Sunday Music Muse Day - Dino Losito & Mike Melito, Dave Holland Quintet

This week's Sunday Music Muse Day selections have one thing in common and that is being released about the same year, 2001. 2002. Both sound as fresh as if recorded yesterday.  First up is pianist Dino Losito Like That, with Neil Miner on bass, and my friend Mike Melito on drums. This a nice straight ahead session and you could call The Mike Melito/Dino Losito Quartet 2020 release a follow up.  I'm glad I found to this earlier recording. There's a lot to enjoy in this. Lets hope we don't have to wait another twenty years for the next one.

My second twenty year old selection is Dave Holland Quintet Not for Nothing. This outing by the well-known and respected bassist, has online reviewer giving it 4 1/2 out of 5 start and calling it "progressive postbopism" and "postmodern poetic singing" - Tom Jurek - All Music. This is definitely adventurous music and engaging jazz.  Well worth giving it a listen.

It seems spring has finally arrived, with clear skies and pleasant weather giving us lot of opportunity to get outside for so fresh air.  But there still will be plenty to sit back and enjoy some tune. 

Sunday Music Muse Day - Dave Holland Qunitent Gary Burton.

Again, this Sunday Music Muse Day find us with ever changing weather. we woke up with light layer of snow, which melt by midday sunshine, but the temperature stat dropping.  After some weekend chores like grocery shopping it nice to kick back and enjoy these tunes.  Dave Holland Quintet Prime Directive, a stellar outing on ECM. It get a 4 of 5 star on most review posts, and it lies up to every star.

Next is a nice follow up to to a CD I featured recently.  Gary Burton Next Generation is the the follow his Gary Burton Generations CD, where he introduce guitarist Julian Lage.   Gary again exhibits his well talent for presenting raising young talent nad discoveries.  This CD also features tunes written by guitarist alums Pat Metheny and Mick Goodrick, and plus showcase tunes by the current members. Going with the theme of alum's tune, I wish Gary had included one by  Larry Coryell, the late great guitarist who was in Burton's early classic group.  Gary Burton is very much a fine example of the band leader/mentor in the jazz tradition of drummer Art Blakey and Miles Davis.  You can expect good things from the young players who pass through his group.

Spring should be just around the corner, at least that what the calendar  says.  Lets just hope for the best and welcome it with good music. Enjoy.

Sunday Music Muse (a day Late) -Michael Melito, Peterr Erskine, Dave Holland Quintet, Lonni Smith Trio with John Abercrombie.

Sometimes It's hard to stay on schedule, so my Sunday Music Muse Day post is a day late.  (I took time out to go see a movie, and have dinner with a friend)  But, I still found time to pick up a few goodies.  First we'll be "giving the drummer some..." as Jim Brown would say.  I found another gem from Mike Melito aka Michael Melito Quartet 'Bout Time, recorded in 2000.  This is another swinging hard bop session the Mike excels at so well.  I don't try to be a completest, but I think I'm only missing one of Mike CDs to have all his sessions as a leader.  I'm keeping my eyes peeled for it.

Next up, again giving a nod to a drummer, Peter Erskine Sweet Soul, a post-Weather Report session.  Erskine is joined by guitarist John Scofield, bassist Marc Johnson, and saxophonist Joe Levano, and other named players. Rated 4 out of 5 star on the All Music website, Reviewer Scott Yanow stated, "Throughout the date, the solos uplift the material and make this CD a worthy purchase for listeners who enjoy challenging but sometimes accessible post-bop music." I think this CD leads to the more introspect outings on ECM. I'm glad I found it. A nice personal touch to this CD is the dedication to Erskine's mother with a beautiful old photo.  That's very sweet.

Staying with a member of the rhythm as leader, here's Dave Holland Quintet Not for Nothin'.  Here's another CD that gets a 4 1/2 out of 5 star rating from All Music website, where reviewer Thom Jurek says, "This is postmodern poetic singing at its finest. Who said jazz is a dead art form? Let he or she who has the ears to hear, hear; the Dave Holland Quintet is carrying the banner of creative music in the jazz tradition in the 21st century."  This a fine ECM session and deserving of the praise.

My last selection for the week is musical tribute with twist, Jimi Hendrix music played my some impressive jazz players.  The Lonnie Smith Trio Purple Haze, featuring John Abercrombie on guitar, Marvin "Smitty" Smith on Drums, and Dr. Lonnie Smith on organ. (they note that Dr. Lonnie Smith is often mistaken for contemporary keyboardist Lonnie Liston Smith) John Abercrombie is one of my favorite guitarist in his own right, so it was a no-brainer to pick this up.  It's fun to heard these jazz guys take on the Hendrix tunes.  This is actually the second Hendrix tribute record Dr Lonnie Smith put together with these musicians, so I guess I have another CD to hunt down. (A side note: I really hate the cheesy looking cover, so I store it with the six panel page showing instead)

All in all, a nice group of CDs to explore and enjoy.