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Some good stuff from Viena, Austria.  All those musicians are leaders himself and I am grateful that I perform with them or they play in my own band. Trance of Noiz is the wonderful album by Andi Steirer, perc. Humpty Bump from Oliver Kent´s All Star unit Worry Later, wonderful and Oliver is my favourite pianist here. Ray Aichinger´s Boogaloo album I love it just to have a lot of musical fun. Uli Langthaler is one of the most creative bassists around. He is a great composer and bandleader Dusan Novakov is probably the most recorded drummer here in Austria and has played with all greats I can imagine. Monday Night with Kirk Lightsey.... Waltz for Serena by Bop Explosion, my own band gathers Andi Steirer, Uli Langthaler, Dusan Novakov and two great horn players : Johannes Probst had performed with Lee Konitz and Barry Harris, Márton Papp as, is the young guy who had played with all greats here in Austria, he also had performed with James Rotondi while he was teaching in Graz.......

Tonight we played my chart on TMTGA, Frank's masterpiece, and it was a big disappointment. First, the trumpets didn't put on their mutes, and then argued with me that  I didn't specify which mute to use. Duh, you've got to be told to use a Harmon mute in modern jazz? Then, the alto player played my transcription 'accurately' as far as my transcription of Frank's brilliant solo and playing of the melody went, but he chose to give it this cornball  'white' interpretation of it that made we want to puke. At least he got through it, the alto player in the other band had a decent interpretation of it, but didn't even make it halfway through it. It all just goes to show what a genius Frank is, and that he can't be replaced. When he's gone, he's gone...

Mack Avenue Music Group Announces Partnership with Strata-East Records   Strata-East: The Legacy Begins Digital-Only Anthology Available February 21, 2025   The digital-only anthology Strata-East: The Legacy Begins, available February 21, 2025, celebrates the revolutionary spirit of one of the most influential artist-owned independent jazz labels in history. This anthology, a partnership between Mack Avenue Music Group and Strata-East, brings together iconic tracks that embody Strata-East’s commitment to artistry and creative freedom. Featuring the explosive brilliance of Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell, the soulful expressions of The Heath Brothers, Charlie Rouse, Shamek Farrah, Pharoah Sanders, and more, the collection showcases cult classics from the label’s deep catalog while honoring the extraordinary artists who shaped its legacy.   This release not only marks the launch of the partnership between Strata-East and Mack Avenue Music Group but also delivers the label’s highest-quality audio anthology, transferred directly from the original master tapes and available digitally for the first time. A reflection of Strata-East’s dedication to spiritual jazz and social consciousness, this compilation invites listeners to rediscover classics or experience them anew. Strata-East: The Legacy Begins celebrates the timelessness of this music while marking the start of an exciting new chapter.     "We are excited to partner with Charles, Ched, and the Strata-East team to bring this beloved music to the world with the highest quality audio and care taken to preserve its purest form. We can't wait for everyone to hear what we have coming," said Will Wakefield, Senior Director of A&R for Mack Avenue Music Group.   Specializing in avant-garde and post-bop jazz, Strata-East’s notable albums include Tolliver's Music Inc, Cowell’s Musa: Ancestral Streams, Charlie Rouse’s Two is One and Billy Harper's Capra Black. Strata-East addressed social and political themes resonant with the Black Arts Movement. Its pioneering approach to artist rights has inspired generations of musicians and independent labels, cementing its place in jazz history.   Strata-East's roster featured timelessly influential musicians who intertwined music with spoken word in response to their cultural moment. This includes Sanders, known for his spiritual and avant-garde explorations that inspired a shift in mainstream jazz offerings.   Despite its short period of recorded music output, Strata-East's commitment to artistic freedom and high production standards earned it a revered place in jazz history. Its pioneering approach to artist rights and control has inspired generations of musicians and independent labels, contributing to a vibrant and diverse musical landscape.   More information to come in the following weeks. Strata-East co-founder Charles Tolliver performing at LPR for Winter Jazzfest 2025. | Photo by Lev Radin Strata-East: The Legacy Begins Mack Avenue Music Group/Strata-East · Release Date: February 21, 2025   For more information on Strata-East, please visit: www.serecs.com          # # #    

I liked Ethan’s piece and appreciate it highlighting some overlooked music, but the lines between this kind of advanced straight ahead music, fusion and free jazz were often blurry!  Not to mention that soul jazz was a key element in the jazz style mix during this period, and influenced some of the recordings he mentions