New/Recent Blue Note signings

[mjazzg]

I'm heartened to see that BN are signing some new talent.  I haven't seen them discussed here but then they're not dead or in their 80s 

Anyone checked any of these out yet?  I like the Ndudzo Makhatini a lot, the Ross I'm less convinced about (although very much liked his contributions to the recent Peter Evans) on a couple of listens and I still need to hear the Wilkins' 'Omega'

Anyone spotted any more?

 

Edited August 7, 2020 by mjazzg

[Rabshakeh]

Thanks for the heads up. I quite enjoyed Nduduzo Makhathini's playing on those recent Shabaka and the Elders records, so interesting to know, and one I will check out. 

[Rooster_Ties]

They should sign Billy Harper.

[Pim]

48 minutes ago, Rooster_Ties said:

They should sign Billy Harper.

Amen!

[mjazzg]

Yes, encouraging young talent like Billy, they certainly should!

[Eric]

Gerald Clayton - Live at the Village Vanguard is a real winner.  Logan Richardson and Walter Smith III tear it up.  I love the cover art as well.

Edited August 7, 2020 by Eric

[mjazzg]

31 minutes ago, Eric said:

Gerald Clayton - Live at the Village Vanguard is a real winner.

Thanks, that one has passed me by. I'll have a listen. I like his work with Charles Lloyd

[Pim]

3 hours ago, mjazzg said:

Yes, encouraging young talent like Billy, they certainly should!

77 is the new 27

[Guy Berger]

7 hours ago, mjazzg said:

I'm heartened to see that BN are signing some new talent.  I haven't seen them discussed here but then they're not dead or in their 80s 

Anyone checked any of these out yet?  I like the Ndudzo Makhatini a lot, the Ross I'm less convinced about (although very much liked his contributions to the recent Peter Evans) on a couple of listens and I still need to hear the Wilkins' 'Omega'

Anyone spotted any more?

 

I liked this one.

[bertrand]

Joe Chambers just made a new record for Blue Note.

[sidewinder]

Just now, bertrand said:

Joe Chambers just made a new record for Blue Note.

Excellent !

[bertrand]

My thoughts on this. If Blue Note did not want anyone to associate them with the Alfred Lion Blue Note, they would change the name.

But they didn't. So what are some marketing options to keep them current with 2020 jazz yet not ignore their roots? Sign talented new artists such as Wilkins, Ross, Clayton, and re-sign a few of the veterans like Wayne, Dr. Lonnie and now Joe. The back-catalog is not doing great, as far as I am concerned, but I do not collect vinyl.

Billy Harper is an interesting idea. A veteran who has never been a leader. Joe already was a leader once in 1999, and has many sidemen dates. Billy has a more fleeting connection. Signing him strictly based on his powerful artistry regardless of age or BN connections is a perfectly logical choice from the artistic point of view, but the bean-counters run the show.

Edited August 7, 2020 by bertrand

[danasgoodstuff]

I've listened to the Ross online a few times and it's grown on me.  Joe Chambers should be good.  I've skimmed a few other recent signings and not been blown away but not turned off either.  I'd love to hear young horn players on the label play with Lonnie Smith.

[JSngry]

27 minutes ago, bertrand said:

Billy Harper is an interesting idea. A veteran who has never been a leader.

Surely you jest?

Or do you mean just never a leader on Blue Note?

28 minutes ago, bertrand said:

But they didn't. So what are some marketing options to keep them current with 2020 jazz yet not ignore their roots? Sign talented new artists such as Wilkins, Ross, Clayton, and re-sign a few of the veterans like Wayne, Dr. Lonnie and now Joe.

That was how Lundvall "re-launched" the label, if you think about it.

[CJ Shearn]

I have digital promos of the Wilkins, Clayton, new Frisell and album by Artemis and the Blue Note: reimagined I intend to review.  I listened to most of the Clayton, Logan Richardson and Marcus Gilmore make very strong contributions.  After a listen, I need to really focus on the Wilkins, there is some really good playing there.  I think Blue Note should keep signing new artists because thee most important thing in jazz is to be present in the here and now.  Blue Note at this point as we all know is just a brand, and I don't think many artists have broken out during the Don Was era, Robert Glasper, Norah Jones and Jose James were all with them in the Lundvall era, Ambrose Akinmusire too whom I think is the biggest stand out.  This current era is not that different from the George Butler/UA one honestly... most of what's being put out is product.  If anything, Blue Note should sign someone like Connie Han because she could benefit from more diverse settings.

1 hour ago, Guy Berger said:

I liked this one.

It is good but the sound is horrible.  So compressed.

Edited August 7, 2020 by CJ Shearn

[bertrand]

3 hours ago, JSngry said:

Surely you jest?

Or do you mean just never a leader on Blue Note?

That was how Lundvall "re-launched" the label, if you think about it.

Of course I meant on Blue Note. Just like Joe has been a leader once on Blue Note.

[jcam_44]

I really enjoy the Immanuel Wilkins album. Very strong debut. The Gerald Clayton was excellent as well. Joel Ross didn’t catch me on two listens.