mhatta

Just for fun, I tried having Claude AI output a review of the best jazz album of 2023 (because the current data cutoff is Apr. 2024, so AI doesn't know much about this year). The personality (or lack of personality) is similar to reviews on Bandcamp, etc. ----- "The Territory" by Mary Halvorson A masterful display of avant-garde jazz guitar, this album showcases Halvorson's unique approach to composition and improvisation. Her signature bent notes and complex rhythmic structures are woven into compositions that manage to be both challenging and surprisingly accessible. The interplay between Halvorson's guitar and the horn section creates fascinating textural landscapes, particularly on standout tracks like "Incarnadine" and "Motion Picture." "In Common 4" by Walter Smith III & Matthew Stevens This collaboration brought together an exceptional lineup including Kris Davis, Dave Holland, and Terri Lyne Carrington. The album strikes a perfect balance between structured composition and free improvisation. The quintet's interpretation of space and timing is remarkable, especially in pieces like "Familiar Signs" where the musicians demonstrate their ability to both lead and support with equal skill. "Today and Tomorrow" by Lakecia Benjamin A powerful statement from the alto saxophonist, this album bridges traditional jazz with contemporary influences. Benjamin's fierce, soulful playing is backed by an all-star band including Ron Carter and Patrice Rushen. The album particularly shines on "Amerikkan Skin," where Benjamin's passionate saxophone work addresses social justice themes while maintaining musical excellence. "Live at the Detroit Jazz Festival" by Wayne Shorter & Terri Lyne Carrington One of Wayne Shorter's final recordings, this live album captures the legendary saxophonist in brilliant form alongside Carrington, Leo Genovese, and esperanza spalding. The performances are both exploratory and deeply emotional, especially on the extended version of "Endangered Species." This recording serves as both a celebration of Shorter's legacy and a testament to his continued innovation until the end. "Phoenix" by Melissa Aldana The Chilean saxophonist delivered a compelling album that showcases her evolution as a composer and bandleader. Her tenor saxophone tone is warm and commanding, while her compositions demonstrate sophisticated harmonic understanding. The album's centerpiece "The Bluest Eye" is particularly notable for its narrative arc and emotional depth.

I like some of them (e.g. Patricia Brennan Septet's Breaking Stretch is good, but mainly because of Mark Shim's gritty tenor), but I still don't think they're the kind of “jazz” I like. It's good music based on different aesthetics. I guess I'm getting old and I'm starting to lose touch with the younger generation's sensibilities. Being an old fart is sad.

I heard it on Spotify. It sounds just fine. But I'm not really an audiophile, though...

Dave Liebman is a great musician who deserves A LOT respect, and he is Miles Davis' possibly second-to-best saxophonist, but I personally have never been into his music. His partner, Richie Beirach, is similar I feel. I don't really know why. I think this is their best performance.

I listened to the whole thing. Overall, I think it's a DeJohnette show. The drums have tremendous drive. Henderson is also great, especially on the first song. McCoy seems a bit overwhelmed. The bass isn't really audible.

I listen to it via Apple Music streaming, I can hear bass. But somewhat muffled. It reminds me of Dexter Gordon's "The Squirrel".

https://bsky.app/profile/mhatta.bsky.social I gave up on X/Twitter because it was too toxic. It's not a bug, it's a feature. I usually write in Japanese (and in many cases about my day job), but I'm also using Bluesky. I also write about jazz sometimes. If you comment in English, I'll reply in English.

Perhaps Debut?

Great writing indeed. I've never seen a photo of Stinson before. I see that Bobby Hutcherson's ‘Now’ was a memorial to Stinson. I don't really know much about bass playing, but when playing with Miles, I feel that Stinson's playing is more orthodox, or like a steady jazzy walking style. On the other hand, when comparing him to others, you can see the uniqueness of Ron Carter, who seems ordinary but is actually very individualistic.

I think it was seven years ago that I happened to be in San Jose in the summer and went to see the San Jose Jazz Fest. When I heard the song “Bitter Sweet Samba” (which almost every Japanese know without the song title because it is the theme song of a famous radio program in Japan), I thought it might be a copy band of Tijuana Brass, but it was Herb Alpert himself. Is he already 90 years old or something?

Kinda off topic... I went to Paris last week, so I visited Rue de Clichy. According to Peter Pullman's ‘Wail’, the Francis Paudras family lived with Bud Powell at 64 Rue De Clichy. Now there is a bistro or sports bar on the ground floor, but it looks like the upper floors are still residential. I wonder what floor they lived on.

I had only heard her name before, but I had never heard her music. It seems that you can listen to her 3 leader dates on some music subscription services, except for the Discovery album. Her rhythm was a little stiff, but I think she had a considerable knowledge of harmony (she played songs by Shorter, for example). The fact that she played piano in the Mary Moore Tyler Show band is a career similar to Michael Wolf (the band leader of the Arsenio Hall Show). https://www.jazzdisco.org/joyce-collins/catalog/

jazzdisco.org has been a project by 3 Japanese jazz enthusiasts, including yours truly. I haven't been very active recently, but I'm thinking of getting back into it. Sorry about pop-ups -- I recommend you to use ad blockers. https://jazzmf.com/ Looks like he was active as of at least 2022.

Very interesting release indeed. What worries me a little is that Orville O'Brien recorded Art Blakey's Live! At Slug's N.Y.C. at the roughly same time at the same venue, but the sound quality is not so good. It's probably better than bootleg, but I wonder how it sounds about this one.

Heartily agree. For example, I I sometimes dream of Ornette Coleman The Bootleg Series Vol. X: Skies of Americas because Ornette has performed Skies of America several times over the years with various orchestras, all different. Some have leaked as bootlegs.