Sunday Music Muse Day - John Nyerges, Gerry Mulligan Quartet

Again, this Sunday Music Muse Day finds us continuing our countdown to Holiday's big events.  Here's some good tunes counter the onslaught of holiday music.  First up is John Nyerges Jazz, Pictures and Poems.  I admit pianist Nyerges is new to me, but his sidemen on this 2007 session included  Rich Thompson (drums), Clay Jenkins (trumpet) and Jeff Campbell (bass) who make up the group Trio East, who I've featured many times before.  It's nice to hear them in solid support of Nyerges's originals.

Next up is an another Gerry Mulligan find, Gerry Mulligan with Chet Baker  Reunion.  This is an interesting collection of mono recorded tracks, and alternate takes, from the 1950s and 60's. You can't go wrong with Mulligan and Baker in any format.

Next week, we plan to get the Christmas tree, so I expect I'll post some holiday music favorites. Still enjoy.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Trio East, Clarlie Byrd, Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet,

This week's Sunday Music Muse Day again features some great local talent in Trio East, with Rich Thompson on drums, Clay Jenkins on trumpet, and Jeff Campbell on bass.  Lisa and I caught the first set of the Trio East performance at the Little Theatre Cafe on Friday night.  We're sorry we couldn't stay for the second set, seems we missed the horn player Jeff Beal playing with the group.  But before we left we were able to talk Rich Thompson and buy their latest CD, plus Rich throw a second at a heavy discount (thanks, again Rich).  I really like the both CDs, For the Love, and Best Bets.  They play a wide range of tunes from jazz standards and composers, plus striking originals.  My ears perk up at the tunes of guitarists John Scofield and John Abercrombie, two favorites of mine,which they presents on their live set and on CD.  Scofield and Abrcrombie don't get enough credit for their composing skills.  By all means, check out Trio East, whenever possible.  You're in for a treat.

In between rainy downpours today, I was able to hit the record shops and find two more interesting picks.  First is Charlie Byrd for Louis, by legendary guitarist Charlie Byrd, well known for introducing Brazilian "bossa nova" to the U.S. with Stan Getz on the classic LP Jazz Samba.  Sadly, For Louis, was his last studio recording, competed several weeks before he passed away on December 2, 1999.  This is sort of tribute to another legend and contemporary, Louis Armstrong, featuring tunes strongly associated with Louis.  It is a very fitting testament to the legacy of both of them.

My last selection was leap of faith, Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet Intents and Purposes. I didn't knew anything about the leader guitartist Rez Abbasi or the other palyers, but the tagline on the CD cover, "Acoustic Interpretations of 70's Jazz-Rock Classics" hooked me.  I know all the tunes listed and have the original LPs of all the artists. So, this was worth a chance.  I'm happy to say the group does a great job on these tune.  I'll be enjoying this CD many times over.  I'll have to look for Abbasi's other works.

That's it for the first Sunday Music Muse Day of October.  Fall is here, and winter is not far behind.  This is the perfect time to store up good music to warm your hearts on those cold days and night to come.  I know these selection will warm mine.  Enjoy.

Sunday Music Muse Day - John Abercrombie, Marc Copland and Kenny Wheeler, Trio East, Astral Project.

This week's Sunday Music Muse Day selections finds me picking up three CDs, one featuring  an old favorite player, a group with a guitarist recently featured in a post, and a nod to a local musician I met over the holidays.  First up is a CD titled That's for Sure,  featuring guitarist John Abercrombie, a favorite of mine for many years.  Here, he's playing in a trio setting with leader Marc Copland on piano and Kenny Wheeler on trumpet and Flugelhorn.  This music has the earmarks of a ECM recording, but it was released by Challenge Records, and actually Abercrombie and Wheeler appear courtesy of ECM records.

The next selection is Astral Project, VooDooBop. According to wikipedia, "Astral Project blends styles of jazz, funk, rock and world and have been referred to as one of New Orleans' "premier" jazz groups".  I picked the CD up because of guitarist Steve Masakowski, who's CD, What it was, was featured in a post back in December.  I always read the personal of groups I may not familiar with, if a player I like in on the CD, I'll give it a chance.  It's a way to discover new music outside my comfort zone of favorites.

Another great to find new music is to be introduced to the musician in person, as was the case with drummer Rich Thompson, and the group Trio East.  On the CD, Trio East Stop-Start, Rich plays with Clay Jenkins on trumpet, and Jeff Campbell on bass.  I was introduced to Rich by drummer Mike Melito at Mike's New Year Eve gig with the Bob Sneider Trio at the Little Cafe.  I'm flattered that Rich also a fan of my father Sam, as Mike is. 

I enjoy meeting local jazz musicians and supporting them by buying their CDs and getting out to see them play live.  I hope I can catch Trio East and Rich Thompson in the near future.  Until then, I have this CD to enjoy.