Vancouver Jazz CD Releases

Rabnett 5

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:02:00 +0000

Leopardism
Ropeadope Digital/Quirk Audio QRK 002

Dan Gaucher - Drums
Mike Kennedy - Bass
Ian Cox - Organ and Rhodes
Kiyoshi Elkuf - Tenor Saxophone
Rich Rabnett - Guitar

1. Rounder (5:17)
2. Illegal Leopard (3:34)
3. Shamey's Last Job (2:24)
4. Thaw (6:30)
5. By Water (4:44)
6. Dave Sold Sesh Wan Beef (1:44)
7. Oso Negro (3:50)
8. Pee Imp (2:41)
9. Nothing Blues (6:13)
10. Buy Water (5:43)
11. Sleep is for Tomorrow (8:59)

Recorded Aug. 7 and 8 2007 at the Factory in Vancouver BC

Leopardism is the fourth release from Rabnett 5. This album finds the band in organ mode, kickin' out the jams, and tweaking the mix with Scotty Hard. This is the bands first recording for Ropeadope in Philly. Think Booker T with Bennie Maupin.

www.quirkaudio.com

Sharon Minemoto Trio

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Wed, 28 May 2008 18:08:00 +0000

You can see the ocean from here
Pagetown Records

Sharon Minemoto, piano
Paul Rushka, double bass
Paul Townsend, drums
Brad Turner, flugelhorn*

1 Young At Heart (Carolyn Leigh/Johnny Richards) 5:07
2 You Make Me Dizzy (for Aaron) 4:51
3 My Ship (Kurt Weill/Ira Gershwin) 8:51
4 Tenderly (Jack Lawrence/Walter Gross) 7:06
5 Green Glass 5:35
6 Summer Night (Harry Warren/Al Dubin) 7:12
7 For Natalie 6:23
8 Who Cares (George and Ira Gershwin) 3:53
9 Hand in Hand 6:26
10 You Can See The Ocean From Here 7:46 (for Chris Nelson)*

Recorded at Groundhog Sound, Port Coquitlam, BC on May 21/22, 2007 and October 19, 2007

Following the success of her 2002 quintet album, Side A, acclaimed Canadian pianist and composer Sharon Minemoto delivers a wonderful new trio recording, You can see the ocean from here. With memorable compositions and sparkling new arrangements of classic standards, this collection of songs is set to be one of the highlights from west coast jazz releases this spring. Bassist Paul Rushka and drummer Paul Townsend make for a delightfully swinging pairing to which Minemoto's fingers can dance. Special guest appearance by multiple award winner, co-producer and recording engineer Brad Turner on flugelhorn.

http://sharonminemoto.com

James Danderfer Group

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 01:52:00 +0000

Accelerated Development
Cellar Live

James Danderfer, Clarinet, bass clarinet, flute and alto flute
Brad Turner, Trumpet and flugelhorn
Chad Makela, Baritone saxophone
Chris Gestrin, Piano and Fender Rhodes
Paul Rushka, Bass
Joe Poole, Drums
Ryan Ishkanian, Tenor saxophone (track 2)

1: Blues Migration
2: Constricted Connected
3: Memory Loss
4: The Constant River
5: Firecracker
6: Elecentricity
7: Robot In A Coma
8: Accelerated Development
9: Last Dance At The Canidrome

Clarinetist James Danderfer is back with a fantastic follow up to his critically acclaimed debut release Run With It. Accelerated Development features 9 Danderfer orginals that chronicle his travels while living in Shanghai, China. The release goes a long way in cementing Danderfer s reputation as one of the more creative composers on the jazz scene as well as one of the world s premiere jazz clarinetists.

Ordering information and audio samples at
http://cellarlive.com/discography.php?section=Discography&page=46

Melody Diachun

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:28:00 +0000

EQ

Melody Diachun, voice
Cory Weeds, soprano sax
Tilden Webb, fender rhodes
Doug Stephenson, bass
Dan Gaucher, drums

When Beauty Reigns
Lothario
Spanish JoinSpin
Free Man In Paris
Invocation
October
High And Dry
Little Red Address Book
Still Crazy

Recorded October 20th, 2007

Melody Diachun EQ retells the jazz vocal story in the language of today. As a writer she is influenced by the Jazz/Funk artists of the ‘70s and ‘80’s, the Jazz/World artists who followed, and also by singer-songwriters of her generation. The result is a fresh sound which unites the freedom and excitement of jazz expression with a modern, groove–oriented rhythmic base.

It’s hard to articulate exactly what it is about Melody’s style of singing that is so fantastic. She keeps it simple, with great phrasing, perfect tuning and great decision making. She has a depth in her voice that is not common in young singers.

The exclusive use of the Fender Rhodes gives EQ a very ‘warm’ feeling not to mention the record was recorded direct to 2 inch tape, a technique that isn’t that common anymore due to the expense and availability of the tape. When it is utilized, it brings out the warmest of the frequencies and contributes a great deal to the overall sound of the album. A sound which I think you will enjoy!

Information and audio samples at:

http://cellarlive.com/discography.php?section=Discography&page=51

Laura Werth

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:52:00 +0000

Watchin' the World Go By
Indie (no label) LW001

Laura Werth, Vocals
Rob Weaver, Grand Piano, Hammond, Yamaha S90
Daryl Jahnke, Guitar
Rick Kilburn, Bass
Brenna Saul, Drums
Dave Say, Tenor Sax, Alto Sax, Soprano Sax
Ingrid Stitt, Alto Sax
Terry Townson, Trumpet
Themba Tana, Congas and Percussion
Corlynn Hanney, Background Vocals

1. Watchin' the World Go By
2. My Baby Just Cares for Me
3. Ill Wind
4. Reunion Island
5. Daily Drudge Blues
6. Midnight at the Oasis
7. I Still See Your Shadow
8. Twilight Time
9. Let's Take the Train
10. I'm Beginning to See the Light
11. Wasn't That You
12. Mister Sandman
13. Baby You Got What it Takes
14. That Night
15. Light My Fire

Recorded February 17 & 18, 2007 at Riverside Recording Studio, Richmond BC

Laura Werth's debut jazz CD 'watchin' the world go by' features the songstress's sultry vocal styling on seven songs of her own including the title track. The new material mixed with standards such as Mr. Sandman, Midnight at the Oasis and Light My Fire, ranges from the gently melancholic to the sweetly romantic to the openly desirous, all of it delivered with a swinging beat.

Audio samples and ordering information at
http://cdbaby.com/cd/laurawerth

Lisle Ellis

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 03:29:00 +0000

Sucker Punch Requiem:
An Homage to Jean-Michel Basquiat
Henceforth Records 104

Pamela Z - Voice and Electronics
Holly Hofmann Flutes
Oliver Lake - Saxophones
George Lewis - Trombone
Mike Wofford - Piano
Lisle Ellis - Bass, Electronics, sound Design
Susie Ibarra - Drums and Percussion

1. Summonings
2. Incantation and Ascent
3. Portrati of the Artist as a Young Derelict
4. X-Ray Gray
5. Perishable Fig. 1a
6. Bas Relief
7. Las Pulgas (Repelling Ghosts)
8. Perishable Fig. 2
9. Color Bind (Oracle) 1/2
10. Suicide Study
11. Color Bind (Oracle ) 2/2
12. For Blues and Other Spells
13. Perishable Fig. 1b
14. 57 Great Jones St. August Twelfth Nineteen Eighty-Eight
15. Perishable Fig. 3 16 Untitles (Life Stilled)

Recorded September 26 & 27, 2005 - Systems Two, Brooklyn, New York

An homage to Jean-Michel Basquiat, music composed by Lisle Ellis, is a delight and surprise. Translating the work of a young visual artist into a musical palette takes some doing, and Ellis does it with great imagination, integrity, and beauty; all those traits exuded by Basquiat as well. More than just fine notes, Ellis and the other musicians portray the passion of art, music, life and its vicissitudes thereof. Certainly Basquiat experienced many of those in his way-too-short life. The music radiates experience, anguish, joy: all the demands and rewards of quotidian life as it unfolds. Some stages/phrases are rough, some smooth; some improvised, some composed; some last awhile and some are fragmented into bits. All are inherent and necessary to creative existence. And creative this is . . . Sucker Punch Requiem.

Ordering information and audio samples:
Henceforth Records
CDBaby

Stevie Vallance

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 17:52:00 +0000

Make My Night
H'Art Records H'ART 004

Mike Herriot (trumpet)
Tom Colclough (sax)
Buff Allen (drums)
Ross Taggart (piano)
Miles Hill (bass)
Dave Pickell (organ)

1. Lullaby of the Leaves
2. Make My Night (Stevie Vallance / Peter Berring)
3. Rhythm of Love (Jim Vallance / Rick Springfield)
4. Nothing More (Peter Berring)
5. Witchcraft
6. What You Are (Pat Coleman / Colin Lazzerini)
7. Amour et Moi (Pat Coleman / Colin Lazzerini)
8. Call Me Angel (Stevie Vallance, Alex Boyton, Blu Mankuma)
9. Over the Rainbow

Produced by Pat Coleman (guitar)

This album offers smooth renditions of popular Jazz standards, as well as original tunes written by Stevie and other songwriters, such as Vancouver-based composer Jim Vallance. Make My Night is produced by Pat Coleman (guitar) and features many heavy hitters from the Canadian Jazz scene: Ross Taggart (piano), Mike Herriot (trumpet), Tom Colclough (sax), Buff Allen (drums) and Miles Hill (bass).

Recorded 2007, Kosmic Sound, Vancouver and Studio 306, Toronto.

Ordering information:
http://www.stevievallance.com/singing.html

Fraser MacPherson Trio

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:03:00 +0000

Live At Puccini's
Cellar Live CL010177

Fraser MacPherson, Tenor Sax
Oliver Gannon, Guitar
Wyatt Ruther, Bass

1: I Got Rhythm - 4:39
2: All The Things Your Are - 5:59
3: Body And Soul - 3:43
4: Goose Pimples - 3:34
5: Someday You'll Be Sorry - 5:22
6: Sweet Georgia Brown - 2:39
7: Struttin With Some Barbeque - 5:08
8: Drop Me Off In Harlem - 4:36
9: Sophisticated Lady - 4:37
10: Honeysuckle Rose - 3:11
11: Young And Foolish - 3:12
12: Back Home Again In Indiana - 3:12

Recorded live at Hogan's Alley (Puccini's Restaurant) Vancouver, BC - 1977

Audio samples and ordering information at
http://cellarlive.com/discography.php?section=Discography&page=41

Leora Cashe & The Ross Taggart Trio

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 18:55:00 +0000

Another Side Now - The Songs of Joni Mitchell
Birth Records BR04LC1207

Leora Cashe - Vocals
Ross Taggart - Piano
Darren Radtke - Bass
Buff Allen - Drums

1. Carey
2. Chelsea Morning
3. Big Yellow Taxi (2007)
4. Michael From Mountains
5. Circle Game
6. I dont Kow Where I Stand
7. All I Want
8. The Gallery
9. Both Sides Now
10. Woodstock
11. Rainy Night Hoiuse
12. A Case Of You

Recorded at Blue Wave Studios, Vancouver, BC, August 12, 26 and 30, 2007
Additional recording at Torben Oxbol Music West Vancouver, BC

Arrangements by Ross Taggart
Produced, mixed and mastered by Torben Oxbol
Engineered by Shawn Cole
Art work and layout by Jaye Krebs

Joni Mitchell is one of the most influential and innovative recording artists of the twentieth century. Her music is rich emotion with complex melody, syncopated phrasing and innovative harmony. Covering the early years of her songbook, Leora Cashe and The Ross Taggart Trio pay tribute to one of Canada's icons and best-loved recording artists, Joni Mitchell.

Together, Leora and Ross have created arrangements that reflect the sophistication found in Joni's early folk recordings. The combination of Leora's soulful vocal interpretations and the Juno Award winning trio creates the perfect setting for the lush emotional nature and personal statements found in such songs as 'Circle Game', 'Chelsea Morning', 'Woodstock', 'Both Sides Now', and 'All I Want' . From the Afro-Cuban beat of 'Carey' to the gospel tinged 'Big Yellow Taxi', to a jazz waltz through 'The Gallery', the listener is transported into a new experience of these timeless songs. It's an inspired musical space where folk and jazz collide into a powerful creative statement.

The Ross Taggart Trio features arranger and pianist extraordinaire, Ross Taggart, (Ian MacDougal Sextet, Hugh Fraser Quintet) Vancouver's 'magnificent drummer' Buff Allan (Moe Koffman, Ed Bickert) and swingin' bassist/guitarist Darren Radtke (Brad Turner). Leora Cashe's rich resounding voice embraces the spirit of Joni while introducing us to another unforgettable Canadian vocalist.

Audio samples and ordering information:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/leoracashe3
http://www.leoracashe.com

Official CD Release Event
Saturday December 1st, 2007, 8:00pm
Unitarian Church (Oak/49th)

Saul Berson Quartet

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 03:23:00 +0000

Intricacy
Moco Loco Productions ML-0607

1 Ko Ko (Duke Ellington)
2 What The...? (Saul Berson)
3 Fragile Reality (Saul Berson)
4 Just Do It (Saul Berson)
5 Middle Class Dance (Kim Darwin)
6 Allure (Saul Berson)
7 Just Friends (Klenner)
8 Corner of Cairo & Main (Saul Berson)
9 Well Here's One (Saul Berson)

Saul Berson - alto sax
Kim Darwin - accordion, piano
Tony Wilson - guitar
Paul Blaney - bass

The Vancouver based Saul Berson Quartet creates an eclectic mix of music incorporating Middle-Eastern overtones with a pinch of Piazzolla thrown in for good measure. It is music that "creates an intense set of Arabian rhythms and…is a delirious mess of tango and Klezmer.

Saul Berson has been exploring an extensive array of stylistic ground for the past 25 years. In addition to leading his own groups, he is a member of the Hard Rubber, NOW and Dal Richards Orchestras as well as the Sephardi-Klezmer band, Tzimmes.

A native of Vancouver, Canada, Saul has recorded and toured North America, Europe and the Middle East with a variety of musicians, including Jaki Byard, Steve Grossman, George Lewis and Barry Guy. He has been described as having a "perfect, burnished saxophone tone that carves new paths through territory we had thought fully mapped." (Alexander Varty, Georgia Straight).

The Saul Berson Quartet’s first two CD’s, "From Here to Beyond", and
"Not Here, Not Now" continue to receive critical acclaim as well as radio airplay around the country. "Intricacy" is their latest release.

Recorded April 18, 2006, May 25, 2007, Beatty Lane Studios, Vancouver and Bowen Island BC

Audio samples and ordering information at:

http://cdbaby.com/cd/saulberson

Official CD Release Event
November 22, 2007 at The Cellar, Vancouver BC

Ion Zoo

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 05:49:00 +0000

Set Free at the Cellar
Cellar Live CLNOW001

Carol Sawyer - voice
Lisa Miller - piano
Clyde Reed - bass
Steve Bagnell - reeds and metals

1. Acketapacketa
2. Taking Jude out for Breakfast
3. Faul Pelz
4. Cartesian Winter
5. 3 am
6. Big in Japan
7. Sailing

The first release on the new NOW Orchestra Records label, SET FREE AT THE CELLAR captures ion Zoo in a completely improvised performance. Stark melodies and haunting textures are matched with engaging vocalizations. Drawing from a wide range of musical sources, the group effortlessly navigates through lush aural landscapes, punctuated by humourous twists.

Recorded at The Cellar Restaurant and Jazz Club, Vancouver, BC, February 6, 2006

Doe Bender

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 17:40:00 +0000

Journey of Love
Independent

Bruce Clausen - Guitar
Patrick Dubois - Grand Piano
Kristian Braaten - Percussion
Mark Bender - Acoustic Bass
Rob Murray - Trombone

Invitation
Lucky Southern
Chega du Sade (No More Blues)
Joy Spring
Night and Day
Nuages
Skylark
Dance Me to the End of Love

"Journey of Love is a collection of vocal jazz songs. Starting with an upbeat swing Come Fly with Me and ending with a romantic bolero Dance Me to the End of Love, this CD is sure to take you to many spots of an amorous nature! The vocal sometimes has "duets" with a charming guitar, while Chega du Sade (No More Blues) and Night and Day are interwoven with strong, bold rhythms on piano. And be sure to listen for the rich velvet sounds of trombone on a couple of songs!"

Audio samples and ordering information at
http://cdbaby.com/cd/doebender2

John Doheny and the Professors of Pleasure

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 02:32:00 +0000

John Doheny and the Professors of Pleasure
Tulane University Faculty Quintet
Independent

John Doheny, tenor and alto saxophones
Fredrick Sanders, piano, Fender Rhodes electric piano, Hammond B-3 Organ.
John Dobry, guitar
Jim Markway, bass, Fender Bass
Kevin O'Day, drums

1. Jackson Square
2. Padrino
3. Cottontail
4. Your Majesty
5. The Rainbow People
6. A Greasy One
7. Halifax
8. Big G's Love

"The key to this album’s listenability is the sheer joy these highly qualified players brought to the studio. Unlike the snore-a-thon recordings offered by more tendentious jazz educators, these guys never sound bored of their own lessons."
- John Swenson, Offbeat Magazine, December 2006

Recorded February 26th, 2007. Piety Street Studios, New Orleans LA

Ordering information at:
http://www.johndoheny.com/JDstore.htm

Laura Crema

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:59:00 +0000

Spring is Here
Maximum Jazz

A Flower is a Lovesome Thing
Autumn Serenade
Blackbird
Estate
A Ghost of a Chance
New Day
Lazy Afternoon
So in Love
Skylark
Spring is Here
Summer Night
Tenderly

Laura Crema
Bill Coon
Nino Dipasquale
Paul Rushka
Paul Townsend
Brad Turner
George McFetridge

“Spring is Here” is a beautiful disk showcasing Crema’s remarkable voice as a storyteller and musical seamstress, her voice draws the listener deep into a musical journey celebrating beauty and discoveries of the heart.

The 12 track disc features the stellar musicianship of Bill Coon, George McFetridge, Nino DiPasqual, Paul Rushka, Paul Townsend including Brad Turner and is a collection of songs ranging from Billy Strayhorn’s, “A Flower is a Lovesome Thing”, to the Beatles’ “Blackbird”. The opening “A Flower is a Lovesome Thing” introduces the listeners to Crema’s remarkably evocative and resonant voice; and the two duets on the album are truly enchanting renditions of the Brighetti/Martino classic “Estate” (with Crema singing the original Italian lyrics) and the hauntingly beautiful “Tenderly”.

Other highlights include Brad Turner’s trumpet solo on Cole Porter’s, “So In Love”, his inventive flugelhorn playing on “Autumn Serenade” and the band’s heartfelt reading of “A Ghost of a Chance”.

Recorded at the Factory, Vancouver, March 12 and 13 and June 14 2005

http://www.lauracrema.com

Jane Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 16:49:00 +0000

Chances Are
Cellar Live CL 033003

1. Fu s Feast
2. Poco Luce
3. Chances Are
4. Lazy Afternoon
5. Johnny Come Lately

Jane Fair, Tenor Saxophone
Bill Coon, Guitar
Jodi Proznick, Bass
Dave Robbins, Drums

It is my opinion that Jane Fair has been an under appreciated and an under utilized voice in the Canadian jazz scene for far too long. I have always been a big fan of her great saxophone playing and in addition, her honesty and integrity to the music and her commitment to the betterment of Jazz Education. It is my sincere hope that Jane's wonderful new release 'Chances Are' will go a long way towards exposing Jane to a wide new audience. This recording simply left on it's own, really can't help but bring her more of that recognition she so rightly deserves.
- Campbell Ryga

Jane Fair, both as a saxophonist and as a composer, has been a seriously under-exposed and under-valued Canadian talent. This recording finds her at The Cellar in Vancouver, with a trio of that city's finest. In lieu of saying "What took so long?", let's say "Halleluia" for a disc which captures Fair and comrades revelling in the night's playing.
- Nancy Walker

. . . her idiomatic versatility and her melodic strength as a soloist are greatly admired.
- Mark Miller

Jane is a trailblazer and a true original in Canadian Jazz. She has always played with elegance and grace. Every phrase she plays comes from the heart! I hope this recording sets Jane Fair in her rightful place in the Canadian Modern Jazz history. She was there from the beginning, "slugging it out", doing what I thought wasn't possible as a woman instrumentalist. She was my inspiration, teacher, and is one of my musical heroes.
- Jane Bunnett

Recorded March 30 2003 at The Cellar in Vancouver.

Audio samples and ordering information at:
http://cellarlive.com/discography.php?section=Discography&page=37

http://janefair.com/

PJ Perry and Campbell Ryga

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 16:44:00 +0000

Joined at the Hip
Cellar Live CL 101506

Ah Leu Cha
Conn Alto
Everything Happens to Me
Royal Tease
Maybe Yes, Maybe No
I Can't Get Started
Line for Art

PJ Perry, alto saxophone
Campbell Ryga, alto saxophone
Ross Taggart, piano
Neil Swainson, bass
Terry Clarke, drums

Bebop alto saxophists PJ Perry Cam Ryga are two of Canada's treasures. Joined At The Hip captures them together live at The Cellar in Vancouver with an all-star rhythm section.

Recorded October 15th, 2006 at The Cellar in Vancouver.

Audio samples and ordering information at:
http://cellarlive.com/discography.php?section=Discography&page=36

Muhledy

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 17:27:00 +0000

Active Sleep
Cellar Live CL112805

1: Hymnow
2: Giant Things On The Side Of The Road
3: Active Sleep
4: Fennel
5: Blue House
6: iTown
7: Waiting / Black And Tan Fantasy
8: Nameless
9: McGill House Rag

Morgan Childs, Drums
Sean Cronin, Bass
Jordan Baskin, Piano
Chris Gale, Saxes

Recorded Nov 28, 29, 2005, Mushroom Studios, Vancouver BC

Audio samples and ordering information at:
http://cellarlive.com/discography.php?section=Discography&page=35

Jillian Lebeck

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:51:00 +0000

Songs and Melodies
talie records tr1112

Jillian Lebeck - voice, fender rhodes, wurlizter, bells
Evan Arntzen - clarinet
Jon Bentley - saxophones/clarinets
Seamus Blake - guitar, voice
Miranda Clingwall - flute, electronics
Peggy Lee - cello
Paul Rushka - bass
Paul Townsend - drums

(1) Nelson Sound
(2) Fisherman's Woman
(3) Gone By
(4) Intro
(5) Lost in a Dream
(6) Round and Round
(7) Julia
(8) Starlight
(9) A Cloud, A Storm
(10) Confusion
(11) Cucurrucucu Paloma
(12) Lost and Found
(13) Carnivale
(14) Everywhere But Here

Recorded in Vancouver, BC at Demitone Studio - Nov 26/27, 2006 and Merge Studio - Dec 26, 27, 28, 2006
Co-produced by Jillian Lebeck, Paul Townsend, Jon Bentley and Miranda Clingwall

Audio samples and ordering information at:
http://www.jillianlebeck.com

Altered Laws

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 02:19:00 +0000

Metaphora
Artist Jazz Recordings AJR 103

Tom Keenlyside, sax, flutes, melodica
Miles Black, piano, acoustic guitar
Miles Hill, acoustic bass
Bernie Arai, drums
Melody Diachun, vocals
The Babayaga String Quartet

It's Real
Pablo
Olinda
One O'clock Slump
Mind the Gap
Isabella
Quando Ela Volta
Ozymandius
Back Bacon
Eclipse

Recorded at Keenlyside Studios, Vancouver, BC, April 3 and 4th, 2007
Mixed at Studio 56 by Don Thompson, May 13 and 4, 2007

Skywalk alumni Tom Keenlyside and Miles Black have combined musical forces and have forged the modern mainstream jazz project Altered Laws. Following the widely acclaimed first CD The Outsiders, their second CD, Metaphora, offers a new, rich and varied pallete. Soulful melodies interweave with intricate arrangements and masterful improvising in this latest journey. With the wonderful contributions of Melody Diachun on vocals and the Babayaga String Quartet, Metaphora explores the expansive compositions of Miles Black and Tom Keenlyside.

Audio samples and ordering information at:
http://alteredlaws.com/

Bob Murphy Quartet

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 04:51:00 +0000

Downtown East Side Picnic
Artist Jazz Recordings AJR102

Tom Keenlyside - saxes and flute
Bob Murphy - piano
Doug Stephenson - bass
Buff Allen - drums

1. Free on the Inside
2. Just Because You Can
3. Overheard
4. Downtown East Side Picnic
5. Dancer
6. Nocturne
7. The Wall
8. Resolve

Original compositions by Bob Murphy.

Recorded August 31, September 1 and 2, 2006 at Tom Keenlyside's studio, Vancouver, BC

Audio samples and ordering information at:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/bobmurphyquartet

Fraser MacPherson

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Tue, 29 May 2007 17:11:00 +0000

Our Blues
Just A Memory JAM 9163-2

Fraser MacPherson, tenor saxophone
Carse Sneddon, trumpet, valve trombone
Chris Gage, piano
Stan Johnson, bass
Jimmy Wightman, drums

Our Blues
Born to be Blue
Whisper Not
'Round Midnight
Louisiana
Theme
Crazy Rhythm
Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most
Woody 'n You
'Round Midnight
Speak Low

Recorded in Vancouver BC, July 26, 1962 and January 31, 1963

The late Fraser MacPherson (1928-93) was among the most admired musicians in Canadian jazz. A prominent member of the Vancouver jazz scene for over four decades, "Fras" remains a much beloved icon to virtually every Vancouver jazz player that's come along in the last fifty years. As a tenor player from the early 1970s, he earned an international reputation.

These marvelous tracks, originally captured by CBC radio, date from 1962 and 1963. Fraser is in great company, including legendary pianist Chris Gage, who has never been previously heard on a commercially released recording, and who was said to be the only serious rival to Oscar Peterson at that time. Sadly, Gage was to take his own life in November 1964.
After moving to Vancouver in 1948, he studied in NYC (1956-57), and worked for 20 years in local nightclubs, among them the Palomar (1950-54) with Chuck Barber, Bob Reid, and Lance Harrison) and the Cave (1961-63 with Chris Gage, then to 1970 with his own band), where he played with such visiting luminaries as Ella Fitzgerald, Earl Hines, Tony Bennett and Duke Ellington. Concurrently he was a first-call studio musician (saxophone, flute, and clarinet) and occasionally played saxophone with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

MacPherson, with Oliver Gannon, won a Juno Award for Best Jazz Album in 1983 for I Didn't Know About You, (Sackville 4009), was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1987, and won the Oscar Peterson Trophy shortly before his death in 1993.

Ordering information at:
http://www.justin-time.com/works/JAM_9163-2/

Mike Allen Quartet

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 18:51:00 +0000

Vancouver
Almus Jazz/Warner Music (ALM 14302)

Mike Allen - tenor saxophone
Chris Gestrin - piano
Adam Thomas - bass and vocals*
Julian MacDonough - drums

1. A City In Love
2. Peyton’s Gastown Walkabout
3. Walk In The Rain*
4. Grouse Grind
5. There Were Fireworks*
6. Robson Strut
7. Restless Night*
8. Christmas Without Snow*
9. The Wise Heron Of English Bay
10. Inlet Outlook

Recorded at Birch Theatre in North Vancouver on August 21, 22, 23, 2006
Recorded and Mixed by Chris Gestrin (Public Alley 421)
Mastered by Jamie Sitar (Suite Sound Labs)
Produced by Mike Allen

"With the release of Mike Allen’s Vancouver, all I can say is, “It’s about time!” After a lifetime of listening to American cities and landmarks being represented in song (Chicago, Route 66, New York New York, Back Home Again in Indiana, et. al.) it’s a pleasant change to hear a Canadian city set to music. Give it up for 604! We’re on the map, baby!

"Allen and his sidemen weigh in with ten original compositions inspired by the most beautiful city in the country. Offered up are tributes to such local points of interest as the historic Gastown region, the Grouse Grind on one of three of the city’s mountains, the annual fireworks display, uber-trendy Robson Street, the wildlife in English Bay, and the Burrard Inlet. Couple this with musicianship of the highest order and you can’t go wrong. Mike Allen is a master of the tenor, a thoroughly modern player with a healthy respect for his musical forefathers. His sidemen are no slouches, either: Chris Gestrin, piano; Adam Thomas, bass; and Julian MacDonough, drums, form a cohesive unit that swings madly.

"And what would a celebration of our fair city be without shots at our ubiquitous liquid sunshine? The four tunes featuring the cool and understated vocals of bassist Adam Thomas all reference our famous weather. Restless Night, written by Allen, who was raised in Kingston, Ontario, expresses the utter helplessness newbies face when moving here: “The rain’s been streaming down for hours/Won’t it stop just for a while, for me?” Thomas, however, who’s lived most of his life in the lower mainland, offers a native’s perspective in his Walk in the Rain: “Don’t be scared/It’s only water, my dear.”

"This recording is a fine example of original, swinging, beautifully played jazz by some of the best musicians this country has to offer."
-Guy MacPherson

Audio samples and information at:
http://members.shaw.ca/mikeallen/albums.html

Cellar Live Compilation

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 02:35:00 +0000

Cellar Live - The First Five Years
Cellar Live CL101206

Disc 1

In The Kitchen 8:34 (Wilner)
The Uptown Quintet
Spike Wilner piano, Ian Hendrickson-Smith alto sax, Ryan Kisor trumpet
Barak Mori bass, Charles Ruggeiro drums
From Live In New York April, 2004 CL012705

Help Me 6:20 (Mitchell) Crazy Crow Music Inc. BMI
Jodi Proznick Quartet
Jodi Proznick bass, Tilden Webb piano, Steve Kaldestad tenor sax, Jesse Cahill drums From Foundations November, 2006, CL070406

Sleeping Peacefully 8:59 (Minemoto)
Sharon Minemoto Quintet
Sharon Minemoto piano, Darren Radtke bass, Bernie Arai drums, Ross Taggart tenor saxophone, Brad Turner trumpet
From Side A November, 2002, CL032402

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy 5:37 (Zawinul) Zawinul Music - BMI
Bruno Hubert Trio
Bruno Hubert piano, Brad Turner drums, André Lachance bass
From Get Out Of Town May 2002, CL011402

Comfort Levels 8:07 (Makela)
Chad Makela Quartet
Chad Makela bari sax, Brad Turner trumpet, Paul Rushka bass, Jesse Cahill drums
From Flicker February 2005, CL050804

Thankfully 7:51 (Minemoto)
Ross Taggart Quartet
Ross Taggart tenor sax, Bob Murphy b3 organ, Mike Rud guitar, Bernie Arai drums
From Thankfully February 2002, CL11201

Cafe & Beignets 5:37 (Danderfer)
James Danderfer Group
James Danderer clarinet, Chris Gestrin piano, Jodi Proznick bass, Quincy Davis drums
From Run With It December, 2004, CL122005

Back At The Sugar Shack 5:45(Arai)
Ugetsu
Bernie Arai drums, Jon Bentley tenor sax, Rod Murray trombone, Ross Taggart piano, André Lachance bass, Brad Turner trumpet
From Live At The Cellar March, 2006, CL051705

It Could Happen To You 6:59 (Burke/Van Heusen)Famous Music Corp. - ASCAP
Linton Garner Trio
Linton Garner piano, Ross Taggart piano, Russ Botten bass
From Quiet Nights April 2006, CL111702

Zattitude 6:13 (Coon)
Two Much Guitar
Bill Coon guitar, Oliver Gannon guitar, Darren Radtke bass, Dave Robbins drums
From Two Much Guitar April 2006, CL121905

Jingle Bells 6:58 (Traditional)
B3 Kings
Cory Weeds alto sax, Chris Gestrin b3 organ, Bill Coon guitar, Denzal Sinclaire drums
From Cellar Live Xmas December 2005 CL082905

Disc2

Groovin At The Cellar 6:42 (Gannon)
Oliver Gannon Quartet
Oliver Gannon guitar, Miles Black piano, Miles Hill bass, Blaine Wikjord drums
From Live @ The Cellar November, 2002, CL037802

Lament For Someone 6:57 (Taggart)
Ian McDougall Sextet
Ian McDougall trombone, Oliver Gannon guitar, Ron Johnston piano, Ross Taggart tenor sax, Andre Lachance bass, Craig Scott drums
From Nights In Vancouver September, 2004, CL031003

Blue And Boogie 10:44 (Gillespie) Universal MCA Music Publishing - ASCAP
Charles McPherson Quartet
Ross Taggart piano, Jodi Proznick bass, Blaine Wikjord drums, Charles McPherson alto sax
From Live @ The Cellar, July, 2002, CL000726

Lady J 6:14 (Webb)
Tilden Webb Trio w/ guest David Fathead Newman
Tilden Webb piano, Jodi Proznick bass, Jesse Cahill drums, David Fathead Newman tenor sax
From Cellar Groove, December, 2004

Love Bowl 10:32 (Smith) DRLS Music
Crash w/ guest Dr. Lonnie Smith
Cory Weeds alto sax, Jerry Cook tenor sax, Dave Sikula guitar, Mark Humeniuk bass, Bernie Arai drums, Dr. Lonnie Smith b3 organ
From The Dr. Is In, June, 2004, CL090603

Mysteries Of Travel 9:32 (Lynch) Hollistic Music, BMI
Brian Lynch Group
Brad Turner Rhodes, Andre Lahcnace bass, Bernie Arai drums, Brian Lynch trumpet
From Fuschia/Red, February, 2003, CL020201

Causal Coordinates 8:18 (Elaschuk)
Elaschuk / Ryga Group
Kevin Elaschuk trumpet, Cam Ryga alto sax, Chris Nelson bass, Brad Turner drums
From Any Answers, May 2003, CL000526

Frankness 5:19 (Johnston)
Zapato Negro
Allan Johnston bass, Gilberto Moreaux drums, Miguelito Valdes trumpet, Ivan Soto congas, Andre Carresquero piano
From Live At The Cellar. December 2006, CL071506

The Time Is Now 6:09 (Webb)
Joel Haynes Trio
Tilden Webb piano, Jodi Proznick bass, Joel Haynes drums
From The Time Is Now, March, 2005, CL093005

Three Play 4:46 (Cook)
Coat Cook Trio
Coat Cook tenor sax, Clyde Reed bass, Kenton Loewen drums
From Up Down, Down Up June 2005, CL062005

Audio samples and information at:
http://www.cellarlive.com/cellar_first_five_years.cfm

Night Crawlers

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 02:21:00 +0000

Presenting
Cellar Live CL092906

Jesse Cahill - drums
Cory Weeds - alto sax
Ian Hendrickson-Smith - tenor sax
Chris Gestrin - organ
Dave Sikula - guitar

01 Funky Mamma
02 But It's Alright
03 No Mango
04 Sanctified
05 Fine Lill Lass
06 String Bean
07 Cookin' At The Continental
08 Outro

Recorded August 28th & 29th, 2006 at The Cellar Restaurant / Jazz Club, Vancouver, BC

Producer Notes:

When Jesse approached me about this project I was immediately taken with the idea. He and I share the same affinity for the funky organ music made in the 60s and 70s by the likes of Jack McDuff, Big John Patton and Charles Earland. There's something about the B3 organ that resonates with me. The sheer monstrosity of the instrument and the powerful sound that the Leslie pumps out really gets my blood boiling and it's so fun to play with that sound behind you. We did our best to make this record sound as authentic as possible even taking the digital files and dumping them down to 2 inch tape, an arduous task but one that made the difference between a good sounding record and a great sounding record! We wanted to 'present' the Night Crawlers as they are: fun, raw, enthusiastic and musical and I think we did that. We didn't concentrate on the fact that the 'record' light was on, we just played and had fun and worried about what we got on tape later. I think the result is a great representation of the band and a fun record to listen to.

Cory Weeds

Audio samples and information at:
http://www.cellarlive.com/night_crawlers_presenting.cfm

Fred Stride Jazz Orchestra

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Nation) — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 02:04:00 +0000

Forward Motion
Cellar Live CL030606

Saxophones
Tom Colclough
Campbell Ryga
Chris Startup
Jens Christiansen
Jon Bentley
Alvin Cornista
Mike Braverman

Trumpets/Flugelhorns
Paul Baron
Derry Byrne
Brad Turner
Tom Shorthouse
Kent Wallace

Trombones
Dennis Esson
Rod Murray
Jeremy Berkman
Neil Nicholson
Brad Muirhead

Rhythm Section
Ross Taggart
Daryl Jahnke
Andre Lachance
Bernie Arai
Jack Duncan

Conductor/Composer
Fred Stride

01 Opposition Party
02 Gently Swaying
03 Floatation Device
04 A Few Shades Darker
05 Oddly Enough
06 Movement 1 - Input/Process
07 Movement 2 - Colossus
08 Movement 3 - Sound
09 Movement 4 - Velocity

Recorded at The Factory Studios in Vancouver BC, June 3rd and 4th, 2006

It has been almost 25 years since Fred Stride recorded his big band album Fred Stride and the Westcoast Jazz Orchestra - First Time Out. This new edition of the band, now called the Fred Stride Jazz Orchestra, features some of the finest jazz musicians in Vancouver, Canada. While the band primarily plays the compositions and arrangements of Fred Stride they have also performed many jazz classics including Duke Ellington's and Billy Strayhorn's version of Tchaikcovskys The Nutcracker Suite, original music by the late Ron Collier as well as premiering his arrangement of Oscar Petersons Canadiana Suite, a retrospective of the music of the Stan Kenton Orchestra Kenton and Beyond with new works by Fred Stride and Brad Turner, a recreation of the Stan Kenton/Johnny Richards master work Cuban Fire which was broadcast on CBC radio, and a concert of major works by Duke Ellington including reconstructions of Black, Brown And Beige, and Harlem - A Tone Parallel which was also broadcast on CBC radio.

Fred Stride has been an active composer, arranger, band leader, and once upon a time trumpet player for the the past 30 years. He has written countless arrangements for various entertainers and performers for both live performance and on recordings in almost every musical style, from pop music to chamber ensembles, big bands, concert bands, theatre orchestras and symphony orchestras. As well as his many jazz compositions, which are played by groups around the world, Fred has also written non-jazz works for the CBC Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, several Canadian Armed Forces Bands as well as many community, university, elementary and high school concert bands across Canada.

The music on this 80 minute cd contains a cross section of big band compositions by Fred Stride. While coming firmly out of the big band tradition these are forward looking jazz pieces featuring extensive solo and ensemble work. The compositions range from a shuffle based on the Canadian parliamentary system, a subtle latin piece in 7/4, an up tempo piece based on life preservers, a dark blues, a light samba featuring clarinets and a concerto based on images of machinery. The powerhouse big band on this disc features many of Vancouver's finest jazz performers including soloists Brad Turner (trumpet), Campbell Ryga (soprano and alto saxophone), Tom Colclough (clarinet), Jon Bentley (tenor saxophone), Alvin Cornista (tenor saxophone) Andre Lachance (bass), Ross Taggart (piano), Dennis Esson (trombone) and many others.

Audio samples and information at:
http://www.cellarlive.com/fred_stride_forward_motion.cfm