Jim Hall & Joe Lovano Grand Slam - Live in Nervi '96

"Grand Slam" was a
particular project led
by J.Hall and J.Lovano
during the second half
of the nineties that left
only one official recording :
"Live at the Regattabar"
for Telarc.
This is the first version
of the group, in a second
time George Mraz and
Lewis Nash took the place
of Scott Colley and Yoron
Israel.



Rec. live in Nervi, Italy, on July 31, 1996
(mix recording)

Joe Lovano,tenor saxophone
Jim Hall,guitar
Scott Colley,bass
Yoron Israel,drums

1. With A Song In My Heart [L.Hart/R.Rodgers] (16:31)
2. Slam [J.Hall] (15:24)
3. All Across The City [J.Hall] (09:13)
4. The Dawn Of Time [J.Lovano] (10:20)
5. Down From Antigua [J.Hall] (12:25)
6. Blackwell’s Message [J.Lovano] (15:23)
7. In A Sentimental Mood [D.Ellington] (12:08)

Total Time 1:31:31

Dudu Pukwana and the Spears 1969

There was a request for this one in the comments section of an earlier Dudu Pukwana posting, so we are only too happy to respond. This one was out on the Quality label in 1969, but info on the time and location of recording and the members of the Spears are lacking on the actual record (see reproduction of the back sleeve), so any fill-in information would be welcome.

Chronologically, I think we're talking about the latter part of the sixties, which might indicate it was recorded in Europe, most likely London. Stylistically, it falls in with the Gwigwi Mrwebi Band, steeped in the township dance music of the time, which came out on an album in the mid-60s and recently rereleased on vinyl. An essential item for any South African collection. This one has little of the experimentation that characterised the Chris McGregor group and the "Very Urgent" record from the late 60s.

The facts, scanty as they may be:

Side A

1. Pezulu (Way Up)
2. Thulula (Fill It Up)
3. Kuthwasi Hlobo (Spring)
4. Half Moon
5. Yima Mjalo (Stick around)

Side B

1. Kwa Thula (Thula's Place)
2. Joe's Jika (Joe's Groove)
3. Nobomwu (Red Head)
4. Qonqoza (Knock)
5. Pho La (Cool It!)

This was up on another blog, but has apparently disappeared. So, therefore, I thought it fit to put it here as it ties nicely in with other recent Dudu Pukwana posts.

Dudu Pukwana - Zila '86

Here is the third of the Zila records on the Jika label and it's a studio recording, in contrast to the two earlier ones. Perhaps because of that, it sounds more polished and arranged than the others. To these ears, also a more deliberate attempt to cross over in order to reach the mainstream, to appeal to the dance club scene and to the emergent audience for so-called world music. In any event, it's an eminently danceable and well-groomed set of tunes, and I'm particulary happy to encounter yet another version of the Dudu classic "Mra", here neatly intertwined with another tune. I think we must be up to about half a dozen versions by now and everyone's a pure delight!

The crew is very much the same as on the former posted here, except that Harry Beckett is unfortunately absent from the proceedings. Pinise Saul is in full force and so are Lucky Ranku, Churchill Jolobe, Ernest Mothle and others of the regular crew. And Django Bates is on piano and synthesizer throughout the disc.

Basic info:

Dudu Pukwana - Zila '86
Jika ZL3

Side A

1. Madodana (The Young Ones) (Dudu Pukwana)
2. Hamba (Go away) (Victor Ndlaziwana)
3a. Mra (Dudu Pukwana)
3b. Khali (Columbus Ngukana)
4. Harare '86 (Dudu Pukwana)

Side B

1a. Nonceba /Merciful) (Dudu Pukwana)
1b. Nonmpongo (Ace) (Allen Kwela/Dudu Pukwana)
2. Let's Get Together (Mervyn Africa)
3. August One (Ntulukazi) (Adam Glaser/Dudu Pukwana)

Zila personnel all tracks

Dudu Pukwana Alto & soprano saxophones, Arranger
Pinise Saul Vocals & Cabassa
Lucky Ranku Electric guitar
Churchill Jolobe Drums
Fats Ramobo Mogoboya Congas

plus

Django Bates synthesizer on A1 A2 A3 B1b/B2, piano on B1 B2, tenor horn on A3 B3
Mervyn Africa Piano on Side A/B2, Vocal on B2
Adam Glasser synthesizer on A4/B3
Eric Richards Electric Bass on A1/A4/Side B
Ernest Mothle Electric Bass on A1/A4 Side B
Roberto Pla Timbales on A1/A3/B2
Josh Makhene Backing Vocals on Side A/B1/B2

Rrecorded January 1986 at Wave Studios, London
Engineered by Martin Giles
Produced by Dudu & Barbara Pukwana
Phoography and sleeve design by Jak Kilby
Cover illustration by Nathan Dambuza Mdledle

So get those feet tapping and other body parts shaking! Party time!

Dudu Pukwana and Zila - Live in Bracknell & Willisau

More Dudu Pukwana coming up. I have already posted the first record with Zila and the third will soon be up. On this record, he can draw on veteran Harry Beckett as well as then up-and-coming Django Bates. In my opinion, this one is better than the first, giving both Pukwana and Beckett the chance to stretch out on the fetured pieces, not unrelated to their being performed at jazz festivals in the UK and Switzerland. As I said before, possibly not as interesting from the pure jazz point of view as the 70s combo Spear, but these pieces swing pretty hard, enhanced by the vocal presence of Pinise Saul.

Dudu Pukwana and Zila - Live in Bracknell and Willisau featuring Pinise Saul

Side A

1.Hug Pine (Bambelela) - Dudu Pukwana
2.Mahlomole (Lament) - Thebe Lipere
3.Lafente (Ntabemi - In The Mountains) - Dudu Pukwana
4.Baqanga Bay - Dudu Pukwana
5.Freely - Django Bates

Side B

1.Funk Them to Eriko - Johnny Dyani/Dudu Pukwana
2.Ziyekeleni (Let Them Be) - Mervyn Africa/Dudu Pukwana
3.The Big (Pine)Apple - Hugh Masakela
4.Zama Khwalo (Try Again) - Dudu Pukwana

Zila

Dudu Pukwana - Leader, alto/soprano saxophones, whistles
Harry Beckett - Trumpet/flugelhorn
Django Bates - keyboards
Eric Richards - Electric bass
Paul Gamblin - guitar
Churchill Jolobe - Drums
Thebe Lipere - Congas, percussion, African chanting

A1,A4,B1,B4 recorded live at 1983 Bracknell Jazz Festival, England, by Tim Summerhayes

A2,A3,A5,B2,B3 recorded live at 1983 Willisau Jazz Festival, Switzerland, by Peter Pfister

Don Byron's New Gospel Quintet - Live in Hamburg '09

"Fantastic gig! Anytime [Byron] does a new project he always explores
the subject very deeply. He's not just a jazz musician doing gospel - he
is somebody who is really engaging with the subject matter as well,
trying to absorb what's in those lyrics by Thomas A. Dorsey, these very
moving songs about his relationship with God and just human
relationships as well and that really comes across in the gig.
It is a very moving experience listening to it."

Rec. live at "Rolf Liebermann Studio", Hamburg, Germany,
on May 14, 2009 (radio broadcast)

Don Byron,clarinet,tenor saxophone,vocal
DK Dyson,vocal
Frank Wilkins,piano
Brad Jones,bass
Pheeroan AkLaff,drums

1. Boogie Woogie Bossanova [E.Harris] (10:47)
2. Hide Me In Thy Bosom [Rev.T.A.Dorsey] (09:29)
3. It's My Desire [Rev.T.A.Dorsey] (13:54)
4. Precious Lord [Rev.T.A.Dorsey] (12:27)
5. On Time God [D.Peoples] (10:56)
6. Precious Memories [R.C.Wright] (16:19)

Total Time 1:13:53

Max Roach Quartet - Live in Frankfurt '79

A great set with the Max Roach's Quartet at his best.

Rec. live at "Sinkkasten", Frankfurt, Germany,
on April 24, 1979 (mics recording)

Odean Pope,tenor saxophone
Cecil Bridgewater,trumpet
Calvin Hill,bass
Max Roach,drums

1. Lonesome Lover [M.Roach] (15:04)
2. Mr. Hi Hat (Papa Joe) [M.Roach] (02:42)
3. 'Round Midnight [T.Monk] (14:37)
4. In A Sentimental Mood [D.Ellington] (08:12)
5. Effie [S.Cowell] (12:43)

Total Time 53:21

E. Rava & M.Mengelberg Octet + RAI B.B. - Live in Rome '80

Ninth event/concert for the series "I Concerti di Un Certo Discorso".
A very long concert divided into two set : each set in a folder.

here the complete list of all concerts.

Rec. live at "Teatro dell'Opera", Rome, Italy, on May 19, 1980
(radio broadcast)

Enrico Rava,trumpet
Ray Anderson,trombone
Renato Geremia,violin,tenor saxophone
Eugenio Colombo,alto saxophone,flute
Larry Fishkind,tuba
Misha Mengelberg,piano
Giovanni Tommaso,bass
Han Bennink,drums,reeds
+
RAI B.B. :
Nino Culasso/Doriano Beltrame/Cicci Santucci/Oscar
Valdambrini,tp - Giancarlo Beccattini/Marco Pellacani/
Gennaro Baldino/Dino Piana,tb - Gianni Oddi/Baldo
Maestri/Sal Genovese/Beppe Carrieri/Carlo Metallo,reeds
- Pino Rucher,gt - Carlo Zoffoli,vib

1. Fragments Suite [E.Rava] (1:16:59)
2. Eight Reflections Of The Crocodile Silopo [M.Mengelberg] (1:07:40)

Total Time 2:24:39

The Trio - Live in S.Anna Arresi '09

Silence : three Masters at work !

Rec. Live in S.Anna Arresi, Italy, on August 29, 2009
(radio broadcast)

Muhal Richard Abrams,piano
Roscoe Mitchell,reeds
George Lewis,trombone,lap-top

1. Track #1 (1:01:09)

Cecil Taylor Trio - Live in Alassio '75

An year of many great concerts that 1975 for the C.T.U., but no
official recordings, so we have to be pleased with the audience
recordings or with some rare broadcast like that posted by sotise
here.

Rec. live in Alassio, Italy, on September 6, 1975
(mics recording)

Cecil Taylor,piano
Jimmy Lyons,alto saxophone
Andrew Cyrille,drums

1. Untitled Improvisation (1:26:29)

Marty Ehrlich & John Lindberg Quartet - Live in Moers '80

Youngs of great promise (at the time of this recording), both the leaders
have then confirmed, during the years, the expectations of that debut
period. A particular mention for J.Betsch, largely underrated drummer.

Rec. live at the "9th Moers Festival", Moers, Germany,
on May 23, 1980 (mics recording)

Marty Ehrlich,alto saxophone,bass clarinet,flute
Hugh Ragin,trumpet
John Lindberg,bass
John Betsch,drums

1. Track #1 (34:04)
2. Track #2 (26:27)

Total Time 1:00:31

Lee Konitz Nonet - Live in Middleheim '79

"It was a tragedy that Lee Konitz's versatile nonet was not
able to succeed commercially. Just like its leader, the group
was able to stretch from swing standards, bop and cool jazz
to freer improvisations and challenging originals."
Great songbook, great arrangements (most written by Sy
Johnson), great interplay among the nine players, the nonet
remains (in my opinion), one of the peaks in Lee's career.

Rec. live in Middleheim, Belgium, prob. August, 1979
(mics recording)

Lee Konitz,alto & soprano saxophones
Ronnie Cuber,baritone & soprano saxophones
Red Rodney,trumpet
John Eckert,trumpet,flugelhorn
Jimmy Knepper,trombone
Sam Burtis,bass trombone,tuba
Ben Aranov,piano
Ray Drummond,bass
Billy Hart,drums

01. Milestones [M.Davis] (10:31)
02. Footprints [W.Shorter] (08:14)
03. If You Could See Me Now [T.Dameron/C.Sigman] (07:38)
04. Chi Chi [C.Parker] (09:56)
05. Time's Lie [C.Corea] (13:54)
06. April [L.Tristano] (08:42)
07. Stardust [H.Carmichael] (06:40)
08. You Stepped Out Of A Dream [N.H.Brown/G.Kahn] (10:13)
09. Who You [J.Knepper] (12:08)
10. Without A Song [E.Eliscu/B.Rose/V.Youmans] (10:15)
11. Giant Steps [J.Coltrane] (10:41)
12. Matrix [C.Corea] (13:57)

Total Time 2:02:54

Johnny Mbizo Dyani - African Bass

Here's some more Johnny Mbizo Dyani, this time a session recorded in Milano in November 1979, about a month or so prior to the Stockholm sessions we featured in the last post. This, however, is a solo/duo set with drummer/percussionist Clifford Jarvis and quite different from the Stockholm session. Only three pieces on this record, first a solo bass track with added Mbizo vocals, then a piano-drums duo with Jarvis on drums and then finally, on the second side, an extended duo piece, starting with vocal improvisations and handclaps, then sequing into a bass-drums duo, starting and ending with a four note motiv and developing into a drum solo with some frenzied arco playing from Mbizo in the middle. A much more closeted, intimate set, this one, featuring the fat, thick tone of Mbizo's bass, of which I'll never grow tired.

This one was out on the Italian Red Record label and has never been rereleased. A bit of background static on this disc, but hopefully, not too distracting. This one is for Igor/Selim and their valuable discographical project, to which this is a small contribution.

The basic facts:
Johnny M. Dyani - African Bass
Red Record VPA 149

Johnny M. Dyani - bass, piano, voice
Clifford Jarvis - drums, voice

Side1
Afrikan Anthem (Zulu) (trad. arr. J.M. Dyani)
Afrikan Blues (J.M.Dyani)
Ithi-Gqi (J.M.Dyani)

Side2
South Afrikan (trad.arr. J.M.Dyani)
The Robin Irland Struff (J.M.Dyani)

Recorded at Barigozzi Studio, Milan, 14/11/79
Produced by Sergio Veschi
Photos: E. Carminati

It's actually listed as "Irland", but I trust it's a typo for "Island". There's no date of release for this record, but as the session was in late 1979, I guess we're talking 1980 or later.

As always, enjoy!

K.Wheeler/E.Parker/P.Rutherford/B.Guy/N.Morris + RAI B.B. - Live in Rome '80

Fifth event/concert for the series "I Concerti di Un Certo Discorso".

here the complete list of all concerts.

Rec. live at "Teatro dell'Opera", Rome, Italy,
on April 14, 1980 (radio broadcast)

Kenny Wheeler,trumpet,flugelhorn
Evan Parker,tenor & soprano saxophones
Paul Rutherford,trombone
Barry Guy,bass
Nigel Morris,drums
+
RAI Big Band :
Nino Culasso/Doriano Beltrame/Cicci Santucci/Michele
Lacerenza,tp - Giancarlo Beccattini/Ernesto Pumpo/
Marco Pellacani/Gennaro Baldino,tb - Gianni Oddi/Baldo
Maestri/Sal Genovese/Beppe Carrieri/Carlo Metallo,reeds
- Sergio Coppetelli/Pino Rucher,gt - Maurizio Majorana,b -
Carlo Zoffoli,vib - Roberto Pregadio,p - Roberto Zappulla,dr

1. Track #1 (08:46)
2. Track #2 (20:01)
3. Track #3 (22:03)
4. Track #4 (08:55)
5. Track #5 [inc.] (04:13)

Total Time 1:04:01

Cassandra Wilson - Live in Verona '94

Basically the live version of the album "Blue Light 'Til Dawn",
one of the true peaks in all Cassandra's career.

Rec. live at "Teatro Romano", Verona, Italy,
on June 25, 1994 (mics recording)

Cassandra Wilson,vocal
Brandon Ross,guitar,musical conductor
Charlie Burnham,violin,harmonica,mandolin
Lonnie Plaxico,bass
Jeffrey Haynes,percussion
Lance Carter,drums

01. Come On In My Kitchen [R.Johnson] (6:17)
02. Children Of The Night [T.Bell/L.Creed] (9:09)
03. Skylark [H.Carmichael] (9:46)
04. Redbone [C.Wilson] (12:27)
05. I Can’t Stand The Rain [A.Peebles/D.Bryant/B.Miller] (7:11)
06. Band Intro (0:42)
07. Blue Light 'Til Dawn [C.Wilson] (6:20)
08. Black Crow [J.Mitchell] (8:35)
09. Tupelo Honey [V.Morrison] (8:00)
10. Hellhound On My Trail [R.Johnson] (5:21)

Total Time 1:13:51

Keith Tippett - Live in Milan '79

"bra robs" has asked for some more live performance of british & south
african bands, here's an integration to the previous post : Mr. Tippett
recorded during his first ever solo piano tour.

Rec. live in Milan, Italy, on May 7, 1979
(mics recording)

Keith Tippett,piano,toys

1. Track #1 (35:50)
2. Track #2 (41:33)

Total Time 1:17:23

Elton Dean Quartet - Live in Milan '79

Curiously, this great quartet (directly derived from E.Dean's
Ninesense), didn't left us any official recording.
Magnificently supported by the rhythmic-section, the late English
saxophonist shows all his qualities, especially with the saxello.

Rec. live at "Teatro Cristallo", Milan, Italy,
on February 25, 1979 (mix recording)

Elton Dean.alto saxophone,saxello
Keith Tippett,upright piano
Harry Miller,bass
Louis Moholo,drums

1. Oasis (20:35)
2. Nancy [With The Laughing Face] (11:21)
3. Dede-Burbup (04:37)
4. That's For Cha/Seven For Lee/Fara [inc.] (27:24)

Total Time 1:03:58

Dexter Gordon Quartet - Live in Genoa '81

Another Giant among the tenor players, Dexter here is in excellent
form and well accompanied by a fine rhythmic-section. Great music.

Rec. live at "Villa Imperiale", Genoa, Italy
on July 7, 1981 (mics recording)

Dexter Gordon,tenor saxophone
Kirk Lightsey,piano
David Eubanks,bass
Eddie Gladden,drums

1. It's You Or No One [S.Cahn/J.Styne] (13:55)
2. Hi-Fly [R.Weston] (19:03)
3. More Than You Know [E.Eliscu/B.Rose/R.Stewart] (22:50)
4. Backstairs [D.Gordon] (30:26)

Total Time 1:26:15

Sonny Rollins Quintet - Live in Milan '82

The old "Saxophone Colossus" is still around (nearly eighty years old),
playing and recording his music. God Bless Sonny!

Rec. live at "Teatro Ciak", Milan, Italy,
on November 2, 1982 (mics recording)

Sonny Rollins,tenor saxophone
Yoshiaki Masuo/Bobby Broom,guitars
Lincoln Goines,electric bass
Tommy Campbell,drums

1. Best Wishes (26:42)
2. Coconut Bread (10:22)
3. Cabin In The Sky (09:23)
4. I'm Old Fashioned (29:06)
5. Global Warming (09:11)
6. Don't Stop The Carnival (14:09)
7. McGhee (17:35)
8. I'll Be Seeing You (03:39)
9. Azalea (09:49)

Total Time 2:10:01

Assagai Afro Rock Festival

As I promised some weeks ago here's a digitised version of the OOP Afro Rock Festival featuring the Dudu Pukwana-led Assagai along with Simba also featuring Pukwana, some early Osibisa tracks, and two a piece from afro-rock bands Chaka and Grutz.

The title of the record shouldn't lead you to think this is a recording of a music festival celebrating the early years of British afro-rock. This is 'festival' as in "a compilation of tracks from bands that are vaguely connected musically to try and capitalise on the popularity of one of the bands after they left our label". The front cover is indicative of the sorts of simplistic notions of African music and musicians commonly deployed in the UK at the time, and thus the way a whole continent of music was rammed into a narrow cultural and economic niche.

This isn't the sort of music which usually gets posted at ISol, but you will enjoy it if you like rythmically-driven jazz improvisations with an afro-beat flavour. If you are a completist for the music of Dudu Pukwana, Louis Moholo and Mongezi Feza then here's one that (as far as I can tell) is not available in blog-land. It has been sitting undigitised in my collection, and it is a very long time since I last listened to it, but it is far better than my memory of playing it last suggested. It did lead me on to Pukwana's Spear records, and then to the Blue Notes and free jazz experiments, and I rather assigned this earlier record to the 'exoticised pop' category

Afro-rock was a marketing term coined in Britain in the early 1970s to describe the music of Osibisa who popularised African music with a dance beat to rock and pop loving Brits. Osibisa were remarkably successful, with chart hits, sell out tours and lots of music press coverage. Pukwana went after the same market with far less success with Assagai, and rock-hybrid Simba.

There's virtually nothing of the Kwela-influenced jazz, let alone free improvisation associated with Pukwana's other projects. However, there is some great playing on both the two Assagai tracks and the collaborations with progressive rock band, Jade Warrior, as Simba (yes, even on the cover of Louie Louie).

1973 Assagai, Chaka, Grutz, Simba and Osibisa Afro Rock Festival

Simba:
Dudu Pukwana (alto and piano)
Mongezi Feza (tenor)
Bizo Muggikana (tenor)
Fred Frederick (tenor/baratone)
Tony Duhig (guitar)
Jon Field (bass guitar)
Glyn Havard (flute/percussion)

Assagai:
Dudu Pukwana (alto and piano)
Mongezi Feza (tenor)
Bizo Muggikana (tenor)
Fred Frederick (tenor/baratone)
Fred Coker (guitar)
Charles Cuonogbo ? (bass guitar)
Louis Moholo (drums)
Terry Quaye (conga)
Smiley de Jonnes (congas/percussion)
Martha Mdenge (vocals)
with: Tony Duhig, Jon Field, and Glyn Havard (from prog rock band Jade Warrior)

1. African Rhapsody Part 1 (by Chaka)
2. Black Ant (by Osibisa)
3. Kotoka (by Osibisa)
4. Movin’ (by Simba)
5. Louie Louie (by Simba)
6. Kondo (by Assagai)
7. Jabula (by Assagai)
8. Tiksh Billa (by Grutz)
9. Listen Here (by Grutz)
10. African Rhapsody Part 2 (by Chaka)

Johnny Mbizo Dyani - Witchdoctor's Son 'Together'

Following Dudu Pukwana's Zila, here's Johnny Mbizo Dyani's Witchdoctor's Son. This is not to be confused with the Witchdoctor's Son that came out on the Steeplechase label with a different line-up, though with Dudu Pukwana in both. This here is a Swedish - South African crew assembled by Mbizo for a session in Stockholm in late 1979 - early 1980. Most of the South Africans on the record were living in Sweden at the time, including Mbizo while Pukwana flew in from London for the session. Kenny Haakonson, guitarist with the prog rock outfit Kebnekajse was roped in as well as drummer Bosse Skoglund, old chums of Mbizo.

What we have here is one side of Mbizo compositions drawing on the popular SA music of the 50s and later, one traditional (in fact the same tune as the one on the Zila album posted previously), one quickie fusion number and then the odd one out, I thought, "Kalahari", named after the Botswana desert. Here Haakonson gets to do a proggish uptempo piece which would not out of place on a Kebnekajse record from the 70s, though normally not associated with Mbizo, though . Mbizo has vacated the bass for keyboards and handles vocal duties on this record.

All in all, this is eminently danceable and groovable, and an appropriate follow-up to Zila, of which there'll be more later (and more Dyani, of course).

Basic facts:

1. Together
2. Johnny's Kwela
3. Marabi Soweto
4. High Priest
5. Kalahari
6. Crossroads
7. Tula Tula

All compositions by Johnny Mbizo Dyani, except 7, traditional, arranged by JMD.

Johnny Mbizo Dyani - keyboards, vocals
Dudu Pukwana - altosax, whistles
Virimuje Shimmy Radise - tenor sax
Kenny Hakansson - electric guitars
Hassan Ban - congas
Bosse Skoglund - drums
Felix Perrera - South African trad. harp

Produced by Stanley Koonin at Sound City Studios, Stockholm, Dec.1979-Jan.1980.

This was released posthumously on the Cadillac label in 1987 and label head John Jack is listed as executive producer, though whether he may have had anything to do with the original sessions is not clear.

Chris McGregor Quintet + RAI Big Band - Live in Mestre '80

This is the fourth event/concert organized by the Italian RAI
(during 1980), with its own B.B. supporting the work of some
great contemporary composers/arrangers.
Even without D.Pukwana/M.Osborne/G.Windo/etc, McGregor
was able to produce some noteworthy music.

here the complete list of all concerts.

Rec. live at "Teatro Corso", Mestre, Italy,
on April 2, 1980 (radio broadcast)

Chris McGregor,piano,conductor
Radu Malfatti,trombone
Harry Miller,bass
Louis Moholo,drums
Jean-Claude Montredon,percussions
+
RAI Big Band :
Nino Culasso/Doriano Beltrame/Cicci Santucci/Michele
Lacerenza,tp - Giancarlo Beccattini/Ernesto Pumpo/
Marco Pellacani/Gennaro Baldino,tb - Gianni Oddi/Baldo
Maestri/Sal Genovese/Beppe Carrieri/Carlo Metallo,reeds
- Sergio Coppetelli/Pino Rucher,gt - Maurizio Majorana,b -
Carlo Zoffoli,vib - Roberto Pregadio,p - Roberto Zappulla,dr

1. Track #1 (06:00)
2. Track #2 (11:05)
3. Track #3 (15:04)
4. Track #4 (09:25)
5. Track #5 (06:29)
6. Track #6 (15:39)

Total Time 1:03:44

Oliver Lake - Live in Berkeley '77

This recording brings back the "heroic loft jazz scene" of the
Seventies : when making and listening to the music was an
easier and more spontaneus gesture.

Rec. live At "Mapenzi Club", Berkeley, CA, on
February 19, 1977 (radio broadcast)

Oliver Lake,alto & soprano saxophones,
flute,percussions,poetry

01. Track #1 (06:01)
02. Track #2 (06:14)
03. Track #3 (06:00)
04. Track #4 (09:16)
05. Track #5 (31:13)
06. Track #6 (07:22)

Total Time 1:06:09

Old And New Dreams - Live in Nervi '79

"A virtual reincarnation of Ornette Coleman's first ensembles, the
cooperative Old and New Dreams brought together trumpeter Don
Cherry, tenor saxophonist Dewey Redman, bassist Charlie Haden,
and drummer Ed Blackwell to reinterpret the master's early repertoire.
By the time their first album was released in 1978, ECM's Old and New
Dreams, all four musicians were leaders with their own projects;
this perhaps explains the intermittent nature of their ensuing
collaboration (four albums in ten years).
The quality of the group's recordings was uniformly high;
the two ECM albums benefit from that label's characteristic clarity
of sound. With the deaths of Cherry and Blackwell in the '90s,
further collaborations of course became impossible.
However, the band's limited yet superb output is an important
complement to the work they did under Coleman's leadership
in the late '50s and early '60s."

Rec. live in Nervi, Italy, on July 21, 1979
(mix recording)

Dewey Redman,tenor saxophone,musette
Don Cherry,trumpet,piano
Charlie Haden,bass
Eddie Blackwell,drums

01. Happy House [O.Coleman] (13:58)
02. Chairman Mao [C.Haden] (14:29)
03. Dewey's Tune [D.Redman] (11:05)
04. Guinea [D.Cherry] (05:07)
05. Lonely Woman/Open Or Close [O.Coleman] (18:41)

Total Time 1:03:22

Ornette Coleman's Original Quartet - Live in Reggio Emilia '90

In 1990 the city of Reggio Emilia in Italy held a three-days "Portrait
of the Artist" featuring the Coleman's "Original Quartet" with Don
Cherry, Charlie Haden and Billy Higgins. The festival also presented
performances of his "Prime Time" and the symphonic "Skies Of
America".
Titles as listed by radio announcer.

Rec. live at "Teatro Municipale Valli", Reggio Emilia, Italy,
on April 24, 1990 (mono radio broadcast)

Ornette Coleman,alto saxophone
Don Cherry,trumpet
Charlie Haden,bass
Billy Higgins,drums

01. Telescope (04:54)
02. Him And Her (08:30)
03. Buckminster Fuller (07:38)
04. Magic (08:36)
05. Dancing Flower (06:35)
06. If You Could See My Eyes (09:36)
07. Spelling The Alphabet (07:53)
08. Word For Bird (08:22)
09. Latin Genetics (12:26)
10. Singing In The Shower (10:06)
11. Lonely Woman (12:27)
12. The Sphinx (05:32)

Total Time 1:42:44

Dave Holland - Live in Rome '81 [New Links]

Continue this solo series with another master bass
player (here also on cello), taped by our friend "Ilario".

Rec. live at "Murales", Rome, Italy, on April 1, 1981
(mics recording)

Dave Holland,cello,bass

1. Cello (15:26)
2. Bass (11:10)

Total Time 26:37

Derek Bailey - Live in Pisa '79

Some more notes from Derek's musical bag.

Rec. live in Pisa, Italy, on June 28, 1979
(mics recording)

Derek Bailey,guitar

1. Four Improvisations (27:07)

Wes Brown - Live in Florence '79

When this solo performance was recorded, W.Brown was
the bassist in the wonderful Wadada Leo Smith's Ensemble.
Nowadays he is a regular member of the Royal Hartigan
Quartet, the Fred Ho's Afro-Asian Ensemble and the
Monkey Orchestra.

Rec. live in Florence, Italy, on July 3, 1979
(mics recording)

Wes Brown,bass,African flute,piano

1. Bass #1 (7:10)
2. Bass #2 (6:30)
3. Flute #1 (4:19)
4. Flute #2 (3:46)
5. Piano (6:28)
6. Bass #3 (6:01)
7. Flute #3 (5:19)

Total Time 39:36

Kent Carter - Live in Pisa '79

Well known for his long-lasting work in S.Lacy's groups
until 1982, here K.Carter can be listened in a rare solo
performance where his magistral technique is evident
from the first to the final note.

Rec. live in Pisa, Italy, on June 29, 1979
(mics recording)

Kent Carter,bass

1. Improvisation #1 (20:28)
2. Improvisation #2 (04:45)
3. Improvisation #3 (01:50)

Total Time 27:04

Dudu Pukwana - Sounds Zila

Some more dance music coming up here, this time Dudu Pukwana's 80s band, Zila. This was the first of three lps on his and Barbara Pukwana's own label, Jika, and there was a final record, a cd out in 1990. A live recording from the 100 Club in London in 1981, here's the band in a festive mood, some riveting up-tempo numbers, some smoochers and a little traditional South African music adapted for the band. This is Dudu taking his band in a more explicit danceable direction, perhaps not as interesting as his 70s recordings with Spear from the jazz point of view, but as with the Francois Tusques' Intercommunal Free Dance Music Orchestra, attempting to strike a sort of balance between the head and the feet, which is a good combination, particularly for a live performance. Party music, in other words.

Not a top copy, this one - a bit of crackle and some nasty scratches here and there, but it's what I found, so it's what we'll have to make do with for now.

Basic facts:

Dudu Pukwana - Sounds Zila (Jika ZL1, 1981)

A Side
Zila (Dudu Pukwana)
Uyini (Dudu Pukwana)
Chandeliers & Mirrors (Harry Beckett)

B Side
Suite Sweet Nowami (Dudu Pukwana)
Thula Sana (traditional arranged by Dudu Pukwana)
B My Dear (Dudu Pukwana)
Dudu Layi Layi (Dudu Pukwana)

ZILA

Dudu Pukwana - alto, soprano saxes, leader
Harry Beckett - trumpet, flugelhorn
Dave Defries - trumpet, flugelhorn
Errol Clarke - piano
Mark Wood - guitar
Eric Richardson - bass
Churchill Jolobe - drums
Smiley de Jones - congas
Peggy Phango - vocals

Special guests

George Lee - tenor sax, flute
Pinise Saul - vocals
Sonia Matabane - backing vocals
Linda Conco - backing vocals
Tiny Conco - backing vocals
Peter Segono - trumpet
Phil Kember - trombone
Ernest Mothle - bass


Produced by Dudu and Barbara Pukwana
Recorded live at the 100 Club, London, 16th January 1981
Liner notes by Val Wilmer

Suite Sweet Nowami was composed and performed with the support of a Jazz Bursary from the Arts Council of Great Britain

Enjoy! More Zila available from your blogger if you want it!

Roscoe Mitchell's Cards For Orchestra Project - Live in S.Anna Arresi '09

I admit that about R.Mitchell i'm very impartial : any of his
compositions/performances deserve a careful listening, even
this kind of "chamber music".

Rec. live at Piazza del Nuraghe, Sant'Anna Arresi, Italy,
on August 30, 2009 (radio broadcast)

Roscoe Mitchell,composer/conductor
David Boykin,tenor saxophone
Greg Ward,alto saxophone
Robert Griffin,trumpet
Nicole Mitchell,flute,vocal
Mankwe Ndosi,vocal
Tomeka Reid,cello
Renee Baker,violin
Maia,harp
Myra Melford,piano
Josh Abrams,bass
Marcus Evans,drums

1. Quintet N°1 For Eleven (26:069
2. Cards For Orchestra (14:17)
3. Quintet N°9 For Eleven

Total Time 59:37

Pharoah Sanders Quartet - Live in La Spezia '79

The music of this set goes from free to mainstream
(mainly maistream) maintainig always a fine level
of intensity and poetry, mostly on the two ballads.

Rec. live in La Spezia, Italy, on July 7, 1979
(mics recording)

Pharoah Sanders,tenor saxophone,vocal
Waheem Young,piano
Steve Neil,bass
Greg Bandy,drums

1. You've Got To Have Freedom [Sanders] (27:43)
2. Soul Eyes [Waldron] (11:25)
3. The Creator Has A Master Plan [Sanders/Thomas] (10:36)
4. Body And Soul [Green/Heyman/Sour/Eaton] (18:53)
5. You've Got To Have Freedom (Reprise) [Sanders] (05:04)
6. On A Misty Night (Encore) [Dameron] (14:07)

Total Time 1:27:50

Michel Pilz/Buschi Niebergall/Paul Lovens Trio - Live in Imola '78

Few days ago (01/09) it was the twentieth anniversary of
Niebergall's death : this post is dedicated to the memory of
one of the first and most influential European free jazz player.

Rec. live at "Rocca Sforzesca", Imola, Italy, on July 13, 1978
(mics recording)

Michel Pilz,bass clarinet
Buschi Niebergall,bass
Paul Lovens,drums

1. Track #1 (22:24)
2. Track #2 (13:36)
3. Track #3 (04:39)

Total Time 40:40

Cecil Taylor and Tony Oxley - Live in Prato '04

A classic Duo : one of the longer-lasting working relationship in
all Taylor's career, this performance (very well recorded) comes
from "Ilario" collection.

Rec. live at "Teatro Metastasio", Prato (Florence), Italy
on February 23, 2004 (mix recording)

Cecil Taylor,piano
Tony Oxley,percussions

1. Improvisation #1 (1:01:03)
2. Improvisation #2 (04:55)
3. Improvisation #3 (06:19)
4. Improvisation #4 (24:26)
5. Improvisation #5 (01:57)

Total Time 1:38:41

Betty Carter Quartet - Live in Milan '79

I know that a lot of people here love Betty Carter, so i'm happy
to share another my recording of the Great singer.

Rec. live at "Teatro Ciak", Milan, Italy, on October 29, 1979
(mics recording)

Betty Carter,vocal
John Hicks,piano
Curtis Lundy,bass
Kenny Washington,drums

01. Trio Intro (15:40)
02. I Could Write A Book (03:24)
03. I'll Buy You A Star (01:51)
04. Caribbean Sun (04:19)
05. I Think I Got It Now (03:34)
06. Tight (03:11)
07. Every Time We Say Goodbye ( 04:16)
08. Fake (03:55)
09. The Trolley Song (03:07)
10. I Was Telling Him About You (06:42)
11. Medley : Just Friends/I Should Care/Star Eyes (06:26)
12. Unknown (03:58)
13. Every Things I Have Is Yours (06:40)
14. My Favorite Things (03:48)
15. Open The Door (05:25)
16. Sounds [Inc.] (04:16)

Total Time 1:20:38

Francois Tusques Intercommunal Free Dance Music Orchestra Vol.4 - Jo Maka

Francois Tusques Intercommunal Free Dance Music Orchestra Vol.4 - Jo Maka
(Vendemiaire VD33124 Ad 37)

Hommage à Jo Maka

Following up the last post, here is vol.4 of the Intercommunal Free Dance Music Orchestra, led by pianist Francois Tusques. As with the former, this is an opportunity for Tusques to reflect the wider musical landscape beyond the Western horizon of jazz, though the root feeling is in jazz, as seen from their rendition of the Mingus classic "Fable of Faubus". On top of that, inspiration is from North Africa and all the way down the continent, from Latin America and the Caribbean and from French history with reminescences of the Paris commune. And at the end of the second track, there's a snip of a well-known tune which one unfortunately doesn't get to hear very often these days. I do think I hear touches of the South African Blue Notes on this record, though it may be wishful thinking on my part.

All in all, a very enjoyable record and if anyone knows of more, please say so in the comments, though these things are becoming hard to get. I will certainly keep an eye out for more.

Les facts:

1. Vive la commune (F.T.)
A. Winkler (tb), S.Kassap (tenor), F. Tusques (piano), J.J. Avenel (bass)
Recorded at Dunois 28 September 1981

2. Poses ton fardeau and remets la machine en route (F.T.)
A. Winkler (tb), Jo Maka and Sylvain Kassap (alto), Jacques Thollot (drums), Kilikus (darbuka), F.Tusques (piano)
Recorded at Dunois 29 October 1980

3. 7 rue des Precheurs (F.T.)
A. Winkler (tb), S. Kassap (tenor), B. Vitet (bugle), J.J. Avenel (bass), Kilikus, S.Atera and Carlos Andreou (percussion), F. Tusques (piano)
Recorded at Dunois 29 June 1981

4. Fable of Faubus (Charlie Mingus)
Same as on track 2 minus Kilikus

5. Mazir
A.Winkler (tb), Jo Maka (soprano), Michel Marre (tp), Sam Ateba and Kilikus (percussion), F.Tusques (piano)
Recorded at "Moulin" in Prades Le Lez in 1977

This disc is dedicated to Jo Maka (and do listen to the very fine solo on "Mazir).

Mario Schiano : Partenza Di Pulcinella Per La Luna (1974)

I've found, among my old tapes, this exhilarating OOP disc
by the late Mario Schiano : just digitalized and ready to share.

Rec. at RCA Studios, Rome, Italy, on May 20/21/22/24, 1974
[RCA TPL1 1117 series "Vista" n.7 (LP)]

Mario Schiano,alto sax,vocal (2,5,6),piano (6,8),elettric piano (12),organ (5)
Tommaso Vittorini,tenor sax (1,3,5,10,12,14,15),soprano sax (7,13), piano (2,4,9),elettric piano (7),organ (14)
Gianni Basso,tenor sax (5,9,11)
Gaetano Delfini,trumpet (1,7,15)
Puccio Sboto,piano (1,15),melodica (12),vibraphone (7,10,13,14)
Bruno Tommaso,bass (-4,6,8,9)
Alessio Urso,bass (9,10,14)
Gege' Munari,drums (-4,6)
Donatina De Carolis,vocal (10,14)
Toni Cosenza,reciting voice (14)

01. E' Sempre Primavera [M.Schiano] (0:23)
02. Matrice Due [T.Vittorini] (1:27)
03. Mais Notre Mai Continue [M.Schiano] (7:35)
04. All'Alba Di Un Altro Di' [T.Vittorini] (0:32)
05. You're My Last Bus [Schiano-Vittorini] (2:18)
06. Lord, Our Daily Bread Is Too Expansive : Let Us Know Why [M.Schiano] (0:26)
07. Stando Cosi' Le Cose [T.Vittorini] (3:13)
08. Matrice Uno [M.Schiano] (0:28)
09. Featuring [T.Vittorini] (4:59)
10. Diecimila Amori Proibiti [M.Schiano] (3:55)
11. E-Scala-Tion [M.Schiano] (3:30)
12. Descubrimiento Del Quarto, Quinto Y Sexto Mundo [M.Schiano] (2:25)
13. Moon Line : No Trespassing [M.Schiano] (5:23)
14. Lontano E Vicino [M.Schiano]/E' Sempre Primavera [M.Schiano] (4:03)

Total Time 40:43

Jimmy Lyons Quartet - Live in Rome '80

Jimmy Lyons led this quartet, with his wife Karen, for ten years
until the untimely death (1986), even so the official recordings
are very limited : i hope you'll enjoy this addition.
(Recorded by "Ilario")

Rec. live in Rome, Italy, on September 25, 1980
(mics recording)

Jimmy Lyons,alto saxophone
Karen Borca,bassoon
Jay Oliver,bass
Paul Murphy,drums

1. Track #1 (19:52)
2. Track #2 (22:55)
3. Track #3 (13:43)
4. Track #4 (29:39)

Total Time 1:26:10

Sam Rivers Quartet - Live in Nervi '78

The improvisation's title, "Una Giornata A Genova", was suggested by
the same Rivers just before the concert. The sequence, in this case,
is : soprano-piano-flute-tenor with Holland playing for long the cello.

Rec. live in Nervi (Genoa), Italy, on July 22, 1978
(mix recording)

Sam Rivers,tenor & soprano sax,piano,flute
Joe Daley,tuba,baritone horn
Dave Holland,bass,cello
Bobby Battle,drums

1. A Day In Genoa Suite (1:17:59)

Francois Tusques - L'intercommunal free dance music orchestra - Volume 1

Here's some more Francois Tusques - though quite different from what we have posted before here. Both Free Jazz and Le Nouveau Jazz were early European excursions into the new thing, though firmly jazz-based. Tusques, moreover, guested on a couple of Sunny Murray's albums, a self-titled one and Big Chief and finally, was the leader of his own Intercommunal Music. All of these three were meeting points between American visitors, some of whom were eventually to settle down in Europe, and European players, mostly French. The last, intercommunal, album might hint at some sort of similarity with this posting, but in reality, this Intercommunal group is quite different.

This was a typical 70s brand of "tiersmondisme", a connecting up with musical idioms beyond jazz and beyond the North-American - European nexus, first and foremost African - Caribbean popular styles. This was a "world music" type fusion project, before there was a word for it and it gives an initial signal of what was to be a new musical direction for Tusques - a deliberate attempt to go popular and not to become semi-permanently anchored within a closeted avant-gardish framework. There are interesting parallels with Michel Portal here who would always leave a little space for his bandoneon. This is music for the feet and the body as much as for the head and listening to this, the musicians are having a ball and the audience is lapping it up. This is a live recording, what may be called an audience recording, so don't expect too much high fidelity. What it lacks in sonics, it compensates in atmospherics.

Basic facts:

1. On n'est pas chez les colonels.
2. Intercommunal blues
3. Nazir
4. Kan-ha-diskan we shall overcome
5. African rythm-n-ology

Francois Tusques - piano
Jo Maka - sax
Guem - percussion
Michel Marre - baryton horn
Adolphe winkler - trombone

Recorded at Moulin de Prades, Le Lez, on 28 May 1971.

This was out on a small French label, Vendemiaire (with the logo "Disques d'expression sociale") as Volume 1. I'm planning to post Volume 4 next, but if anyone has or knows anything about Vols. 2 and 3, I would definitely be interested in posting them here on this blog.

The Joe Harriott Quintet - Abstract

We had a request for this a while back, and from what I can see, it's becoming hard to find. The cd reissue of this record, that is. I don't have the cd, so this will take us back to the early 60s lp version of this one, out on the Capitol label in the US. Hope folks don't mind the original sound of this record, though it may not be up the sonic standard of remastered cds.

What to say about "Abstract"? Well, it's a classic (alongside the earlier Free Form), though not truly recognised as such, but we will fly the Harriott flag on this blog, and do our bit towards better recognition. We've posted several Hariott records in the past, all very out of print, and should Free Form suffer the same fate, we'll put up that one, too.

A brief description of what this music is about, can be found in the attached liner notes on the back of the sleeve, with track by track annotations from the man himself. (Just click on the picture and it will blow up to a legible size.) As the man says, don't expect all of this music to swing, it isn't meant to. But it is exciting and to these ears, still fresh, though not as revelatory as it might have been back in the days of be bop hegemony.

1. Subject
2. Subject
3. Oleo
4. Modal
5. Tonal
6. Pictures
7. Idioms
8. Compound

Personnel:
Joe Harriott - alto sax
Shake Keane - trumpet
Pat Smythe - piano
Coleridge Goode - bass
Bobby Orr - drums (1-4)
Phil Seamen - drums (5 - 8)
Frank Holder - bongos (5,8)

1-4 recorded May 10, 1962, in London; 5-8 November 22, 1961, in London.
Cover painting: Yvonne Miranda

Charles Mingus Quintet - The Last Tour In Italy (1977) [NEW MP3 LINKS]

Today (January 5th) is the 31th anniversary of Mingus' death :
this post wants to be a tribute to the memory of one of the
Greatest in all the jazz history.

The photo above was taken in La Spezia (July 9,1977) while the
band was playing the "Cumbia & Jazz Fusion" suite.

[1,2,8,9] Rec. live in Aosta, Italy, on July 7, 1977
(mix recording)
[3,4,7,12] Rec. live in Orta (NO), Italy, on July 8, 1977
(mix recording)
[5,6,10,11] Rec. live in La Spezia, Italy, on July 9, 1977
(mics recording)

Charles Mingus,bass
Ricky Ford,tenor saxophone
Jack Walrath,trumpet
Bob Neloms,piano
Dannie Richmond,drums

01. For Harry Carney (18:33)
02. Remember Rockefeller At Attica (12:30)
03. Cumbia & Jazz Fusion (25:19)
04. Nooddin’ Ya Head Blues (07:17)
05. Three Or Four Shades Of Blues (10:02)
06. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat (10:11)
07. Cherokee (01:06)
08. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat [Alt. Take] (09:52)
09. Three Or Four Shades Of Blues [Alt. Take Inc.] (06:38)
10. For Harry Carney [Alt. Take] (16:14)
11. Cumbia & Jazz Fusion [Alt. Take Inc.] (09:01)
12. Remember Rockefeller At Attica [Alt. Take] (08:36)

Total Time 2:15:23

Max Roach & Anthony Braxton - Live in Alassio '78 (World Première)

Just finished the recording of "Birth And Rebirth" for Black Saint,
the "special duo" was projected on the Alassio Festival's stage for
his first live performance : an encounter between Giants!

Rec. live at "Belvedere S.Croce", Alassio, Italy,
on September 8, 1978 (mics recording)

Max Roach,drums
Anthony Braxton,alto,soprano & sopranino saxophones,clarinet

1. Max Intro (02:33)
2. Duo #1 (47:33)
3. Anthony Solo (04:58)
4. Max Solo (06:21)
5. Duo #2 (22:52)

Total Time 1:24:16