into the air and ears of those who will listen. Scorpio takes off  right out of the gates, and ebbs and flows over 4 tracks. Sad Eyes, in my opinion is the highlight and most tender effort on the record. Grab it, have a seat, and take that ride. 

Scorpio

George Russell - Trip to Prillarguri (1982)

 

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To be in the audience for this recording must have been most exciting. It features a lot of young, soon-to-be heavy hitters in the European Jazz scene. The group doesn't stray too far into total freak-outs, instead opting for tightly scheduled solos making it a very assessible listen. Overall, it's a pretty solid set and a great way to spend 48 minutes of your life. This is most pleasant at early evening, right as the sun begins to set. Put this on and take that trip. You've earned it. 

Trip to Prillarguri

Jan Garbarek - I Took Up the Runes (1990)

 

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There's something very nostalgic about this record. It's kind of reminds me of walking through the park with my grandmother, as a kid. She used to take me downtown Chicago on Sundays to go to this big ass church. After the show, we'd visit the Space Chapel on the 23rd floor, and the usher would always bitch at me about throwing pennies out of the stained-glass windows. He would threaten me with shit like, 'if that penny hits someone on head, it could cut them in half", which naturally only made me want to throw literally handfuls more. 

The point of that story was every time we visited the chapel, I could hear a busker on the corner blowing his own faith into his horn. Every single note floating upwards, towards the heavens and space beyond. I'm not a religious person. I wrestle with it daily. But whenever I hear this record, it reminds me of those simpler times I spent with her, which was a little slice of heaven.  

Happy Holidays if that's your thing. 

I Took Up the Runes

Alain Kremski ‎– Vibrations - Improvisations Pour Piano Et "Bols Chantants" Tibétains (1984)

 

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It's been a weird week. I slept on a hospital cot and nearly lost my head. Nearly headless Nick? Things are getting better though and I hope they continue to do so, because this has been a year to forget. 

My Wife and I really love this album. Particularly at dinner. It's got some healing, soothing vibes that somehow make the food we eat taste better. Probably because there looks to be what I can only imagine is a giant bronze salad bowl on the cover. 

We could all do with turning off the tube, putting on a record and enjoying our meals with the ones we love, while we still have the chance.

Vibrations - Improvisations Pour Piano Et "Bols Chantants" Tibétains