Marvin Stamm: Mistery Man (1993)

Marvin Stamm (born May 23, 1939, Memphis, Tennessee) is an American bebop trumpeter.

Stamm began on trumpet at age 12, and attended college at North Texas State University where he was a member of the world renowned One O'Clock Lab Band. Following this he played with Stan Kenton's Mellophonium Orchestra from 1961 to 1963, and with Woody Herman from 1965 to 1966. Following this he was in the Thad Jones and Mel Lewis Orchestra from 1966 to 1972, and with Benny Goodman from 1974 to 1975. In the 1970s he also began a decades-long career as a prolific studio and session musician. In the studio he has recorded with Average White Band, Bill Evans, Quincy Jones, Donald Fagen, Oliver Nelson, Duke Pearson, Wes Montgomery, Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Turrentine, Grover Washington, Jr., Patrick Williams, Michel Legrand, Lena Horne, Frank Foster, Paul Desmond, and George Benson.

In the 1980s he played with John Lewis' American Jazz Orchestra, the Bob Mintzer Band, the George Gruntz Concert Jazz Band (1987), Louie Bellson's Big Band and the band of composer Maria Schneider.

Tracklist
01. Mark Time
02. Influence
03. Marionette
04. Man With the Cucumber
05. Re-Re
06. Giuseppe
07. Old Ballad
08. The Mystery Man
09. A Method to the Madness
10. My Funny Valentine
Mystery Man
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Mike Stern: Play (1999)

Mike Stern is a preeminent guitarist for two key reasons: One, he can play all styles very well and with equal command; and two, he plays very well with all other players. He always shows great respect for those with whom he is playing and gives them each the time and space to develop their musical ideas. Stern displays these two qualities in abundance on Play. Several notable guests join Stern and his core band for this release. Guitarists John Scofield and Bill Frisell and drummer Dennis Chambers each team with Stern on several tracks. If you enjoy straight-ahead jazz, listen to Stern and Scofield on the title track, or mix in Bob Malach's tenor sax on "Outta Town." If you like your guitar music slightly more spacious and lyrical, try Stern and Frisell on the hypnotic "Blue Tone" or the pensive "All Heart." Finally, if you want to turn up the heat and move into some rock/funk-influenced fusion, then check out the groovy "Tipatina's," the bold rocker "Link," or the intensely funky "Big Kids." It is no surprise, based on his other work, that Chambers, in particular, gives the band a kick in the musical pants inspiring bassist Lincoln Goines to enjoy the ride. Play is an outstanding guitar album from the highly accomplished and incredibly versatile Mike Stern. It is highly recommended.

Tracklist
1. Play (7:13)
2. Small World (5:24)
3. Outta Town (6:08)
4. Blue Tone (6:43)
5. Tipatina's (6:33)
6. All Heart (6:22)
7. Frizz (5:39)
8. Link (6:52)
9. Goin' Under (4:07)
10. Big Kids (7:27)
Play
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Stanley Clarke: Live (1976-1977) (1991)

Stanley Clarke is simply the greatest bassist to have ever graced the earth with his presence. There are many other great ones (Manring, Wooten, Hamm, Jaco, etc.) but one thing that separates Stanley from the others is his compositional skills. The disc doesn't have a version of his suites but it captures all of the diversity that Stanley and his bandmates unleash during a show. The opener is "School Days". The form is the same as on the disc of the same name but live it is taken to another energy level. Ray Gomez lets loose and then Stanley defies the physical limitations that a person has. The speed and clarity is unreal. Then he cuts loose with some slap. The horn section gives this song even more power. More of Stanley's ability to bring out the funk are "Lopsy-Lu" and "Silly Putty". Anyone that plays bass should take notes on how the instrument should be played. The bass lines on these songs are two lessons in how to be funky. Stanley grooves on both tunes and the horn section is present again on "Silly Putty". "Lopsy Lu" finds Stanley exchanging fours with his bandmates. There is also an example of Clarke's acoustic grace on "Bass Folk Song". The piece is a duet with Stanley and his keyboardist. No one can play the upright like Stanley can. The same virtuosity that he displays on electric bass he has on an acoustic. The ability to play electric and acoustic with equal awe inspiration is another thing that separates Stanley from the rest. Also included on the disc are two RTF covers. "Dayride" features Jerry Brown on drums. "The Magician" is the other RTF tune and although the tune lacks Dimeola it is still phenomenal. No one has taken Jazz/Rock/ Funk/Fusion to greater heights than Stanley. His writing is a refection of his schooling and his Coltanesque sheets-of-sound bass technique is a revelation. The bottom line is this. If you are a bass player or you appreciate anyone that can take their instrument to unmatched heights then get this. It is the greatest one from the greatest one.

Tracklist

01. School Days

02. Lopsy Lu
03. Quiet Afternoon
04. Silly Putty
05. Dayride
06. Bass Folk Song No. 3
07. The Magician
08. Desert Song
09. Vulcan Princess
Live 1976-1977
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Dennis Chambers: Outbreak (2002)

A formidable, ferocious and ultra-funky presence behind the kit in such celebrated ensembles as Parliament-Funkadelic, Steely Dan, Santana and the Brecker Brothers as well as incendiary fusion outfits led by guitarists John Scofield, Mike Stern and John McLaughlin, Dennis Chambers is everyone's choice for all world drummer. On "Outbreak", his Stateside debut as a leader, Dennis slams home some solid grooves in the company of such heavyweights as guitarists Scofield, Jon Herington, Nick Moroch and Dean Brown, bassists Will Lee, Gary Willis, Matthew Garrison and his old P-Funk rhythm tandem mate Rodney 'Skeet' Curtis, saxophonists Michael Brecker, Bobby Malach and Aaron Heick, trumpeter Randy Brecker and long time colleague and keyboardist Jim Beard, who produced the New York session.

Tracklist:

1. Roll Call

2. Otay

3. Groovus Interruptus
4. Paris on Mine
5. In Time
6. Plan B
7. Outbreak
8. Baltimore, Dc
9. Talkin' Loud and Sayin' Nothin'
Outbreak
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Bob Mintzer Big Band: Swing Out (2008)

As well as being part of the contemporary jazz band The Yellowjackets, Bob Mintzer has led big band recording sessions for at least six CDs. Bob plays tenor sax and flute on his new Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild (who donate a portion of their sales to preserve, present and promote jazz) CD, Swing Out. Bob also wrote all but three of the compositions on this CD and did all the arrangements. Solos are spread out liberally, with Mintzer and pianist Phil Markowitz, however, getting the lions' share.

Mintzer has firm command of the tenor as evidenced on the title track. Jim Rotondi, from One for All, also has a warm solo on this track, and Phil Markowitz shines during his choruses. Scott Wendholt, a vastly underrated trumpeter, is the featured soloist on Something Else, Swangalang, and Freedom Song.

Each Day provides Bob Malach room to swing, and Keith O’Quinn (a new name to me), blows a mean trombone here as well. Minuano, written by Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays, and Kurt Elling, is the one vocal track, and Elling makes the most of his big band moment.

The other non-Mintzer compositions are the Arlen/Mercer standard My Shining Hour, where the ensemble horns back trombonist Michael Davis, and Someday My Prince Will Come, which was made most famous by Miles Davis. Bob Milikan gets trumpet duties on this track, and Mintzer again shows he is in charge with his tenor solo.

Swing Out breaks no new ground, but in this tight economic market with few new big band releases, Mintzer’s CD is pleasant listening, with good arrangements and a well- prepared big band.

Tracklist: Swing Out, Each Day, Something Else, Swangalang, Beyond the Limit, Minuano, My Shining Hour, Freedom Song, Someday My Prince Will Come

Personnel: Bob Mintzer, tenor sax & flute; Peter Yellin, alto sax & flute; Bob Malach, tenor sax & clarinet; Scott Wendholt, trumpet; Frank Greene, trumpet; Jim Rotondi, trumpet; Phil Markowitz, piano; Jay Anderson, bass; John Riley, drums

Buy at Amazon Swing Out
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