Paul Winter Consort, Ralph Towner & Gary Burton

This final Sunday Music Muse Day of the year, I step away from the holiday music and present two old favorites with a single musician in common, Ralph Towner.   First up, Paul Winter Consort - Road.  Seeing the cover of this CD, I had to buy it. Although, I promised myself I'd resist buying CDs of the original vinyls I sold with my record collection, two years ago. I first heard The Winter Consort at a free live concert at John Jay Brauch College near the School of Visual Arts, back in the 1970s. It was just a chance attendance. I liked their mix of folk and world music.  I remember borrowing the album from the NY Public Library, and buying a copy years later. Later, I recognized the guitarist, Ralph Towner, on an ECM record and started following his music.  Actually, all the band members, with the except of Paul Winter were to become major artists on the ECM label, and I have their recording in my CD collection.

My second choice is Ralph Towner and Gary Burton - Matchbook, the vinyl record. I'm not sure if this was the first Ralph Towner record I purchased, but it is a favorite of mine. The original one I had, I sold with my record collection.  I already had a replacement CD copy. This vinyl copy was bought at a thrift store, to rescue it from the junk record bind it was in. I couldn't let it remain with all those trashy records. I gave it to my son Spencer, who's into vinyl, now, as an Xmas gift.  Ralph Towner has reminded a solid favorite guitarist of mine, and he's still alive, performing, and recording for ECM, at 85 year old. 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful, and peaceful holiday season. All the best to you, and your families.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Milton Nascimento, Jerry Granelli

On this cold and snowy Sunday Music Muse Day, lets start with music from sunny Brazil, with Milton Nascimento - Milton, the gifted Brazilian singer-songwriter. I enjoyed this CD more than the last one of his I presented with Esperanza Spalding, maybe because this one was made soon after his breakout recording Native Dancer with Wayne Shorter.  Shorter and Herbie Hancock appear on this release, so that's a plus. I'll say it's worth a listen just for that.

Next up, Jerry Granelli - A Song I thought I heard Buddy Sing. I admit, I picked up this release on the strength of the sidesmen, especially Bill Frisell, one of my favorite guitarist.  The recording is mentioned in the liner notes of his "Dance Hall" recording as the first recording made with Frisell and guitarist Robben Ford. The liner notes for  "A Song..." states: "This recording was inspired by the Michael Ondaatje's haunting novel, "Coming Through Slaughter", about the life and times of the legendary New Orleans horn player, Buddy Bolden".  Although, I've the heard the name, I'm a little light on my New Orleans' music history, so I'll have to look him up for more context to the music.  Overall, I like the laid-back feel of the session. The group doesn't fight for your attention, instead the solid interplay straws you in.  Listen, and let yourself go.

Winter has arrived in our area, if the snow trend continues we may have a White Christmas. Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the Holiday Season with family, and friends. Peace

Sundday Music Muse Day - Dec. 7, 2025 - Anthony Wilson Trio, Paul Glasse

This Sunday Music Muse Day find me presenting groups is using instruments I don't often seek out in my jazz buying trips.  First up, The Anthony Wilson Trio Savivity,  with Wilson on guitar, Joe Bagg on Hammond B-3 organ, and Mark Ferber. Of course, there are many legendary jazz organ trios, and players, it's just not my go jazz sound.  That said, I do like this, definitely recommend you give it a listen.

My next choice is a little more eclectic, Paul Glasses self-titled outing, who plays mandolin & mandola, in a jazzy setting.  The liner notes give fully explanation of the music. I must be honest, I picked this CD up because I have music by the guitarist Mitch Watkins, from the '80's and '90s, and I haven't heard much from him, lately. The music reminds me of the David Grisman's album "Hot Dawg", a real favorite of mine. 

So, winter is fast approaching as we head into the Christmas/Holiday season.  It's a good time for a warm drink, settle in to a comfy chair, and to listen to good music. Enjoy.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Dave Holland Quintet, Ben Monder

This Sunday Music Muse Day finds me with another ECM double header, both of which I thought were new releases, since I haven't come across them before, but that's not the case.  First up, the Dave Holland Quintet Extended Play Live at Birdland released in 2003.  Leader Holland is a world renowned jazz bassist, composer and bandleader for over five decades.  I first heard him on the Miles Davis albums starting with Files de Kilimanjaro, In a Silent Way, and Bitches Brew. Also, his long association with the ECM label, especially, the Gateway recording with John Abercrombie and Jack Dejohnette which are favorites of mine. This live 2-disc set presents his quintet playing a lively collection of mostly originals by Holland.  The music is just short of free jazz, so it can be a challenging listen, but overall, it stays in a comfortable sonic/musical zone, that I could enjoy.

Next up is Ben Monder Amorphae. This a 2015 ECM release that land on the opposite side of the jazz spectrum, it's introspective and moody, more sonic explorations by Monder on electric guitar and electric baritone guitar, with accompaniment by drummers Andrew Cyrille, Paul Motian, and Peter Rende on synthesizer.  It's very spacey, but enjoyable, if you're in the right mood. 

I hope everyone have a nice Thanksgiving.  New you can put up the Christmas decoration with getting dirty looks from people (like me) who hates Xmas stuff popping up before Thanksgiving. Happy Holidays. 

Sunday Music Muse Day - Galactic Cowboy Orchestra, Musica Orbis

 This Sunday Music Muse day finds me exploring my more eclectic taste in music. This was fuels by m impulse buy of indie band's CD offer that popped up in my Facebook feed. The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra Earth Lift. Here's their pitch: "We’re Galactic Cowboy Orchestra. We’re an Art-Rock/Jazz-Fusion band that started back in 2009 to make music that challenges us — complex, spontaneous, and built for the edge of the stage. If you like music that takes some chances, you deserve a treat! Our DownBeat-nominated album Earth Lift is yours, just cover $5 shipping and we’ll mail you the CD.

Five dollars is what I usually pay used CDs, so I after a watching a performance clip I ordered the CD.  It arrived fast, and giving it a listen, I can hear definite hints of Robert Fripp's King Crimson and a hint of McLaughlin's Mahavishu Orchestra (which founding member/bassist John Wright names as influences). I also admit Lisi Wright, the violin player, does have an "engaging stage presence" (hey...that's their words). I'd like to seek out their 2025 release for a listen.

Actually, buying the Galactic Cowboy Orchestra's CD reminded me of maybe my first indie band album buy. Back in 1977, I was subbing as MC at the Basement Coffee House for my friend Don Shanley, and a group Musica Orvis, "an American electric chamber music quintet with instrumentation included voices, harp, flute, cello acoustic and electric bass, drums, marimba, vibes, synthesizer, organ, pump, knee harp, wooden recorder, bells, hand percussion, fender Rhodes, and piano." - Wikipedia.  The Basement had a tiny stage, I don't think the full band was there, I remember the harpist being there, and singer Kitty Brazelton, who also had a "engaging stage presence". After the show, she mentioned their next gig was a place in my neighborhood, "Home Bar", East 92nd & 3rd Ave.  First time I had heard of it. I went to the gig at Home, and it became my "Cheers" bar, where I met many lifetime friends.  I ordered Musica Orbis self-produced vinyl record, and received a autographed letter with it. Sorry to say, I sold the vinyl two years ago and left the letter with the record. I liked the music's eclectic nature. It seems the band broke up two years later in 1979.  But, I still owe singer Kitty Brazelton a world of thanks. You can find the full record on Youtube.

So, that it for different  Sunday Music Muse Day post.

Sunday Music Muse Day - John Abercrombie Quartet, Paul Motian

On this post-Halloween Sunday Music Muse Day, we start the Daylight Saving, again.  The chilly, rainy Halloween didn't dampen the spirits of young Trick or Treaters who came to our door step. It was a nice feeling to welcome them.  Our first selection this Sunday is the John Abercrombie Quartet Within A Song. This is a rather mellow, low-key, but very pleasant session, with leader Abercrombie on guitar, Joe Lovano on Tenor Saxophone, Drew Gress on double-bass, and Joey Baron on drums. It's perfect listening for autumn afternoon, or evening.

My next selection is Paul Motian in Tokyo, with Bill Frisell and Joe lovano, again.  This live 1991 recording presents a more free-jazz, avant-garde performance, not really my taste, but I'll try any recording with Bill Frisell, as he's one of my favorite musician for his eclectic range of playing. The CD has interesting package graphic art.

I'm happy I don't have to deal with the Monday morning struggle to get up on time after the time change.  That's one perk of being retired. Enjoy.