AOTW, "Inspiration" by Phil Ranelin, 2004 release

[The Rep]

I would like to put forward Phil Ranelin and his album "Inspiration" as my album of the week. This album is a sort of coming of age, from his motown beginnings through to his wonderful jazz. Ranelin could be described as post bop and Post bop with Afro-cuban rhythms and harmonies is how you would describe the album "Inspiration" You can hear tributes to musicians that have influenced Ranelin and who he has play along side, like Hubbard, Silver, Dolphy and Coltrane.

Ranelins band is a nonet with a rich sound, mixing saxophones, flute and bass clarinet with his own trombone gives a warm sound, the trumpets are not to overpowering. His trombone playing is fantastic with daring ideas and smooth tone. His arrangements are vibrant and lively. The sound is more gathered and compressed. Tenor sax player Pharoah Sanders guests on "This Ones For Trane" with his own individual sound he casts coltranes shadow. The three pieces for Dolphy show Ranelins skills as a player, writer and arranger.

Track listing:

Freddie's Groove; HT's Waltz; One for Johnson; The One's for Trane; Horace's Scope, Black on the NU; Beyond a Memory; Shades of Dolphy (Prelude); Spirit of Dolphy; Shades of Dolphy.

Personnel: Phil Ranelin (trombone, cow bell, vocal), Keith Fiddmont (soprano and tenor saxophones, flute), George Harper Jr. (tenor saxophone, flute), Zane Musa (alto and soprano saxophones), Louis Van Taylor (bass clarinet, flute and alto flute, soprano saxophone), Danny Grissett (grand piano), Jeff Littleton (acoustic bass), Lorca Hart (drums), Taumbu (congas, various percussion)

With Special Guests: Pharoah Saunders (tenor saxophone on "This One's for Trane"), Wendell Harrison (tenor saxophone on "Beyond a Memory"), Michael Session (alto saxophone on "Spirit of Dolphy"), Dayna Sean Stephens (tenor saxophone on "Horace's Scope")

The Rep

Edited November 10, 2009 by The Rep

[ValerieB]

Phil is a wonderful musician and a stand-up guy. i'm fortunate to have heard him play live too many times to count. in fact, the most recent time was just a couple of weeks ago. i'm hoping more people come to realize what a talent he is.

[JSngry]

Yeah, I've got this one & like it a much lot.

[awkss]

Yeah, I've got this one & like it a much lot.

Does anybody know if an ESP album by Marion Brown (1966?) with Stanley Cowell, Sirone & Rashied Ali is available?

Edited November 22, 2009 by SMALLS'PURGATORY

[JSngry]

http://www.espdisk.com/official/catalog/1040.html

http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7881328

[Free For All]

Dig the bent-bell Dizzy-style trombone!

[The Rep]

Looks good, sounds good and by golly it is good.