Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify.
From his roots in music-rich Memphis through his work with legends ranging from B.B. King to Max Roach to Slide Hampton and his renowned tenure with the Miles Davis Quintet, saxophonist George Coleman established himself as one of jazz’s most soulful and expressive voices. Last year he joined the anointed ranks of NEA Jazz Masters in a class that also included fellow Memphian Charles Lloyd. “A Master Speaks” is Coleman’s first release as a leader in nearly 20 years and his first recording since the 2002 all-star live tribute album “Four Generations of Miles.” The rarity of the session is remarkable in itself; even more special is the fact that it grew out of a desire shared by Coleman and his son, drummer George Coleman, Jr., to finally record together. They’re joined by a stellar band featuring pianist Mike LeDonne and bassist Bob Cranshaw, with guitarist Peter Bernstein making a special guest appearance.
Zev Feldman of Resonance Records may just be the world’s greatest jazz detective. His uncanny ability to unearth hidden treasures—recordings no one has heard or imagined even existed—is unmatched today. On the heels of two lost gems from Stan Getz and one from the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Feldman’s dogged determination in the pursuit of great jazz recordings has borne fruit in the discovery and release of remarkable new Bill Evans album. “Some Other Time: the Lost Sessions From the Black Forest” is only the second album—and the only studio album—to feature the pianist’s trio with the brilliant drummer Jack DeJohnette and the great bassist and Evans trio veteran Eddie Gomez. It was recorded on June 20, 1968, five days after the trio’s triumphant performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Also this week, as pianist Bill Charlap and his trio mates Peter Washington and Kenny Washington near the 20-year mark of their ongoing collaboration, they offer up “Notes From New York”.
Guitarist Curtis Robinson presents a tribute to the musicians and music of Motown with “Dancing in the Street”.
Composer and arranger Socrates Garcia, Director of Music Technology at the University of Northern Colorado, debuts his Latin Jazz Orchestra on “Back Home.”