Jeff “Tain” Watts Quintet: Detained at the Blue Note (2004)

Drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts leads his quintet plus guest altoist Kenny Garrett through extended versions of four of his originals (all of which he had recorded previously in the studio) plus Bjцrk's "107 Steps." While "107 Steps" and "JC Is the Man" (which is more Thelonious Monk than John Coltrane) are fine, it is not until Garrett makes his first appearance on "Mr. JJ" (which is more Coltrane than J.J. Johnson) that this set really explodes. Garrett's passion inspires Watts during their midsong duet and adds a great deal of energy during the three songs on which he appears, completely stealing the show. Watts takes a surprise vocal on "Like the Rose" and plays with intensity throughout the performance, but it is Kenny Garrett who makes the music something special; it is a pity that he is not on the first two numbers. ~ Scott Yanow

Tracklist
1. 107 Steps – Jeff “Tain” Watts, Bjork 13:47
2. JC Is the Man 10:56
3. Mr. JJ 11:54
4. Sigmund Groid 19:03
5. Like the Rose 15:10
Personel
Jeff “Tain” Watts – drums;
Kenny Garrett – alto saxophone;
Dave Kikoski – piano;
Eric Revis – bass;
David Gilmor – guitar;
Marcus Strickland – tenor saxophone
Detained at the Blue Note
Hotfile / Depositfiles @ 320K

Bruce Cox: Stick to It (1996)

Bruce enrolled in the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts after graduating from high school in 1978. One year later he joined the Intergalactic Sun Ra Arkestra (1980). After 6 months on the road with Sun Ra he returned to study at Berklee College Of Music 1981 in Boston. Bruce then moved to Paris France in 1983 where he studdied West African Drumming. Upon returning to the United States in 1984 he played with several street bands in NYC. The first break came in 1986 when Bruce met Rodney Jones who introduced him to Fred Wesley which led to gigs and recordings with Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker and Pee Wee Ellis. The rhythm section of Fred's band - Peter Madsen, Dwyane Dolphin and Bruce Cox - formed the trio 'Three of a Kind' in 1990 and Bruce completed his debut recording entitiled STICK TO IT released in Europe 1996 and USA 1997.

Tracklist:

01 - Monkey {Cox} 6:05

02 - Malcolm's Mood {Cox} 7:26
03 - Serenghetti Slide {Cox} 6:54
04 - Marie-Line {Cox} 6:23
05 - Strode Rode {Rollins} 4:56
06 - Like Someone in Love {Burke, VanHeusen} 4:39
07 - Happy House {Coleman} 8:07
08 - Calaba {Essiet} 7:08
Personnel:
Ravi Coltrane: Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor)
Bruce Cox: Drums, Producer
Dwayne Dolphin: Bass
Essiet Essiet: Bass
Donald Harrison: Sax (Alto)
Dave Kikoski: Piano
Annette Lowman: Vocals
Peter Madsen: Piano
Jeff Williams: Percussion
Stick to It
Hotfile / Uploading @ 320K

Bill Evans/Randy Brecker: Soul Bop Band Live [2 cd]

During the summers of 2004 and 2005, saxophonist Bill Evans and trumpeter Randy Brecker co-led the Soul Bop Band on tours. The music that they created was funky, heartfelt, and full of strong jazz solos. With a top-notch and versatile rhythm section comprised of guitarist Hiram Bullock, keyboardist David Kikoski, bassist Victor Bailey, and drummer Steve Smith, the sextet performed consistently stirring music. This two-CD set has plenty of heated instrumentals along with occasional ballads, all of it original music coming from either Evans, Brecker, or Bullock. Unfortunately a few of the selections have vocals from Brecker that are primitive at best and an acquired taste although the words to Bullock's "Greed" are worthy. If it were not for the singing, this two-fer would be rated higher, but it does contain some of the best playing of the era from Bill Evans and Randy Brecker, who consistently bring out the best in each other.

Buy at Amazon.com

Live - Part 1 - Part 2 (RS) / Part 1 - Part 2 (HF) @ 320K