Over fifty years ago, Max Roach stunned the jazz world with his political Freedom Now Suite. Thomas Cunniffe re-examines the recording as part of an ongoing series of historical jazz record reviews.
We Insist!: Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite (Candid 79002) Read More »
The recorded collaborations between vocalist Mel Tormé and arranger Marty Paich were arguably the highlights of each man’s career. The albums they recorded with a 10-piece studio ensemble, the Marty Paich Dek-tette are some of the finest vocal LPs ever made. Thomas Cunniffe’s study of this music was originally part of his Master’s Thesis, and has been published on several websites over the past two decades. This newly-revised edition of the article marks its first appearance on Jazz History Online.
Mel, Marty & the Dek-tette Read More »
Former JHO contributor Michael Verity helped us out on this issue by reviewing a pair of new CDs. Rather than mix them in with Thomas Cunniffe’s notices, we’ve given Michael his own spot. He offers his reactions to Jim McNeely’s Barefoot Dances and Other Visions and McClenty Hunter’s The Groove Hunter.
Two Reviews from Michael Verity Read More »
Philadelphia vocalist Michelle Lordi loves to tell stories in song. She has a deep abiding interest in the Great American Songbook, but has also found viable material from alternative country singer Ryan Adams and the 1980s pop group, The Cars. In this month’s Sidetracks feature, Thomas Cunniffe introduces us to Lordi through her recordings and a recent live performance in Denver.
Michelle Lordi & the Art of Storytelling Read More »
Columbia/Legacy launches its latest series of Miles Davis recordings with a 3-CD/1-DVD set chronicling a fortnight tour of Europe in 1967. The quintet featuring Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter and Tony Williams was in peak form, creating vastly different performances from night to night. Thomas Cunniffe reviews the set, and reveals what you won’t find on the collection.
Miles Davis Live in Europe 1967 (Columbia/Legacy 94053) Read More »
In the first edition of our new Sidetracks feature, Amy Duncan tells of getting the interview of a lifetime with the legendary (and notoriously difficult) Miles Davis. The first-person narrative is part of Duncan’s soon-to-be-published autobiography Getting Down To Brass Tacks: My adventures in the world of jazz, Rio and beyond.
Interviewing Miles Read More »
On his 1990 CD, Txai Milton Nascimento explores the music and culture of the people protecting the Amazon rain forest. The recording features sound clips of the indigenous people as well as an impressive line-up of Americans and Brazilians. Janine Santana examines the album in this Retro Review.
Milton Nascimento: “Txai” (Columbia 46871) Read More »
Charles Mingus was many things: a virtuoso bassist, a brilliant composer, an intriguing author, and a great personality. In his new interpretive biography Better Get It In Your Soul, Krin Gabbard separates Mingus’ different elements. Thomas Cunniffe notes the strengths and weaknesses of Gabbard’s approach in this Book Review.
Better Git It In Your Soul (by Krin Gabbard) Read More »
The Modern Jazz Quartet’s stage manners were always immaculate. Dressed in tuxedos or fine crafted suits, they projected an air of dignity usually reserved for string quartets. However, on one night in Tokyo, they let themselves loose, and in the process created some of the most memorable performances of their repertoire. The concert was recorded by TBS Radio in Japan, and issued on the Japanese Atlantic imprint, but it was never issued in the US. In this Retro Review, Thomas Cunniffe examines this unique entry in the MJQ discography.
Modern Jazz Quartet: “Concert in Japan ’66” (Atlantic [Japan] 1027-1028) Read More »
One of the reasons for the Modern Jazz Quartet’s longevity was the wide appeal of their music. Cool jazz adopted them as their own for the fugues and Third Stream works, while boppers could appreciate their strong roots in the blues. Mosaic’s 7-CD collection of the MJQ’s studio albums from 1956-1964 offers generous helpings of the group’s wide repertoire. In his review, Thomas Cunniffe notes that a companion volume of the MJQ live would complete the picture.
The Complete Atlantic Studio Recordings of the Modern Jazz Quartet (Mosaic 249) Read More »
The Modern Jazz Quartet was never as stuffy as their critics claimed. Their music changed and evolved subtly through concerts and recordings. Lost Tapes, a new CD of recordings from Germany offers the opportunities for fresh comparisons, and in this Retro Review, Thomas Cunniffe traces the changes in MJQ arrangements through this and previously released albums.
Modern Jazz Quartet: “Lost Tapes” (JazzHaus 101731) Read More »
The 1962 LP Money Jungle brought together the prototypical power trio: Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus and Max Roach. The personal tensions between these giant personalities was reflected in the music, which was less like sparks flying and more like landmine explosions. In this Retro Review, Thomas Cunniffe examines this classic recording and a new tribute album by Terri Lyne Carrington.
Two Trips Through The “Money Jungle” Read More »
Mongo Santamaria was one of the giants of Latin jazz. In a new CD called Mongorama, producer José Rizo and a star-studded band of musicians pay tribute to the master. Our Latin jazz specialist, Janine Santana reviews the recording.
José Rizo’s “Mongorama” (Saungú 3) Read More »
Thelonious Monk’s tour of Europe in late 1969 was the last time he would travel the Continent with his own group. Despite a number of setbacks, the quartet was in great form for its appearance at Paris’ Salle Pleyel. As Thomas Cunniffe reports, the film of this concert has circulated among collectors for years, but Blue Note’s new DVD may be the first legitimate release of this material.
Thelonious Monk: “Paris 1969” (Blue Note) Read More »