Mulgrew Miller

[CJ Shearn]

well, I just ordered both Yoshi's albums because I've been consistently impressed with his playing. Where to go next? BTW, what is the sound quality of MaxJazz releases in general?

[mikeweil]

The few Max Jazz I have all sound very good (Keezer, for example).

I find Miller's CDs as a leader the better, the more recent they are. He said on one of them that he tried to play with some more abandon on it, and that's exactly what he has to do to really sound great, IMHO. I enjoyed them all from his last on Landmark, From Day To Day.

Edited September 29, 2006 by mikeweil

[Dan Gould]

I've always thought Maxjazz releases sound quite good. I like the packaging, too, for that matter.

If they can be found, all of the Landmark releases can be recommended. 32 Jazz put out a comp. of two of them, I believe.

For Mulgrew with more than a trio, I definitel recommend this Novus release:

Joe Henderson, Eddie Henderson, Kenny Garrett, Steve Nelson explore a bunch of Grew's compositions.

[gnhrtg]

Miller really knows (of many ways of) how to build a solo meaning he can churn out a decent solo from very little (say motifs or impromptu melodies) though he generally comes up with enough material to work with. I always try to hear his work even if I'm not fond of his bandmates.

Get Wingspan (32 Jazz), the original, please. Nice tunes and some of Miller's and Garrett's best solos I can think of. Its sequel, on MaxJazz, is nowhere nearly as good, unfortunately. I remember Hand in Hand to be a decent listen with able and exonereting but not particularly inspired work by Miller, J.Henderson, and Garrett and some lackluster playing by E.Henderson.

mikeweil said:

"He said on one of them that he tried to play with some more abandon on it, and that's exactly what he has to do to really sound great, IMHO."

I agree.

[sidewinder]

For Mulgrew with more than a trio, I definitel recommend this Novus release:

Joe Henderson, Eddie Henderson, Kenny Garrett, Steve Nelson explore a bunch of Grew's compositions.

That's my favourite of the Mulgrew Novus albums. A very good one !

I caught the band with Wallace Roney and Steve Nelson when they were touring this material back in 91/92ish. Good, thoughful compositions and a class band.

[CJ Shearn]

thanks for the tips y'all. Now, what about the Yoshi's albums I ordered? how do you like them? They seem to get high praise all over

[Dan Gould]

And they deserve it.

I'm keeping an eye peeled for the new "Live at the Kennedy Center" disc.

Edited September 29, 2006 by Dan Gould

[Peter Friedman]

I like the two CDs at Yoshi's. I have most if not all of Mulgrew's CDs but to honest, I usually prefer his playing as a sideman. For some reason he seems to generally play in a more relaxed and swinging manner when he is a sideman.

I saw Mulgrew live about two years ago, and he was outstanding. None of his own CDs compared to the way he played when I saw him live.

I do have one somewhat rare CD by Mulgrew that is very enjoyable. It was issued by the Bang and Olufsen stereo company as a demo for their products. As you might expect the sound quality on that CD is very very good. It's a duo session with Niels-Henning Orsted -Pedersen on bass. This CD is a dedication to Duke Ellington.

[CJ Shearn]

so am I Dan. For a more complete picture, waiting for them to put out Volume 2. I like the cover style for those MaxJazz piano series albums, the whole two volume thing reminds me of BN too.

[jeffsjazz]

I like the Yoshi's cds better than the new Kennedy Center.The recording is usually very good - excellent on MxJazz cds.I'm with you,I like the graphics and digipack cases-very elegant.

KUDOS TO MAXJAZZ.

[CJ Shearn]

really looking forward to these then

[Alexander]

I second the original "Wingspan." Great album!

[Kalo]

I've mostly heard and very much enjoyed Miller as a sideman. I first really noticed his playing on Steve Swallow's Real Book, from 1994. With Tom Harrell, Joe Lovano,and Jack DeJohnette in addition to Mulgrew and Swallow. A very fine session.

I need to check out some of his leader dates.

Edited October 1, 2006 by Kalo

[B. Goren.]

In general I agree with you that Miller sounds better when he's not the leader. I think everything he recorded for Landmark worth listening. Another one which is a favorite of mine is *With Our Own Eyes*, a trio session with bassist Richie Good & drummer Tony Reedus.

I had the pleasure to see Miller more than 10 years ago. He came to play at the Red Sea Jazz Festival with Benny Golson and Curtis Fuller. It was a memorable experience.

Edited October 1, 2006 by B. Goren.

[sal]

for the Yoshi's discs!

[CJ Shearn]

they shipped today, I also ordered Live at the Kennedy center using a wherehouse.com coupon.

[Templejazz]

I haven't heard the Yoshi's stuff 'cept on the local jazz station, but keep an eye on Derrick Hodge.....I went to school with the guy and he is crazy good. Wonderful personality too.

peace

[Eric]

I second the original "Wingspan." Great album!

Ditto. I've been playing it after reading this thread and it sounds fresh and fun.