The Griffith Park Collection

1. L's Bop
2. Why Wait
3. October Ballade
4. Happy Times
5. Remember
6. Guernica

Credits
Joe Henderson (Sax (Tenor)), Lenny White (Drums), Lenny White (Producer), Lenny White (Liner Notes), Stanley Clarke (Bass (Upright)), Chick Corea (Piano), Freddie Hubbard (Trumpet), Freddie Hubbard (Flugelhorn)

Eric Kloss & The Rhythm Section (1993)

Whatever happened to Eric Kloss? A brilliant player by the time he was 20, Kloss has largely disappeared from the jazz scene since his string of excellent recordings (mostly for Prestige and Muse) stopped in 1981. This particular CD reissue has two complete albums (To Hear Is to See and Consciousness) that feature Kloss with the Miles Davis rhythm section of the period (keyboardist Chick Corea, electric bassist Dave Holland, and drummer Jack DeJohnette); the second session also has innovative guitarist Pat Martino. It is to Eric Kloss' great credit that he keeps up with his more famous sidemen on the adventurous program, which is comprised of his seven originals and one song apiece by Pat Martino, Joni Mitchell, and Donovan ("Sunshine Superman"). The music blends together aspects of the avant-garde and fusion and rewards repeated listenings...AMG

01 To Hear Is to See
02 The Kingdom Within
03 Stone Groove
04 Children of the Morning
05 Cynara
06 Sunshine Superman
07 Kay
08 Outward Wisdom
09 Song to Aging Children
10 Consciousness

Eric Kloss Bodies' Warmth (1975)

1 Lady
2 Joni
3 Bodies' Warmth
4 Scarborough Fair
5 Mystique
6 Headin' Out

Eric Kloss - Now (1978)

Eric Kloss
Now
Muse Records MR 5147

Produced by Frederick Seibert

1. We Are Together
2. Now
3. Morning Song
4. Hey Hey Whatta You Say
5. Autumn Blue
6. Booga Wooga Woman

…..
Eric Kloss - alto & tenor saxophone
Mike Nock - keyboards
Mike Richmond - bass
Jimmy Madison - drums
Efrain Toro - cowbell

…..
Produced by Frederick Seibert
Recorded January 4 & 5, 1978 at
Van Gelder Recording Studios, Englewood Cliffs NJ, on
June 17th, 1979
Recording Engineer: Rudy Van Gelder

Eric Kloss & Barry Miles - Together (1976)

Eric Kloss & Barry Miles
Together
Muse Records

1. Relay
2. The Wise Woman
3. Together
4. Song for a Mountain
5. The Goddess, the Gypsy, the Light
6. Opus de Mulier

……
Eric Kloss: Alto saxophone+, Tenor saxophone
Barry Miles: Piano*, Electric piano**, Synthesizer

Recorded July 19 & 20, 1976
CI Recording, New York City

Eric Kloss

Eric Kloss (b. April 3, 1949, Greenville, Pennsylvania) is an American jazz saxophonist.

Blind since birth, Kloss first played professionally in the Pittsburgh area in the 1960s, and played with Pat Martino in 1965; later that year he made his first recordings at age 16 for Prestige Records. He continued to release on Prestige and Muse through the late 1970s, playing with Don Patterson, Jaki Byard, Richard Davis, Alan Dawson, Cedar Walton, Jimmy Owens, Kenny Barron, Jack DeJohnette, Booker Ervin, Chick Corea, Barry Miles, Richie Cole, and Gil Goldstein.

Kloss has recorded sparsely since 1981.

John Coltrane - The Heavyweight ChampionJohn Coltrane - The Heavyweight Champion (1995) (7CD)

The Heavyweight Champion: The Complete Atlantic Recordings is a 1995 box set by jazz musician John Coltrane. It features all of the recordings Coltrane made for Atlantic Records, spanning January 15, 1959 to May 25, 1961.

During Coltrane’s Atlantic years, he made important recordings such as Giant Steps and My Favorite Things, recorded albums with Milt Jackson, Don Cherry, and Eric Dolphy and made his debut on the soprano saxophone.

CD1
01. Stairway to the Stars
02. The Late Late Blues
03. Bags & Trane
04. Three Little Words
05. The Night We Called It a Day
06. Be-Bop
07. Blues Legacy
08. Centerpiece
09. Giant Steps (alternate version)
10. Naima (alternate version)
11. Like Sonny (alternate version)

CD2
01. Spiral
02. Countdown
03. Countdown (alternate take)
04. Syeeda's Song Flute
05. Syeeda's Song Flute (alternate take)
06. Mr. P.C.
07. Giant Steps
08. Cousin Mary
09. Cousin Mary (alternate take)
10. I'll Wait and Pray
11. I'll Wait and Pray (alternate take)
12. Little Old Lady

CD3
01. Like Sonny
02. Harmonique
03. My Shining Hour
04. Naima
05. Some Other Blues
06. Fifth House
07. Cherryco
08. The Blessing
09. Focus on Sanity
10. The Invisible
11. Bemsha Swing

CD4
01. Village Blues
02. Village Blues (alternate take)
03. My Favorite Things
04. Central Park West
05. Mr. Syms
06. Untitled Original (Exotica)
07. Summertime
08. Body and Soul
09. Body and Soul (alternate take)
10. Mr. Knight

CD5
01. Blues to Elvin (alternate take)
02. Blues to Elvin
03. Mr. Day
04. Blues to You (alternate take)
05. Blues to You
06. Blues to Bechet
07. Satellite
08. Everytime We Say Goodbye
09. 26-2
10. But Not for Me

CD6
01. Liberia
02. The Night Has a Thousand Eyes
03. Equinox
04. Ole
05. Dahomey Dance
06. Aisha
07. Original Untitled Ballad (To Her Ladyship)

CD7 (Outtakes)
01. Giant Steps - take 1 [incomplete]
02. Giant Steps - take 2 [false start]
03. Giant Steps - take 3 [incomplete]
04. Giant Steps - take 4 [incomplete]
05. Giant Steps - take 5 [alternate]
06. Giant Steps - take 6 [false start]
07. Giant Steps - take 7 [incomplete]
08. Naima - take 1 [incomplete]
09. Naima - take 2 [incomplete]
10. Naima - take 4 [false start]
11. Naima - take 5 [alternate]
12. Naima - take 6 [alternate]
13. Like Sonny - rehearsal 1 [false start]
14. Like Sonny - rehearsal 2 [incomplete]
15. Like Sonny - take 1 [false start]
16. Like Sonny - take 2 [incomplete]
17. Like Sonny - take 3 [incomplete]
18. Like Sonny - take 4 [false start]
19. Like Sonny - take 5 [alternate]
20. Like Sonny - take 6 [incomplete]
21. Giant Steps - take 3 [incomplete]
22. Giant Steps - take 6 [alternate]
23. Blues to Elvin - take 2 [false start]
24. Blues to Elvin - take 3 [alternate]
25. Blues to You - take 2 [alternate]

John Coltrane - Olé Coltrane (1961)

Recorded May 25, 1961 at A&R Studios, New York, NY
Eric Dolphy credited as "George Lane"


~ T R A C K L I S T I N G ~

1. Olé [Coltrane] (18:18)
2. Dahomey Dance [Coltrane] (10:52)
3. Aisha [Tyner] (07:45)
4. Original Untitled Ballad (To Her Ladyship) [Frazier] (09:00)




~ P E R S O N N E L ~

John Coltrane Saxophone (Alto), Saxophone (Soprano), Saxphone (Tenor)
McCoy Tyner Piano
Reggie Workman Bass
Elvin Jones Drums
Art Davis Bass
Eric Dolphy Flute, Sax (Alto)
Freddie Hubbard Trumpet
Ralph J. Gleason Liner Notes
Dan Hersch Remastering
Phil Ramone Engineer
Nesuhi Ertegun Producer, Supervisor


The complicated rhythm patterns and diverse sonic textures on Olé are evidence that John Coltrane was once again charting his own course. His sheer ability as a maverick -- over and beyond his appreciable musical skills -- guides works such as this to new levels, ultimately advancing the entire art form. Historically, it's worth noting that recording had already commenced -- two days prior to this session -- on Africa/Brass, Coltrane's debut for the burgeoning Impulse! label. The two discs complement each other, suggesting a shift in the larger scheme of Coltrane's musical motifs. The assembled musicians worked within a basic quartet setting, featuring Coltrane (soprano/tenor sax), McCoy Tyner (piano), and Elvin Jones (drums), with double-bass chores held down by Art Davis and Reggie Workman. Added to that are significant contributions and interactions with Freddie Hubbard (trumpet) and Eric Dolphy (flute and alto sax). Dolphy's contract with another record label prevented him from being properly credited on initial pressings of the album. The title track is striking in its resemblance to the Spanish influence heard on Miles Davis' Sketches of Spain. This is taken a bit further as Coltrane's combo stretches out with inspired improvisations from Dolphy, Hubbard, Tyner, and Coltrane, respectively. "Olé" likewise sports some amazing double-bass interaction. The combination of a bowed upright bass played in tandem with the same instrument that is being plucked has a sinister permeation that assuredly excited Coltrane, who was perpetually searching from outside the norms. The haunting beauty of "Aisha" stands as one of the finest collaborative efforts between Tyner -- the song's author -- and Coltrane. The solos from Hubbard, Dolphy, and an uncredited Tyner gleam from within the context of a single facet in a multi-dimensional jewel. The CD reissue also includes an extra track cut during the Olé sessions. "To Her Ladyship" is likewise on the seven-volume Heavyweight Champion: The Complete Atlantic Recordings box set.

Django Reinhardt And Stephane Grapelli - Les Rois Du Swing Manouche (2009)

Tracklist
CD 1:
01 Tiger Rag 2:34
02 I Saw Stars 2:30
03 Swing 39 3:19
04 I Wonder Where My Baby Is Toni 3:02
05 Crazy Rhythm 2:33
06 Tea For Two 3:14
07 I've Found A New Baby 3:04
08 Stockholm 2:48
09 Younger Generation 2:24
10 Out Of Nowhere 3:16
11 Shine 2:56
12 Undecided 2:31
13 Rose Room 2:44
14 The Man I Love 3:12
15 Echoes Of France (La Marseilla 2:47
16 Liebestraum n 3 3:20
17 Mystery Pacific 2:21
18 The Sheik Of Araby 3:04
19 I've Found A New Baby 2:02
20 Nuages (Take 1) 3:19
21 Liza 2:52
22 What Is This Thing Called Love 2:08
23 Sweet Georgia Brown 3:01
24 Si Tu Savais 2:43
25 Interpretation Swing Du 1er Mo 2:26
26 Vingt Six 2:54
27 Minor Swing 3:14
28 Mabel 4:03
29 My Serenade 3:01
30 Stephen's Blues 3:15
31 Sugar 3:03
32 Sweet Georgia Brown 3:15
33 Swing 39 3:13
34 My Sweet (Take 1) 2:57
35 J'attendrai (Tornerai) 2:33
36 Swing 42 2:27
37 Nocturne 3:14
38 Troublant Bolero 3:40
39 Swing From Paris 2:32
40 What A Difference A Day Made 3:36

Tracklist
CD 2:
01 I've Got My Love To Keep Me Wa 2:30
02 Hungaria (Take 1) 2:46
03 Confessin' 2:55
04 Avalon 2:52
05 My Melancholy Baby 2:48
06 Some Of These Days 2:23
07 Hungaria 2:46
08 It Don't Mean A Thing 3:03
09 Oriental Shuffle 2:39
10 Limehouse Blues 2:45
11 Baby 2:38
12 Tears 2:37
13 H. C. Q. Strut 2:57
14 Body and Soul 3:25
15 Chicago 3:26
16 Coquette 3:02
17 Django's Tiger 2:38
18 Embraceable You 3:08
19 Belleville 2:58
20 Alabamy Bound 2:50
21 Honeysuckle Rose 2:46
22 Crazy Rythm 3:00
23 Ol' Man River 2:40
24 I've Found A New Baby 2:36
25 Eveline 2:13
26 Bricktop 3:03
27 How High The Moon (Version 1) 3:00
28 I Love You 3:16
29 Manoir De Mes r ves 4:28
30 Over The Rainbow 2:43
31 Minor Blues 2:43
32 Nature Boy 3:33
33 Night and Day 2:43
34 Djangology 2:46
35 (I Love You) For Sentimental R 3:24
36 It Had To Be You 2:54
37 Just A Gigolo 3:30
38 Billets Doux 2:55
39 Brazil 2:53
40 Them There Eyes 3:02

Rahsaan Roland Kirk - Simmer, Reduce, Garnish & Serve (1995)

This single CD has selections from Rahsaan Roland Kirk's final three albums. His work on his last record Boogie-Woogie String Along for Real was quite heroic and miraculous because he had suffered a major stroke that greatly limited his abilities; in fact Kirk had the use of only one of his hands so his playing was sadly restricted. There is a remarkable amount of variety plus a liberal dose of Kirk's humor on this retrospective, ranging from a "Bagpipe Medley" and "Sweet Georgia Brown" (complete with a whistler and Freddie Moore's washboard) to a warm "I'll Be Seeing You" and a tribute to Johnny Griffin, the main influence on Rahssan's tenor sound. For those listeners who do not already have the three LPs, this is a strong best-of sampler of the saxophonist's final period although his earlier recordings are recommended first. This CD concludes with an emotional and rather touching collage that pays tribute to Kirk's genius and mourns his premature death

01 Lunatic Danza
02 Theme for the Eulipions
03 Sweet Georgia Brown
04 I'll Be Seeing You
05 Los Angeles Negro Chorus
06 Serenade to a Cuckoo
07 Bagpipe Medley
08 J. Griff's Blues
09 Mary McLeod Bethune
10 I Loves You, Porgy
11 Hey Babebips
12 In a Mellow Tone
13Dorthaan's Walk
14Watergate Blues
15 Summertime
16 Thunder and Lighting Goodbye

Kenny Garrett - Beyond the Wall

Often considered the last great sideman of Miles Davis, Garrett emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a definitive voice of the alto saxophone. His 2006 release, Beyond the Wall, is inspired by Garrett's journey through China and has the feeling of an album that was a lifetime in the making. With East vs. West underpinnings and a pairing of old (Pharoah Sanders) against new (Garrett), the title track explores these contrasts, yet is still bound together by Coltrane-like spirituality and McCoy Tyner-like musicality. Garrett's intensity might overwhelm some, but his playing on this track exhibits his style at its most inspired level.

01. Calling
02. Beyond The Wall
03. Qing Wen
04. Realization (Marching Toward The Light)
05. Tsunami Song
06. Kiss to the Skies
07. NOW
08. Gwoka
09. May Peace Be Upon Them

Musicians:

Kenny Garrett (alto sax)
Pharoah Sanders (tenor sax)
Brian Blade (drums)
Robert Hurst (bass)
Mulgrew Miller (piano)

Recorded: New York, February 19-21, 2006

Art Blakey's Jazz Messenger With Thelonious Monk (1958)

The best format to get this essential title is the 1999 Rhino Records CD reissue from their Atlantic Jazz Gallery series. Not only have the half-dozen sides from the original 1958 release been thoroughly remastered, but the amended and enhanced running order also contains a trio of otherwise unavailable alternate takes of Monk standards "Evidence," "Blue Monk," and "I Mean You." Otherwise, Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers With Thelonious Monk (1958) is a timeless meeting of the masters. Art Blakey (drums) and his Jazz Messengers — which concurrently include Johnny Griffin (tenor sax), Bill Hardman (trumpet), and Spanky Debrest (bass) — face off with Monk during one of the pianist's most creative and fruitful eras. With such a voluminous back catalog of seminal bop compositions, it is fitting that a majority of the album's material stems from Monk. Each of the performances is given extra emphasis, with both co-leaders unleashing their own respective instrumental articulations behind the equally impressive and expressive Jazz Messengers. Right out of the gate, Hardman's solos during "Evidence" provide a powerful introduction into Monk's slightly off-center piano gymnastics. While they never go directly head to head, each musician is clearly inspired by the other's intensity, as they likewise fuel the freewheelin' and hypnotic rhythm of "In Walked Bud." Blakey's firm hold on the combo can be felt as he unleashes a percussive torrent to commence a woozy "Blue Monk." The lackadaisical melody saunters through some adeptly executed changes from Monk with the Jazz Messengers following an effortless and unyielding swing that slices through the heart of the score. One unquestionable highlight is the frisky "Rhythm-A-Ning," sporting the inimitable brass augmentations and co-leads of Griffin and Hardman. The quirky yet catchy chorus bounces from the dual-lead horn section with the entire arrangement tautly bound by the understated Debrest and Blakey. Griffin's "Purple Shades" is a smartly syncopated blues that is more of a musical platform for the Jazz Messengers than for Monk. That said, the pianist provides an opening solo that alternately shimmers and shudders. Again, Debrest as well as Griffin and Hardman demonstrate their own pronounced capabilities over Monk's otherwise occasional counterpoint...

1. "Evidence" (Thelonious Monk) - 6:46
2. "In Walked Bud" (Monk) - 6:39
3. "Blue Monk" (Monk) - 7:54
4. "I Mean You" (Monk & Coleman Hawkins) - 8:02
5. "Rhythm-A-Ning" (Monk) - 7:20
6. "Purple Shades" (Johnny Griffin) - 7:48
7. "Evidence" [alternate take] (Monk) - 5:30 Bonus track on 1999 CD reissue
8. "Blue Monk [alternate take] (Monk) - 6:59 Bonus track on 1999 CD reissue
9. "I Mean You" [alternate take] (Monk, Hawkins) - 7:34 Bonus track on 1999 CD reissue

Personnel

* Art Blakey - drums
* Thelonious Monk - piano
* Johnny Griffin - tenor saxophone
* Bill Hardman - trumpet
* Spanky DeBrest - bass

The album was produced by Nesuhi Ertegün and engineered by Earl Brown.

Alice Coltrane - Transfiguration

Alice Coltrane has lived in the shadow of both her husband and his classic quartet pianist, McCoy Tyner, but she put out some interesting, often religious-based work on Impulse and Warner Bros. in the '60s and '70s. Recorded live in 1978, Transfiguration turned out to be her final album. Here she set aside arrangements of religious chants and returned to the jazz trio format with the formidable combination of drummer Roy Haynes and bassist Reggie Workman. Coltrane's organ and piano work is filled with uniquely turbulent and swirling arpeggios that are the center of attention almost throughout. Originally a double LP, this 83-minute, double-disc effort includes six originals as well as a 36-minute cover of John Coltrane's late-period monster "Leo," which features fine solos from all three players. Issued on CD and remastered for the first time, Transfiguration should help modern audiences revise their opinion on Alice Coltrane's often-overlooked legacy as a jazz player of substance.

Disc: 1
1. Transfiguration
2. Spoken Introduction/One For The Father
3. Prema
4. Affinity

Disc: 2
1. Krishnaya
2. Leo, Part One
3. Leo, Part Two

Bobby Hutcherson & Harold Land - San Francisco

01 - Goin' down south (7:05) (Sample)
02 - Prints Tie (7:24) (Hutcherson)
03 - Jazz (5:18) (Sample)
04 - Ummh (7:42) (Hutcherson)
05 - Procession (5:40) (Hutcherson)
06 - A Night In Barcelona (7:20) (Land)

Bobby Hutcherson - Vibes, Marimba, Percussion
Harold Land - Tenor Sax, Flute, Oboe
Joe Sample - Acoustic & Electric Pianos
John Williams - Acoustic & Electric Basses
Mickey Roker - Drums

Produced by Duke Pearson at UA Studios LA
Recording Date: July 15 1970

Miles Davis - AGHARTA (Live, released in 1975)

1. Prelude (Part One) - 26:01
2. Prelude (Part Two) - 6:33
3. Maiysha - 11:21

Disc 2:

1. Interlude - 26:35
2. Theme from Jack Johnson - 25:16


total time 95:49

Line-up / Musicians

Miles Davis, trumpet, organ
Sonny Fortune, soprano sax, alto sax, flute
Michael Henderson, bass
Pete Cosey, guitar, synths, percussion
Al Foster, drums; Reggie Lucas, guitar
Mtume, conga, percussion, water drum, rhythm box

Executive Producer: Teo Macero.
Recorded live at Osaka Festival Hall, Japan, February 1, 1975.

Weather Report Live In Tokyo. 1972.

"Live In Tokyo" captures the Jazz-rock fusion band Weather Report in a stunning performance at Shibuya Hall in January 1972. The band line-up for the concert consisted of Joe Zawinul on pianos, Wayne Shorter on saxophone, Miroslav Vitous on bass, Eric Gravatt on drums and Dom Um Romao on percussion.
Segments from this album were released as half of the band's second album "I Sing The Body Electric". On this album however, it is a complete 90-minute performance consisting of five lengthy tracks (four of which are continuous suites containing different pieces).
The band was definitely on a musical high during this particular concert displaying a sound that is raw and full of fierce improvisation. Joe Zawinul's keyboard work is at its most experimental here as he modifies his electric piano with a distortion box, wah-wah pedal and a ring modulator. This sometimes gives the impression that there's a guitarist on-stage during the performance when in fact there is no guitar to be heard. His acoustic piano work is also experimental as he sometimes plays it from the inside striking its strings by hand instead of with the keyboard.
Miroslav Vitous's bass work is also at its best here, alternating between acoustic and electric. There are several moments during this album (especially in the opening medley) where Vitous grabs the spotlight with his unique style. His work with the bowed bass on "Orange Lady" is particularly strking and haunting.
Wayne Shorter's sax playing is at its most free form here. It's not exactly like Ornette Coleman or John Coltrane but it is highly improvisational and momentous. His work on the band's studio albums tends to be more refined and subdued but here, Wayne lets it rip and tear.
Drummer Eric Gravatt is a sadly underrated drummer but nonetheless does an outstanding job here. His extended drum solo is the first thing heard on this album. Throughout this performance, he pushes the rhythm with full force.
Percussionist Dom Um Romao also has some moments in the spotlight here. Besides spicing up Gravatt's rhythms with various percussive toys, Romao also has a solo moment in the album's second suite using whistles, a thumb piano and using his own body as an instrument. There is a similar moment in the intro to "Orange Lady".
Overall, the "Live In Tokyo" performance captures the early Weather Report at its very best. This music is extremely agressive and loud. The other live albums from the band ("8:30" and the recent "Live and Unreleased") are a lot mellower compared to this one. "Live In Tokyo" is definitely an essential title if you're a Weather Report fan. If you're new to the band's music, this may not be the place to start, however it certainly is not unlistenable.
This album has yet to be released in the U.S. even after its intial release in Japan over 30 years ago. Hopefully, that will all change in the near future. This is some great music and a great live performance from a great band. Definitely worth checking out


Record One:
1. Medley - Vertical Invader/Seventh Arrow/T.H./Doctor Honoris Causa
2. Medley - Surucucu/Lost/Early Minor/Direction

Record Two:
1. Orange Lady
2. Medley - Eurydice/The Moors
3. Medley - Tears/Umbrellas

Keith Jarrett - Expectations (1972)

Keith Jarrett - Expectations (1972)

CD1:
01 - Vision
02 - Common Mama
03 - The Magician in You
04 - Roussillion
05 - Expectations
06 - Take Me Back
07 - The Circular Letter (For J.K.)
CD2:
08 - Nomads
09 - Sundance
10 - Bring Back the Time When (If)
11 - There Is a Road (God's River)


Keith Jarrett: Piano (01 - 06, 08 - 11)
String section (01)
Tambourine (02, 06, 08, 10)
Soprano saxophone (02, 04, 06, 07, 09, 10)
Organ (08)

Dewey Redman: Tenor saxophone (02, 04, 07, 09, 10), cowbell (02, 04)
Charlie Haden: Bass (02 - 11), string section (11)
Paul Motian: Drums (02 - 10), string section (05)
Airto Moreira: Percussion (02, 06 - 10), brass section (02, 08), congas (03)
Sam Brown: Guitar (03, 06, 07, 08, 09, 11)


All compositions by Keith Jarrett

Tracks 03, 06 & 08: Recorded on April 5, 1972 at Columbia Studio E
Tracks 01, 05, 10 & 11: Recorded on April 6, 1972 at Columbia Studio B, NYC
Track 02: Recorded on April 6, 1972 at Columbia Studio E, NYC
Tracks 04, 07 & 09: Recorded on April 27, 1972 at Columbia Studio E

Produced by George Avakian

Happy New Year and all that Jazz!

“Here's to the bright New Year, and a fond farewell to the old; here's to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold.”

Gary Peacock - Voice from the Past ­ Paradigm - ECM - 1981

Gary Peacock - Voice from the Past ­ Paradigm - ECM - 1981













1 Voice from the Past
2 Legends
3 Moor
4 Allegory
5 Paradigm
6 Ode for Tomten

Gary Peacock bass
Jan Garbarek tenor and soprano saxophones
Tomasz Stanko trumpet
Jack DeJohnette drums

Recorded August 1981

Rudy Van Gelder

Rudy Van Gelder (born 2 November 1924, Jersey City, New Jersey) is an American recording engineer specializing in jazz.

Frequently regarded as one of the most important recording engineers in music history, Van Gelder is one of the legendary behind-the-scenes figures in jazz, recording several hundred jazz sessions, including many widely recognized as classics. Bringing an unprecedented clarity to jazz recording, Van Gelder has recorded many of the great names in the genre, including Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Grant Green, Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane, and many others. He worked with many record companies, but he is most closely associated with Blue Note Records, now a division of EMI.

Van Gelder's recording techniques are often admired for the warmth and presence he brings to the end result. Some critics however have also expressed a distaste for the thin and recessed sound in the instruments, mainly the piano. Richard Cook for example noted that the manner in which Van Gelder recorded piano was often as distinctive as the pianists' playing. Blue Note president and producer Alfred Lion often noted that Rudy was sometimes a little heavy on the reverb and would jokingly note that on the tape box as a "Rudy special".