Blindfold Test #131 Discussion Thread

[Hot Ptah]

Is #5 a version of "Take the A Train" by Charles Mingus, from his "Mingus at Monterey" album, with John Handy on tenor sax, and Dannie Richmond on drums?

Is #9 "Organic Echo" by Lester Bowie, from his "All the Magic" album?

I am guessing these from memory as I do not have access to these albums right now.

[colinmce]

Thom Keith:

Track 1 - Odd beginnings. I like it. Song sounds familiar, but I’m quite sure I’m crazy. Hearing some elements of a WSQ tune, I think composed by Hemphill, called Hymn For The Old Year, but it’s not that. I really like this once the tempo kicks in. Tenor could be Ayler — strong and crying, but sounds too new. Reverend Frank, perhaps? Very much liking this. I love the bowed bass and tenor in the beginning. May have to borrow that arrangement. So… guitar, tenor, bass clari, and bass… something about that guitar has me thinking Allen Lowe.

Good call on Ayler as this tune is definitely an homage.

Track 2 - Not sure what it is. Takes awhile to get going, but is nice once it does. I’m not 100% if I like it or not. I’m going back and forth between liking it and thinking it’s dragging on (I think I’d like it upon repeated listening). The percussion in the beginning really does take a bit to get going.

It does take a minute-- more than I realized after listening through this mix-- but I find the beauty of the piece is worth it. Dollars to donuts you have an album by the same artist from many years before which contains this song.

Track 3 - That’s Michael Moore, for sure. That makes me think Bennink. Oh! I know what this is — it’s Clusone Trio. Moore, like all things Dutch, is someone who always piques my interest. It’s not even that I love it, I just can’t ignore it, ever. Amsterdam may be the coolest place on earth.

Did Han Bennink invent the break beat? I think he had to've.

Track 4 - Needle drop. A lot of facility in this player. It wouldn’t be the first thing I grab, but a dark night, no lights, I could enjoy a whole lot of this. Seems similar to some of the Bill Dixon stuff, but I think this is a European player.

...I'll let this hang.

Track 5 - A live recording (late 70s?) of Take The A Train. Sounds to me like an outside player intentionally playing inside. Could be Cameron Brown on bass. I’m guessing this BFT is heavy on the European players, though.

Definitely an 'outside player intentionally playing inside', though his 'outside' status maybe began to wane as the years wore on. And damn right, that is Cameron Brown. How do you guys do that??

Track 6 - It’s track 6 from this. I can never fully warm up to Kidd. He’s a bad ass player, but he never fully resonates with me. What’s more, I typically love Parker, but with Kidd, less so. I could, of course, be crazy, but that’s what my ears are telling me. Drake is always awesome. I’m reading Parker’s WHO OWNS MUSIC? right now. What an amazing human being.

I hear that a lot about Kidd. And I suppose I understand it. But I always enjoy his playing. I need to check out that Parker book.

Track 7 - At first, the tenor sounded like Charles Brackeen, but then he started to get too technical. I like him, but something isn’t entirely clicking for me. There are some monstrous moments, but then he kind of loses me. Monster player, though — no doubt about that. Digging that bass, though. A bit of David S. Ware in the tenor, too, but seems to be thinking too much as opposed to staying within the music. On second listening, I like this. That tenor is mean. Aggressive and feisty, I was wrong to dig on his facility — this is a bad man. Not Ware, but in that neighborhood. That bass player has the facility of Stanley Clark on those note-filled runs, but man, he’s got that David Holland style low end. This is good — looking forward to the reveal on this one. Weird guess on the drums - could be Motian, but sounds very aggressive.

I like to see you changing your mind on this one. It is Charles Brackeen and that is Paul Motian.

Track 8 - This has that European abstract style that I’m less familiar with. It’s interesting, but I think I’d be more into it live. It’s a lot of work to listen to (which is not necessarily a bad thing) but I think I prefer a bit more of the blues.

Certainly works best in the context of the longer performance, but I feel the intensity of the improvising comes through even in excerpt. Wildly European, for certain.

Track 9 - This is really nice. A lot of precision in this player, but very thoughtful. Even when he gets a little out, he finds his way back to that melodic beginning. There are a few points that get a little abstract in relation to the original feel, but still, I like this. Reminds me of some of the Tomasz Stanko stuff, but it’s not him.

'Precise' and 'Thoughtful' are good keywords for this player. I just love the melody on this piece and so the way he works it over, goes out, comes back in...perfection.

Track 10 - Big, beefy sound. This seems a shade older, but not too old. I’m pretty certain it’s Fred Anderson. It’s not Drake or Parker, though. Definitely Fred. Second listen — oh, wait! The tune is Fred’s Wandering. I have it as a duet with Harrison Bankhead. This isn’t Harrison on bass, either. This is good stuff. Like Kidd, Fred can be hit or miss with me, but one thing is certain, he’s always putting it out there.

Yep, Fred Anderson, "Wandering". He only made this one record with this group but it's my favorite of his albums.

Track 11 - I’m all in on this from the get go. First impressions are maybe one of Peter Apfelbaum’s groups, but it seems a bit too out. Very aggressive alto. That bass line is hypnotic. Wait a second -I have this. I’m sure of it. Ah, this is Dennis Gonzalez. Yes, there is Charles Brackeen. Such a cry! Oh, yes! I *do* have this — SUCH a great record! Track 1 from this. Been awhile since I’ve played this. I think I’m about poised for another Dennis Gonzalez kick. The Skipper is such a beast and it’s a beautiful mix with the cello on this cut.

I put Dennis Gonzalez on my last BFT. If I did another one, he'd probably be on that, too. I can't help myself. Everything he does is great. This tune is still in his book. I like this performance, but I sure would've rather included this incredibly moving live performance which features a hair-raising solo by the late Tim Green.

Track 12 - A little abstract for my blood. Not really feeling it.

A favorite group. I think the performance stands up well enough on its own, but I largely picked it as a closer for the apt title.

[colinmce]

1 – I would guess the World Saxophone Quartet or something. Not in my array of “things”.

Interesting that two people guessed this. I suppose I can see it.

2 – played it while working, and it never even registered., I got jarred back into active listening by the next cut. Went back to pay attention, and it still kept fading away from my consciousness through the first three minutes or so. Yet I don’t dislike those three minutes. Would be great film music (or maybe it already is?). Once it “started” for me, I found it quite pleasant and pretty, though not overly compelling.

3 – Paul Simon’s “El Condor Pasa”. I like this! Cello is such a cool instrument, can do so many different approaches.

I also know this tune from Bridge Over Troubled Water.

4 – Kept waiting for the rhythm section to come in and the song to start. Leo Smith?

Not Leo Smith, but not far off either.

5 – Don’t think this one’s too avant-garde! “Take the A Train” of course. J. I know Archie Shepp started doing some of this sort of thing in the mid-70’s to prove he could (yet wasn’t overly good at it to me), but this isn’t Shepp.

No, indeed not Shepp, but the same generation. Maybe I'll add that the sax player is not the leader of this group. This is such a perfect tune that I welcome any version. The drummer has never turned in an uninteresting performance.

6 – Works for me. This is one I’d like to own if I don’t already (so much music, such a short lifetime).

7 – Only sort of works for me. I don’t really like that sort of rhythm section. I like to recognize a pulse. Saxophonist is a good player.

Recognizable pulse has never been in the composer's bag.

8 – Had this Sartre nightmare where I was locked in an elevator with Irene Aebi for eternity, and she just kept singing and singing and singing…

Not to everyone's taste but I'm never less than compelled by this all-in musician.

9 - See #4, except this one works a little better for me. But still would never voluntarily return to it.

You might like the album this one comes from. A quintet with Out To Lunch! instrumentation playing melodic post-bop.

10 - Drags too much for me.

Love the drag!

11 – Ace! Always a beautiful BFT occurrence when my favorite cut is the long one. I’ll be looking for this one as soon as the reveal comes out (or some sharpie identifies it). The cello/bass/drums rhythm section on this is killer! That’s what makes the cut for me. The soloists are fine, and the alto and trumpet have beautiful tones, but the context sets him up beautifully. I could play a kazoo solo over top of this and it would sound good.

Gorgeous composition. You would definitely enjoy the LP.

12 – This sort of thing always reminds me of my horror of first hearing the Corea/Braxton stuff,, “Afternoon of a Georgia Faun”, and some of the more inscrutable BYG material 40+ years ago. I was a kid then, and had spent hard-earned money on used/cutouts some of that. I still sort of metaphorically scratch my head and say “huh?”

So,

Track 7 is not my favorite overall but that is a pretty darn good drummer.

I was liking Track 8 ok and then “yikes”, I normally at least get a smile out of these kind of vocals but this one not so much.

For some reason I liked Track 9 a lot more than the earlier one. I'm not sure if I would like an entire solo album but this was very interesting.

Not from a solo album. This piece opens and closes the record in two different versions. The effect is quite moving.

Track 11. Now you are talking. Nothing bad about this. Liked the cello and bass.

Track 12. Great ending piece. Of coarse the von Schlippenbach Trio comes to mind but you wouldn't be that obvious, would you? Hopefully this get an ID before the end of the month. Favorite track along with #1 and the Clusone Trio.

Schlippenbach Trio indeed. This is a studio record of shorter performances, which is something a bit different for them.

By the by, track 1 inspired me to hear some Joe McPhee this morning. Listening to “Oleo” and what do you know.

I am most intrigued by track 2...is it Paul Bley? At the beginning it sort of sounds like him but then near the end it starts to sound a bit like Ketil Bjornstad!?

Not Bley or Bjornstad. The call is coming from inside the house....

Edited February 21, 2015 by colinmce

[colinmce]

Listened now.

Early thoughts on the tracks that made an instant impact:

track 1. is McPhee and duly fabulous but I suspect on an album I don't own (yet)

If you don't own it, you must.

track 2. I just want to know what this is. Loved it

Glad to see some love. I bet you have a record featuring one of the performers that also has this song in a much different arrangement.

track 4. Now this had me thinking of Rob Mazurek's solo album recorded in a castle or church in France but it's obviously not that as this is a well-loved LP. Stumped and intrigued.

FWIW, I didn't do the needle drop. The transfer is pretty egregious.

track 7. Motian tune and I'm fairly sure he's drumming. It sounds like it might be a live recording of a track I know better from the studio. I don't recall so much solo space on the version I know, It's ECM era and possibly Brackeen. I must play those albums again to find it

Yes again to Brackeen. There is a later version I considered using that is so joyful.

track 8. I thought it was Leandre on bass but not necessarily on vocals at first then I decided it could be her on both. It's mighty fine whatever it is. Leimgruber maybe?

Yep, Leandre & Leimgruber. You might be able to guess the percussion from that.

track 11. Just stunning, completely my thing. Familiar but not so much that I think I have it (prepared to be embarrassed later). The bass line really makes this and then that front line. I'm wondering if we're talking Dennis Gonzalez and Charles Brackeen as it's reminiscent of 'Debenge Debenge'. Could it be from the CD of that (I only have the shorter LP)?

Yes again to Gonzalez and Brackeen. Not from 'Debenge', but a Silkheart from the same era.

track 12. Schlippenbach Trio. Can't spot the track or album right off but it's a later one I'd say

Yes.

Great music throughout this and bookended with absolute diamonds. Thanks for putting this together

Is #5 a version of "Take the A Train" by Charles Mingus, from his "Mingus at Monterey" album, with John Handy on tenor sax, and Dannie Richmond on drums?

Nope, but very interesting guess.

Is #9 "Organic Echo" by Lester Bowie, from his "All the Magic" album?

Nope. Also an interesting guess.

I am guessing these from memory as I do not have access to these albums right now.

[mjazzg]

track 8. I thought it was Leandre on bass but not necessarily on vocals at first then I decided it could be her on both. It's mighty fine whatever it is. Leimgruber maybe?

Yep, Leandre & Leimgruber. You might be able to guess the percussion from that.

track 11. Just stunning, completely my thing. Familiar but not so much that I think I have it (prepared to be embarrassed later). The bass line really makes this and then that front line. I'm wondering if we're talking Dennis Gonzalez and Charles Brackeen as it's reminiscent of 'Debenge Debenge'. Could it be from the CD of that (I only have the shorter LP)?

Yes again to Gonzalez and Brackeen. Not from 'Debenge', but a Silkheart from the same era.

track 8. Fritz Hauser? I don't have anything by this trio if it is he but will be looking to remedy that on the back of this

track 11.Now I've got to go and listen to my Gonzalez collection - a hard job but someone's got to do it......

[colinmce]

Yeah, Fritz Hauser. Unfortunately this much-discussed album took me many years to track down. But it's well worth the effort.

[mjazzg]

Track 2. That's not Alex Hawkins and Moholo-Moholo is it? I don't have the album but it sounds like Moholo-Moholo and the pianist isn't Irene Schweizer nor is it Marilyn Crispell I don't think, not sure there. No it's not her so I'm going with Hawkins and wondering why I never got around to seeing them live (or buying the CD) - no excuses as they've played locally several times

could Track 4.be Lester Bowie? If it is I don't now which LP

[colinmce]

Track 2. That's not Alex Hawkins and Moholo-Moholo is it? I don't have the album but it sounds like Moholo-Moholo and the pianist isn't Irene Schweizer nor is it Marilyn Crispell I don't think, not sure there. No it's not her so I'm going with Hawkins and wondering why I never got around to seeing them live (or buying the CD) - no excuses as they've played locally several times

Yep!

could Track 4.be Lester Bowie? If it is I don't now which LP

Nope!

[NIS]

I thought about Nate Wooley when first listening to track 9 but after your comments, I think it might be. If so, a very fine album.

It looks like I have 5 or 6 of these albums so far but only recognized 2 or 3. Not a good percentage.

[jeffcrom]

Where did this month go? I can't believe that I waited until the last day to listen to this excellent BFT. This is pretty rare - I liked every track, and liked most of them a lot. The powerful opening track put me in a good place to really enjoy the whole thing.

Unfortunately, waiting until the last minute means that I don't really have time to do it justice. It's a busy day, and it's not over. I don't even have time to read the rest of this thread right now. I don't think that I've heard any of these tracks before, though, and although I think I recognize a few musicians, the only "official" guess I'm going to make is Byard Lancaster on the South American folk song/Simon & Garfunkel song. And I'm probably wrong about that.

Really enjoyed the music, though, and I'm looking forward to finding out more about it.

[page]

Hi Colin,
I’ve waited so long to post again, since I felt that I had disqualified myself since I saw some answers from someone who posted already at the beginning of the month. Like I’ve said then, I didn’t even know that there was a link yet and I was just checking whether there was news on your BFT. I didn’t think of looking at the first post where you already had posted the new link. So even though I didn’t really look I felt that I had sort of an advantage over the others and so it didn’t feel really fair. I felt a bit disappointed since I like to discover all myself and don’t want a heads start that way.
Anyway, that’s why I’ve waited till the last day of the month to post. Here are my answers and comments.

01. Joe McPhee Po Music – album: Oleo & A Future Retrospective - song: Astral Spirits – recorded at the 2^nd of August 1982 at the Foundation Artist House, in Boswil, Switzerland. label: Hatology. Joe McPhee - , Raymond Boni – guitar, André Jaume – clarinet & alto sax, Francois Méchali – bass
Beautiful beginning, building up to a massive whole and then finding ease. I have a view of a Highland somewhere like in Scotland or Ireland. At one point the main character has a crossroads where it is hard to decide which road to pick. Then it gets clear, like the fog lifts up and the road gets steady and clear. A bit like a poem really. It tells a story. Yes, I like it.

02. Alexander Hawkins, Louis Moholo-Moholo, – album: Keep your heart straight, song: Keep your hear straight – drums & percussion – Louis Moholo-Moholo, piano – Alexander Hawkins
- recorded at the 24^th of October 2011 at Fish Factory in London. Label: Ogun. I had a bit of trouble understanding this one, so I decided to just listen and let it come over me. I didn’t get really into it.

03. Clusono 3 – Michael Moore, Ernst Reijseger, Han Bennink – album: Rara Avis – song: El Condor Pasa - original composer Paul Simon. I’m a fan, so it’s nice to see what someone else does with it. There was great suspense in it. Recorded at the 13^th of December 1997 at Kulak, Berikon in Switzerland. label: Hatology. Alto – Michael Moore, cello - Ernst Reijseger, drums – Han Bennink.
I like what they did with the time and I guess that made this an intriguing listen.

04. I have no clue, but I’ve really enjoyed this trumpet solo.

05. Ed Blackwell – album Walls–Bridges – song: Take the A-train, originally by Billy Strayhorn
Phonocomp – bass – Cameron Brown, drums – Ed Blackwell – tenor – Dewey Redman – recorded live at concert on the 27^th of February 1992, at the Hampden Theatre at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Black Saint label.
Nicely done.

06. Kidd Jordan, Hamid Drake, William parker – album: Pain of Soul – song: Resolution
recorded at Systems Two Studio, Brooklyn on the 23^rd of September 2005. Label: AUM Fidelity. Tabla – Hamid Drake, tenor – Kidd Jordan, guembri – William Parker.
At one point I think I’m hearing something from a well-known song but I can’t come up with the title for it. I like these percussion instruments especially. The tenor I didn’t like that much. Beautiful album cover.

07. Paul Motian trio– album: Le Voyage – song: Abacus
album 1979 – recorded in March 1979 at the Tonstudio Bauer in Ludwigsburg, Germany. ECM records. composer Paul Motian.
tenor – Charles Brackeen, bass – J.F. Jenny-Clark, drums – Paul Motian.
Since I’ve worked with the abacus when I was teaching, it was a bit of a funny title for me for this song.

08. Urs Leimgruber, Joëlle Leandre, Fritz Hauser – album: No try no fail 1996 – song: Third, recorded live at Loft, Köln on the 10^th of March 1996. label: Hatology. sax – Urs Leimgruber, bass and vocals – Joëlle Léandre, drums, percussion - Fritz Hauser.
It sounded like there were animals in the recording, like it was a bit jungle like at some point.

09. 3:33 Nate Wooley Quintet– album: (Put your) Hands Together recorded 16 September 2010, song: Shanda Lea
solo trumpet by Nate Wooley – recorded at the 16^th of September 2010. Label Clean Feed.
Beautiful solo piece.

10. Fred Anderson – album: Black Horn Long Gone – song: Wandering - composer – Fred Anderson.
Tenor – Fred Anderson, bass Maachi Favors Maghostut, drums - Ajaramu. Recorded at the Sparrow Sound Design Recording Studio in Chicago in January 1003.
I did like the accompanying playing of the tenor and the bass playing the theme together. I often enjoy bass playing melody I must say. Nice.

11. No clue. Lovely bass playing. Overall nice song. Nice theme. I didn’t like all soloing, some somewhat too crowdy for me, mainly by the horn players. Maybe weird but I thought it had a bit of Take 5 in it sometimes.

12. Schlippenbach Trio – Alexander von Schlippenbach, Evan parker, Paul Lovens - album: God is where you find it - song: God is where you find it composer – Alexander von Schlippenbach. drums – Paul loens, piano – Alexander von Schlippenbach, tenor – Evan Parker.
Recorded at 11^th and 12^th of June 2007 at the SWR Studio in Baden-Baden, Germany. Label: Intakt Records.

Thank you for this BFT with all new music to me. I feel like I’m broadening my horizon and getting to explore a new world. I like the lyric stuff among these and want to know more about it. I try to visualize while I’m listening which will help me as a songwriter and new stuff will open up your mind to new ways. Thank you for showing these.
Kind regards, page

Edited February 28, 2015 by page

[jeffcrom]

Well, of course I had heard some of the tracks before - a couple are on my shelves. That's what I get for waiting to the last minute and not leaving time to digest the music. Anyway, once again, great stuff.