ANTHONY BRAXTON -- “Four Compositions 2000" (Delmark 544)
To paraphrase the old stock brokerage commercial: “When Anthony Braxton plays, people listen." And they have been doing so for decades, through dozens of recordings spanning an evolution that is remarkable for its independence and virtuosity. Braxton's first two albums, “Three Compositions Of New Jazz" (Delmark 415, 1968) and “For Alto" (Delmark 420, 1969) were released on Delmark and it is only fitting that the present, rare quartet version of his self-described “Ghost Trance Music" be released more than thirty years later on the same label. Anthony Braxton, woodwinds; Kevin Uehlinger, piano, melodica; Keith Witty, bass; Noam Schatz, percussion.
JEFF PARKER -- “Like-Coping" (Delmark 543)
“Like-Coping" is the debut recording from guitarist Jeff Parker. One of the most prolific and engaging improvisers and composers on the Chicago scene, Jeff has made a name for himself as a member of the Chicago Underground, Tortoise, Isotope 217 and Ernest Dawkins' New Horizons Ensemble. Fans will relish the chance to hear Parker in this intimate setting. The record is full of the melodic compositions, uncanny phrasing, and chordal mastery which have become hallmarks of Jeff's sound. Bassist Chris Lopes and drummer Chad Taylor, last heard together on Chicago Underground's “Playground," round out this intuitive and versatile trio. Recorded and mixed by John McEntire.
ERNEST DAWKINS' NEW HORIZONS ENSEMBLE -- “Capetown Shuffle, Live At HotHouse" (Delmark 545)
An inspired soulfulness dominates the four extended compostions that make up “Capetown Shuffle, Live At HotHouse," the second Delmark release by saxophonist Ernest Dawkins' New Horizons Ensemble. Recorded in Chicago, August of 2002, “Capetown Shuffle" celebrates numerous facets of the African-American experience, from gritty blues and Chicago's South-Side AACM daring to joyful New Orleans marches to ancient ancestral grooves of South Africa. It was a special challenge to perform live all new compositions never played before an audience. The awesome results show why NHE shows are unique and flow unlike any other band.
BAY CITY JAZZ BAND -- “Alligator Crawl" (Delmark 242)
Bay City Jazz Band recorded two LPs for the Good Time Jazz label in the 1950s. That's the same label that issued Lu Watters “Yerba Buena Jazz Band," the band that started the west-coast traditional jazz revival scene and influenced numerous groups including Bay City. Three original Bay City members are on board: Everett Farey, trumpet; John Boland, clarinet; and Lloyd Byassee, drums. They are joined by Chicago area musicians Bob Neighbor, trumpet; Jim Snyder, trombone; John Cooper, piano; Jack Kuncl, banjo; Mike Walbridge, tuba; and guest vocalist (on one song) Grana Louise. The band played on three consecutive nights prior to this recording so they really swing.
DELMARK RECORDS
4121 N. Rockwell Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618 USA
www.delmark.com
(773) 539-5001
For more information contact All About Jazz.
