The first installment of Palmetto Classics includes:
Matt Wilson - As Wave Follows Wave (Originally Released June 1996)
Called one of the most inventive and individualistic drummers in modern music, by the Chicago Reader, Matt Wilson teams up with three distinctive voices for an interesting set of music that combines folk melodies, avant-garde improvising, and a surprising amount of lyricism. This recording features Larry Goldings, organ/toy piano; Cecil McBee, bass; and Dewey Redman, tenor saxophone.
Ben Allison - Medicine Wheel (Originally Released April 1998)
This release includes eight adventurous original compositions by bassist Ben Allison and features members of the Jazz Composers Collective including Michael Blake, saxophone; Ted Nash, saxophone; Ron Horton, trumpet; Frank Kimbrough, piano; Tomas Ulrich, cello; and Jeff Ballard, drums. DownBeat Magazine says, Allison himself is nearly impeccable on the bass, digging solid grooves and stretching time without ever sounding heavy-handed.
David Berkman - Hand Made (Originally Released August 1998)
Hand Made is a consistently stimulating and subtle set marking David Berkmans Palmetto debut as a leader. David contributes 11 of the 12 selections and is joined by such creative improvisers such as Tom Harrell, trumpet/flugelhorn; Steve Wilson, saxophone; Ugonna Okegwo, bass; and Brian Blade, drums. Entertainment Weekly calls David Berkman a scintillating composer and improviser.
Thirteen Ways - Focus (Originally Released January 2000)
Well-known for his superb songbook tributes and sensitive solo ventures, Billboard said, Herschs sage improvisationsnever fail to captivate, alternately waxing introspectively sublime and outright dynamic. This time, Fred Hersch enters more impressionistic territory. A clear departure from his most popular syle, this CD demonstrates Herschs versatility and the fact that, no matter how ambiguous the excursion, his signature lyricism informs everything he does.
Andrew Hill - Dusk (Originally Released March 2000)
This release was Andrew Hills first album since 1990s But Not Farewell, and his first for Palmetto Records. With Dusk, Andrew Hill makes it plain that his uncompromising musical vision is intact, undiluted, and perhaps more advanced than ever. The Los Angeles Times says, Hills willingness to let his players boldly improvise lurking, blending and battling with the composed sections makes for extraordinary music. This disc features Ron Horton, trumpet; Marty Ehrlich, alto saxophone; Scott Colley, bass; Billy Drummond, drums; and Greg Tardy, tenor saxophone, clarinet, flute.
Matt Balitsaris, the labels founder, president and producer is available for interviews.
Palmetto Records has been an independent leading voice in music since it was founded in 1990. Through its choice of innovative artists and careful attention to sonic value, it has emerged as a heavyweight world-renowned label, being listed as one of the best jazz labels for four years running in the Down Beat Critics Poll and being voted Jazz Label of The Year in 2005 by the Jazz Journalists Association and JazzWeek. Its original mission of enabling artists to fulfill their creative visions has remained the labels focus more than 14 years and 120 releases later. According to Palmetto founder and producer, Matt Balitsaris, the label has succeeded so well because it makes music that matters to the artist and to the audience. Palmetto also supports artists who are often overlooked or are considered somewhat “left of center". This enables the label to help expand the boundaries and even the vocabulary of jazz, and also gives the artists the freedom they need to make great music. Palmetto truly believes the future of jazz is now.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
