Record Reviews
3 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | WOODY SHAW ~ THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886979189027 (Barcode: 886979189027) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1977 - 1981 Released: 2011
American trumpeter / composer Woody ShawFind albums by this artist is often referred to as the last great innovator of the Jazz trumpet tradition. His incredible technical skills as well as his deep Jazz sensitivity enabled him to create some of the most memorable Jazz moments. Unfortunately his recording legacy as a leader is relatively limited and his death at the ridiculous age of 44 has cut his career tragically short. Over the years he recorded extensively as a sideman and contributed his part to some of the most notable and pivotal Jazz recordings, especially during his stint with the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label in the mid to late 1960s, where he was the "house trumpeter".
Shaw´s most important work as a leader was recorded in the late 1970s for ColumbiaFind albums on this label, where he recorded five superb albums which finally awarded him the recognition and appreciation he so much deserved. These recordings allowed his to utilize in full his abilities both as a player and composer, surrounded by a splendid group of musicians. His music often used unusual musical devices, such as polytonality and the pentatonic scale, which Shaw absorbed from his idols like Eric DolphyFind albums by this artist and John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, from the 20th century Classical Music composers as well as from World Music influences. However he was able to utilize those complex and often quite difficult musical ideas and make them sound "easy" and natural to the Jazz environment.
The Columbia session were recorded with Shaw leading different combos, from a classic quintet to a tentet and even larger ensembles. The list of participants includes some of the most important Jazz performers active at the time, like trumpeter Charles SullivanFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist, Rene McLeanFind albums by this artist, Carter JeffersonFind albums by this artist, Gary BartzFind albums by this artist and others, pianist Onaje Allan GumbsFind albums by this artist, George CablesFind albums by this artist, Mulgrew MillerFind albums by this artist and others.
This Box Set includes all the five albums Shaw recorded for Columbia, remastered and expanded with bonus tracks, as well as a sixth bonus CD, which comprises of previously unreleased material recorded at the same Village Vanguard concert, which was partly released as the "Stepping StonesFind albums with this title" album.
This is some of the most remarkable Jazz music made in the 1970s and an important piece of the modern Jazz puzzle, which should be listened to by new generations and inspire them to carry the proverbial torch. It should definitely find its place in any serious Jazz record collection.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 6 Digisleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | TONY WILLIAMS ~ FOREIGN INTRIGUE
BLUE NOTE 077774628921 (Barcode: 077774628921) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1985 Released: 1986
This is an album by the legendary American Jazz drummer / composer / bandleader Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist, recorded in a sextet setting with trumpeter Wallace RoneyFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Donald HarrisonFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Bobby HutchersonFind albums by this artist, pianist Mulgrew MillerFind albums by this artist and bassist Ron CarterFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, all of which are original compositions by Williams.
The album marks Williams’ return to mainstream Jazz, after his Fusion oriented period, which followed his stint with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist. It also marks the return to to the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label, which was the label that released his early albums twenty years earlier. This is the first of six albums he recorded for Blue Note between 1985 and 1992.
The music is relatively conventional, but is of course updated and features Williams playing electronic drums in parallel to the usual acoustic set. The presence of drums is much more evident herein than on usual Jazz recordings, which of course is hardly surprising. The excellent team of top American Jazz musicians ensures that the performances are all top notch.
Overall, this is an important document of the last decade of Williams’ recording activity, which preceded his tragically early demise in 1997. Considering the fact that he was one of the greatest Jazz drummers ever, every recording featuring his immense talent is of course a must.
| | Updated: 04/02/2026Posted: 04/02/2026 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
|
