Monday, April 13, 2020

New Music Releases: Donald Byrd & The Blackbyrds, Max Freytag, Daniel Carter / Matthew Shipp / William Parker / Gerald Cleaver

Donald Byrd & The Blackbyrds - Jazz Funk Collection (3CD set)

An amazing tribute to some of the greatest jazz funk of the 70s – the groundbreaking work of trumpeter Donald Byrd, both as a solo act on his own, and as the inspiration for the mighty Blackbyrds group – both of whom are featured on this set! Byrd first broke into new territory in the early 70s with a string of amazing records on Blue Note – all done with help from genius producer Larry Mizell, who helped Byrd's trumpet find a way to groove in an electric space, but at a level that was very different (and a lot more soulful) than any sort of Miles Davis electric modes! This work quickly inspired a young group at Howard University, who chose the name Blackbyrds as a nod to Donald – who quickly became their mentor and producer, and helped them forge a great blend of jazz and funk before they took off on their own. This set features 39 tracks from both artists, illustrating a fantastic partnership and shared musical inspiration – with work from Byrd's Blue Note and Wea albums, and all the great Blackbyrds records for Fantasy in the 70s. Titles include Donald Byrd tracks "Dominoes", "Black Byrd", "Lansana's Priestess", "Wind Parade", "Flying High", "Thank You For Funking Up My Life", "Onward Til Morning", "Dance Band", "Science Funktion", "Dominoes", "Flight Time", "Witch Hunt", "Stepping Into Tomorrow", "Sexy Dancer (12" mix)", "Star Trippin (12" mix)", "Pretty Baby", "Giving It Up", and "Dancing In The Street". Blackbyrds cuts include "Blackbyrd's Theme", "Do It Fluid", "Flying High", "Cornbread", "Time Is Movin", "Happy Music", "Rock Creek Park", "Walkin In Rhythm", "Lookin Ahead", "Street Games", "Gut Level", "Party Land", and "Supernatural Feeling". ~ Dusty Groove

Max Freytag - Picasso Fish Island

If you enjoy 'easy listening' music, the music of Max Freytag is especially recommended. The culture blog says: "Music you shouldn't miss". Accompanied by drums (Max Heinemann) and double bass (Artur Schulz), the new pieces breathe the spirit of classical cool jazz, are light-footedly swinging without neglecting the special depth of Freytag's playing. If you are afraid of jazz, you don't have to shy away from it. The humorously titled pieces on "Picasso Fish Island" are playful here and there, but always find their way back to the melody. The dignified aged Steinway grand piano, which can be heard here, fits perfectly to this timeless music with its warm and brilliant sound.

Daniel Carter / Matthew Shipp / William Parker / Gerald Cleaver - Welcome Adventure! Vol. 1 

Daniel Carter, Matthew Ship, William Parker, and Gerald Cleaver are releasing the quartet's first ever album released together despite playing together in different iterations over the last several decades. Are you ready for magic? The master musicians Daniel Carter, Matthew Shipp, William Parker and Gerald Cleaver will provide access with this album, the first they have released after playing together for decades. Daniel Carter has been collaborating with William Parker since the early 70s and with Matthew Shipp starting in the mid 80s. This trio has played together on many recordings but by adding legendary drummer Gerald Cleaver to the mix they have created a masterpiece combination; a supergroup of sorts. This all-star project is presented in two parts/LPs. This is the first volume - with volume two scheduled to be published in the near future. Listen to Welcome Adventure! and experience the mystical journey of these masterful artists as they guide you through the realm of magic.


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