Sadao Watanabe "California Shower"

JVC Japan.

Masaru Imada "Piano"

Solo Piano album by Masaru Imada.

Toshiyuki Miyama & The New Herd "Sunday Thing"

This retrospective collection of works by Kozaburo Yamaki contains music from the repertoire of The New Herd, plus works never heard before.

Toshiyuki Miyama & The New Heard "New Heard" TBM CD 2532

This album re-creates the New Herd's first performance at The Monterey Jazz Festival. This was the first time that a big band had been presented as a main event in a festival as huge as this.

Bingo Miki "Back To The Sea"

This album is a monumental work by a rehearsal orchestra organized by Bingo Miki, who won the "Jazz Disc Award of Japan" 1977 with his debut album he composed entitled, "Scandinavian Suite" performed by Tatsuya Takahashi and the Tokyo Union orchestra (TBMXR-1005). Bingo Miki was 32 years old when this recording was made. Because he spent most of his twenties studying music in the USA and Europe, he is in many ways a unique Japanese jazz composer and arranger. He has said, "Good music has no frontiers or racial discrimination, but you must have your own identity card to become a real international artist."

In other words, to be truly "international" is not just a matter of speaking a foreign language fluently, but requires absorbing into your own personality the unique qualities of life in other countries, while observing your surroundings and analyzing your reactions to it all. Bingo Miki's rehearsal orchestra is called "The Inner Galaxy Orchestra" and their work together is based on a unique philosophial concept of Bingo's. He wanted to look within himself and to think about himself in an entirely new way.

The orchestra was organized to enable him to carry out this plan and offer the results to his listeners. The theme of Bingo's first solo album was "The Sea"- the sea as the origin of life on earth and of Bingo himself. Thus, "Back To The Sea" means "back to himself". Originally, this album won the "Jazz Disc Award of Japan" in 1978. If you are fan of Big Jazz Orchestrations then this is the XRCD for you!

Musicians: Bingo Miki and Inner Galaxy Orchestra; Hidehiko Matsumoto, tenor, flute; Kenji Mori, alto sax, tenor sax, clarinet; Masaru Imada, piano; Mari Nakamoto, vocal; Kenji Nakazawa, trumpet; Tetsuya Furutani, percussion.

Inaba And Nakamure "Conversation"
This recording is a conversation between Kunimitsu Inaba on bass and Sadanori Nakamure on guitar, both of whom are active in the Japanese jazz scene, and this sober but significant album reflects both of their personalities. It also received the "Best Engineering Award" and "Jazz of Japan Award" by Swing Journal Critic's Poll in 1975. This album was inspired by Jim Hall & Ron Carter's delightful album "Alone Together" recorded in August 1972. Inaba said, "I've known for a long time that I wanted to perform duets with Nakamure-san on guitar.Since the middle of the 60s, we have now and then played duos. When the Hall-Carter duo album was released, we talked about how they did it first!" Inaba started his career in jazz with Nakamure's band. Then, some years later, he joined the Nakamure trio again.
In February 1974, they began duo-playing in earnest. "Inaba-san's running bass is attractive and perfect, so I find it very enjoyable to perform with him," Nakamure has commented. They play all standard tunes on his album. On "Alone Together" and "Autumn Leaves" you can compare Inaba-Nakamure with Hall-Carter. And you can feel their Japanese sensibilities in the musical interplay.Each composition is freely interpreted; either musician gives a cue, and then the duo "converses". "I want to play a melodic and swinging jazz. Even if I'm in a bad shape, I want to do my best so I have no regrets. I hope you feel the human qualities of my playing," Inaba said.

Tiger Okoshi "Two Sides to Every Story" XRCD JVC

This set is a rare straight-ahead outing for trumpeter Tiger Okoshi. Some of the post-bop music is reminiscent of the mid-'60s Miles Davis Quintet, although Okoshi (who does hint at Davis here and there) is also influenced by Kenny Dorham and Freddie Hubbard. The rhythm section of pianist Gil Goldstein, bassist Dave Holland, and drummer Jack DeJohnette is quite strong (swinging but advanced) and guitarist Mike Stern is more restrained than usual. Together the group blends together well and Okoshi (on two standards and a variety of originals) is in excellent form. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Gene Ammons "Boss Tenor" XRCD JVC (Sealed)

There are many Gene Ammons recordings currently available on CD in Fantasy's Original Jazz Classics, since the versatile tenorman was a longtime Prestige recording artist. Unlike his earlier jam sessions, this particular outing finds Ammons as the only horn, fronting a talented rhythm section (pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Doug Watkins, drummer Art Taylor, and Ray Barretto on congas). Ammons explores standards (including a near-classic version of "Canadian Sunset"), blues, and ballads in his usual warm, soulful, and swinging fashion. This is a fine outing by one of the true "bosses" of the tenor. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Robert Hohner "Different Stroke"

Boasting a wide variety of influences, Different Strokes is one of those albums that is extremely difficult to categorize. Arguably, the Robert Hohner percussion ensemble is playing world music, which is a vague description because world music could be anything from Celtic jigs and reels to Mexican mariachi. In Hohner's case, world music means having a variety of percussive influences from different parts of the globe. Different Strokes is, to a large degree, an examination of the role that percussion plays in different cultures. Percussion instruments dominate this excellent CD, and Hohner's outfit provides highly rhythmic music that acknowledges the percussive traditions of Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands. Some of the material has more to do with rhythm than melody, but that isn't to say that Different Strokes is totally amelodic -- only that rhythm and percussion are the dominant elements. And Hohner's ensemble does some things that a traditional percussion outfit from the Congo, Brazil, or Bali wouldn't do: It incorporates elements of jazz, classical, and rock. While steel pan virtuoso Andy Narell's "The Songlines" and the Yellowjackets' "Wildlife" were both written by jazz musicians, "Scaramouche" is a Darius Milhaud piece -- and listeners can rest assured that Hohner and his colleagues don't play "Scaramouche" in a traditionally European way. Nor does "Bonham," which was written for the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, sound like something from Physical Graffiti or Houses of the Holy. However, the tune does give us some idea what might have happened if Bonham had played with an ethnic percussion outfit instead of a metal/hard rock band. Some listeners might find Different Strokes to be a bit too esoteric at times, but those who are truly broad-minded will love the rhythmic roller coaster that Hohner provides. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide

Robert Hohner 'Lift Off"

Down Beat (11/93, p.43)
- 3.5 Stars - "...Thirteen percussionists and some 100 instruments played among them, Hohner's ensemble displays sensitive playing on several excellent arrangements..."

Title: Andetag - S:T JACOBS KAMMARKOR LENA WILLEMARK

Contemporary Romantic Music for Choir & Instruments

Rating: 3.9 / 5

Label: Proprius PRCD 9026

One of the most romantic album I have heard. The female vocal is soothing, and relaxing. Truly an audiophile album which stands out from the crowd of so called “female vocal recordings”. Plenty of beautiful melodies on the CD as well.The only drawback is that the recording is a little rounded out at the top. But you still get plenty of musicality, and smoothness.

Arne Domnerus Group - Good Vibes: Jazz at the Pawnshop 3 [Proprius PRCD 9058]

May 23, 2000 | Original Release Date: 1990 | Proprius |

Taken entirely from the second of a legendary two-day engagement at Stockholm s Pawnshop club, this third of four CDs that fully document the gig puts the focus on vibraphonist Lars Erstrand who even gets top billing.

Casiopea "LIVE" (Sealed)

Another epic moment for the band.

I felt pleased with this cd because I was able to listen to this one all the way through. EVERY moment keeps you into the live performance because the guys keep old favorites the way fans like them with added momentum and in between the classics improvise with rhythimic moments(Like when Akira and Tetsuo play a funky groove between Looking up and Eyes of the Mind.This is one of the several performances that solidified Casiopea's status when it came display of excellent musicianship. I actually was cheering with the audience at one point of the cd!!

Casiopea "Soundgraphy"


This collection has 5 cuts that reached the top-10 in Jazz charts around the world:
- Eyes of the Mind (Actually this version is different from the one on the "Eyes of the Mind" album; worth checking out)
- Sunnyside Feelin'
- Asayake
- Looking Up (with that Brazilian-influenced guitar performed by Issei Noro)
and
- What Can't Speak Can't Lie

Actually, this collection's only missing one more super hit from that early 80's Casiopea era: "A Place in the Sun"; but anyway, this is a great collection nevertheless.

P.S. The sound is superb (No wonder the album is called "Soundgraphy"); and for all of you who don't know; Casiopea used to record all these albums digitally back in the 80's when everybody else in the world was only recording theirs analogically; that's why the sound here is sonically superior.

Ray Brown & Jimmy Rowles



As Good As It Gets (Audio CD) As Good As It Gets, featuring the duo of Ray Brown on string bass and Jimmy Rowles on piano is a superb jazz recording with two instrumentalists absolutely at the top of their game. The recording is excellent especially for the era and every note is crystal clear. Ray's lyrical playing throughout is amazing and he really shines on Sophisticated Lady, Like Someone In Love & Rosalie. Jimmy's playing on the ballads is where he really shines especially Alone Together and That's All. Though Rowles is not a household name, the fact that Ray Brown is his duo mate should tell you his stature as a jazz pianist as Mr. Brown has certainly played with the very best in the history of jazz. This recording is a must for any serious jazz fan! You will not regret buying this cd. I have positively worn out the vinyl and have lost track of how many listens I have had to this point!

Gene Harris Trio Plus One SACD

Recorded live at the Blue Note, New York, New York in November & December 1985. Includes liner notes by Ed Berger.

This is a hybrid Super Audio CD playable on both regular and Super Audio CD players.

This superb album (reissued on CD) solidified pianist Gene Harris' return to the jazz major leagues. Teamed up with bassist Ray Brown, drummer Mickey Roker, and tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine, Harris stretches out on such songs as Ray Brown's blues "Gene's Lament," "Things Ain't What They Used to Be," "Yours Is My Heart Alone," and "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Harris and Turrentine work together so well on this soulful blues/bop date that one wishes they had teamed up much more often. ~ Scott Yanow

(SACD-HYBRID)(This CD is an SACD, a format which utilizes a new digital technology called Direct Stream Digital (DSD), which greatly simplifies the audio encoding/decoding process, resulting in a high resolution playback) A brilliant live recording from

Gene Harris Trio: Gene Harris (piano); Ray Brown (bass); Mickey Roker (drums).

Never Make Your Move Too Soon

The title cut of this near-classic album became a sort of theme song for Ernestine Anderson, but it is not the only high point. The singer sounds in top form on such fine material as "As Long As I Live," a touching "Old Folks," "My Shining Hour," and "Poor Butterfly." With fine assistance from pianist Monty Alexander, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Frank Gant, Ernestine Anderson is heard throughout in prime form, sounding quite enthusiastic and powerful. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow. All Music Guide

Ray Brown "Don't Forget The Blues"

On this 1985 Concord release, bassist Ray Brown heads an all-star quintet featuring trombonist Al Grey, guitarist Ron Eschete, pianist Gene Harris, and drummer Grady Tate. The majority of the selections on the set are blues (including "Night Train," "Rocks in My Bed," "Jumpin' the Blues," and a pair of Brown originals) with "If I Could Be with You (One Hour Tonight)" being a temporary departure. Grey, Eschete, Harris, and Brown have plenty of concise solos, Tate is typically excellent in support, and the results should please straight-ahead jazz fans. ~ Scott Yanow

Recorded at Classic Sound Studio, New York, New York in May 1985. Includes liner notes by Felix Grant.

Ray Brown All Stars: Ray Brown (bass); Al Grey (trombone); Gene Harris (piano); Ron Eschete (guitar); Grady Tate (drums).

Personnel: Ron Eschete (guitar); Al Grey (trombone); Gene Harris (piano, electric piano, Fender Rhodes piano); Grady Tate (drums).

"Bless a thing and it will bless you. Curse it and it will curse you. If you bless a situation, it has no power to hurt you."

Emmet Fox1886-1951,
Spiritual Leader