The Northern Echo | reviews, features and reports of jazz artists and events

Paul Motian (ECM 372 2346)

10:29am Thursday 23rd May 2013

ECM have really done drummer, composer and bandleader Paul Motian proud with this 6CD box set in their Old and New Masters Edition.

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Charlie Shavers & Maxine Sullivan (Avid AMSC1085)

10:28am Thursday 23rd May 2013

This double CD is a marvellous introduction to trumpeter Charlie Shavers as leader and sideman.

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Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet/In a World of Mallets (Basin Street Records BSR03032)

11:25am Thursday 16th May 2013

Drummer Jason Marsalis here displays his talents on vibes. On a programme of largely original compositions, mostly accompanied by piano, bass and drums, he produces a pleasing and swinging album. On four tracks he’s featured on marimba, xylophone, glockenspiel and tubular bells too.

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Ketil Bjornstad/La notte (ECM 372 4553)

11:24am Thursday 16th May 2013

For a concert of new compositions inspired by film-maker Michelangelo Antonioni, pianist Ketil Bjornstad assembled a stirring group of musicians with Andy Sheppard saxophones, Eivind Aarset guitars, Anja Lechner cello, Arild Andersen double bass and Marilyn Mazur drums. His imaginary soundtrack prompts the most inspired playing from all involved. ecmrecords.com

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Lucian Ban & Mat Maneri/Transylvanian Concert (ECM 372 8258)

11:23am Thursday 16th May 2013

This New York-based duo first appeared together in Ban’s Enesco Reimagined and has since developed a special and productive relationship. Maneri’s deepsounding viola is very nicely set off by Ban’s crystal clear but swinging piano.

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Rich Halley 4/Crossing the Passes (Pine Eagle 005)

4:59pm Friday 10th May 2013

Another largely vigorous and stirring CD from Oregon-based tenor player Rich Halley, trombonist Michael Vlatkovich, bass player Clyde Reed and drummer Carson Halley. There’s a passion and immediacy about these group compositions and improvisations, and an invigorating interplay, which I find appealing.

Deborah Latz/Fig Tree (June Moon Productions JMP 30304)

4:58pm Friday 10th May 2013

I haven’t heard this singer before, but I was impressed by this, her third album.

Joshua Redman/Walking Shadows (Nonesuch 532288)

4:57pm Friday 10th May 2013

A beautiful, sometimes lush, album with the saxophonist supported by an allstar line-up of Brad Mehldau, Larry Grenadier and Brian Blade, and on some tracks a large string orchestra, conducted by Dan Coleman. Delightful versions of Lush Life, Stardust and Let It Be and a couple of originals complete a very enjoyable CD.

The New Gary Burton Quartet/Guided Tour (Mack Avenue MAC1074)

2:51pm Thursday 2nd May 2013

A second album by the renowned vibes player’s latest group again features guitar virtuoso Julian Lage, and the equally talented Scott Colley on bass and Antonio Sanchez, drums. The band is now well meshed in, presenting a mixed programme of largely original material. mackavenue.com

Aaron Diehl/The Bespoke man’s Narrative (Mack Avenue MAC1066)

2:50pm Thursday 2nd May 2013

Diehl’s own debut has a programme tailor-made for this particular ensemble – Diehl on piano, Warren Wolf vibes, David Wong bass and Rodney Green drums. The five originals and five arrangements bring out the best of a very well recorded quartet inspired by but not copying the MJQ.

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