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.