Recent discoveries

Felix · August-11th-2005, 08:58 PM

One of the great things here at JC is we can share our enthusiasm about musicians or albums we have a special affection for. I'd like this thread to be dedicated to recordings you've discovered recently and have brought you unexpected joy.

I will cite two:

Evan Parker's The Two Seasons (Emanem). A superb trio recording, two CDs of live improvised music recorded at the Vortex in the winter (disc 1) and summer (disc 2) of 1999. Bassist John Edwards and percussionist Mark Sanders have a jazzier feel than Parker's other trio (with Barry Guy and Paul Lytton), and at times they almost settle into a groove, which makes one wonder what EP would do with, say, William Parker and Hamid Drake. This album is at the same time demanding and one of the most accessible recordings under Parker's name.

Mujician's Colours Fulfilled (Cuneiform). I had no album featuring Paul Dunmall, and when I saw that one in a second-hand store, I picked it up. The first and last part feature Dunmall's bagpipes playing, some of the most interesting I've heard in an improvised context. The group's interplay is impressive, with Keith Tippett a central figure (he's all over the place), and the studio recording allows Paul Rogers and Tony Levin to be heard fully.

So, have you discovered (or rediscovered) any album lately?

Nate Dorward · August-11th-2005, 09:12 PM

Parker plays with William Parker on The Bishop's Move & one of the Spring Heel Jack discs, if I remember rightly. I don't think he's ever recorded anything with Drake, though.

Felix · August-11th-2005, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nate Dorward

Parker plays with William Parker on The Bishop's Move & one of the Spring Heel Jack discs, if I remember rightly. I don't think he's ever recorded anything with Drake, though.

Isn't Drake also on The Bishop's Move? (I thought it was basically the Die Like a Dog Trio plus the Schlippenbach Trio). Hmmm... I think I should pick that up... But I meant with Parker and Drake in a trio.

Nate Dorward · August-12th-2005, 12:13 AM

Oh, yes, I forgot--Drake's on there. Though largely Parker avoids too much direct interaction with Brotz's gang on that disc. -- It's an OK disc though it's a bit weird (basically three trio performances with a little sextet mortar in between).

jazzy mary · August-12th-2005, 01:04 AM

A recent discovery--thanks to JC--who has brought me so much joy!! What an amazing, incredible talent and man!

gonzo · August-12th-2005, 04:48 AM

does the hamid drake solo album discussed in downbeat have a street date yet??!! looking forward to it very much.

Tom K · August-15th-2005, 05:41 AM

Talking about recent discoveries - at the moment I'm absolutely flabbergasted by a rather weird CD and DVD: Bernard Lubat, "Vive l' Amusique" (sic!).

I first knew Lubat as the drummer on Stan Getz's incredible "Dynasty" recording - but that was more than thirty years ago. In the meantime Lubat has become much more than just a drummer: He's a pianist, accordionist, vocalist and a kind of poet, I suppose. His roots (south-western France) are very much felt all over, which is a good thing - let Americans play the blues; old Europe has her own traditions. Still, at least part of it is definitely jazz (he sings "A Night in Tunisia" in a way that floors you!).

The recordings are a (live) one-man undertaking. What a trip! It helps if you understand some French. Definitely worth the experience.

To get the album, try http://www.amazon.fr .

Felix · September-22nd-2005, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nate Dorward

Oh, yes, I forgot--Drake's on there. Though largely Parker avoids too much direct interaction with Brotz's gang on that disc. -- It's an OK disc though it's a bit weird (basically three trio performances with a little sextet mortar in between).

I found this recently at a second-hand store that always underprices its "actuelle" stuff, so for $8 (Canadian)... I find your description accurate, the two bands don't seem to actually interact much, but it's still an enjoyable release.

Recently, I discovered Frank Gratkowski. His quartet with Wolter Wierbos, Dieter Manderscheid and Gerry Hemingway really kicks ass (plus, they must be the band with the longest members' names! Well, except maybe Bjork's jazz group...).

Also, I found a Polskie Nagrania CD of Andrzej Trzaskowski, with Ted Curson, recorded in 1965-66. That one was a total surprise.

In the same raid, I picked up an Elton Dean LP on JAPO, but I haven't listened to it yet. More on this later.

clinthopson · September-22nd-2005, 11:33 AM

Annie Sellick - she's gonna be very big

Bill Barton · May-21st-2009, 07:36 PM

For 2009, several "discoveries" [for me] deserve mention so far:

Darcy James Argue (I was hip to his blog but not so much to his music. Infernal Machines is definitely worth checking out.)

Soundassembly (Another "big band" that stretches the boundaries while respecting the traditions. http://soundassembly.net/)

Crackleknob (I'd heard lots and lots about them - some of it from occasional JC habitue and Crackleknob member Reuben Radding - but until recently hadn't actually heard them. Wow! Helluva band! The CD on hatOLOGY is kickin'.)

Pete C · May-21st-2009, 07:37 PM

Thanks, Bill, for bringing discovery back after all these years

Bill Barton · May-21st-2009, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete C

Thanks, Bill, for bringing discovery back after all these years

You're welcome. And lookie there, Nate's "back."