JOHN A. LEWIS TRIO - COALESCENCE
The Trio consists of composer/pianist John A Lewis, bassist Jordon Schug and drummer Merik Gillett. The music was recorded in 2003 while the trio was performing at Sullivans Steakhouse in Dallas, Texas, where they have been performing for over three years. The CD is a collection of twelve tunes - six originals and six standards. The recording displays a wide range of styles that includes straight ahead swing, latin tinged tunes, blues and rock flavored tunes. The Trio presents a cohesive and balanced sound that shows fluency and lucidity and yet each group member displays a unique voice. Darryl Thomas, the owner and director of Sandaga 813, a music emporium in Dallas Texas writes "Coalesence is a wonderful collection of fine originals and standards. It is also obvious this group of musicians enjoy playing together. John A Lewis is an excellent composer and is very direct in his sense of groove. This CD is truly a joy to listen to. Track number four, the Cedar Walton arrangement of 'The Meaning of the Blues' touches my soul. This CD is just great music."
STONE ALLIANCE - STONE ALLIANCE
An amazing little group – and one of the real standouts in indie jazz during the 70s! Stone Alliance are a killer power trio made up of players who'd previously worked for Elvin Jones – and all three of them have inherited a frenzied sense of rhythm from Jones – and that great sharp edge he brought to his initial early recordings in the post-Coltrane years! But there's also a deeper sound going on here, too – a bit of funk, and definitely a bit of Latin in the percussion and basslines – which makes for these grooves that are as complicated as they are infectious – often given some sweet spiritual tones from the reeds on top! The lineup features Steve Grossman on tenor and soprano sax, Gene Perla on bass, and Don Alias on drums and percussion – all working together with tremendous energy, but a great focus too – always soulful, and never too jamming at all. Titles include the insane break track "Sweetie Pie", plus Stevie Wonder's "Creepin", "Duet", "King Tut", "Samba De Negro" and "Vaya Mulatto". (Part of the Deep Jazz Reality series!) ~ Dusty Groove
THE JAZZ CRUSADERS - GIVE PEACE A CHANCE
The Jazz Crusaders at the start of the 70s – taking on a bit of The Beatles and some great grooves of their own – and picking up a fair bit of funk in the process! The album still has the group working in the best modes of their late 60s Liberty years – more jazz than fusion, with the core group honed to a solid "t" – able to slide effortlessly over slinky rhythms with soaring solos – a marvelous combination of music that comes from the efforts of Wayne Henderson on trombone, Wilton Felder on tenor, Stix Hooper on drums, Buster Williams on bass, and Joe Sample on both acoustic and electric piano. Beatles tunes include "Give Peace A Chance" and "Black Bird" – but the rest of the album is original material from the group – really showing them hipping up their vibe with some righteous funky energy of the late 60s. Titles include "Anita's New Dance", "Space Settlement", "All The Lonely Years", "Another Blues", and "I Think It Was A Dream". ~ Dusty Groove
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