Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify.
Resonance R
ecords has dipped into the vaults again and come up with another previously unreleased gem, “Truth, Liberty & Soul—Live in NYC: the Complete 1982 NPR Jazz Alive! Recording.” The first official release authorized by the Jaco Pastorius estate captures the iconic bass innovator leading a 22-piece big band at Avery Fisher Hall in New York City as part of George Wein’s Kool Jazz Festival. Featuring a congregation of the top jazz musicians of the time, such as Peter Erskine, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, Frank Wess, Lew Soloff and Toots Thielemans, the set showcases Jaco’s brilliant compositions for large ensemble with the electric energy of a live performance.
One of the most long-lived and acclaimed bands on the current jazz scene, Ryan Keberle & Catharsis, continue to evolve their unmistakable group sound while speaking out about our troubled times on their new outing, “Find the Common, Shine a Light.” With six years of recording and extensive touring under their belt, the band stays true to its “potent blend of cinematic sweep and lush, ear-grabbing melodies” (Los Angeles Times) while opting for a more layered and multifaceted approach in the studio. Even so, the signature Catharsis front line of trombonist Ryan Keberle and trumpeter Michael Rodriguez remains central. Vocalist Camila Meza assumes an added role on guitar and bassist Jorge Roeder appears more frequently than before on electric bass. Drummer Eric Doob brings not only his supple and animated playing to the project but also recorded the project at his studio.
Also this week, Cuban-born drummer Ignacio Berroa and his trio offer up a mainstream jazz album using old Cuban melodies from his youth on “Straight Ahead From Havana”.
Nigerian-born, Lon
don-raised saxophonist Zem Audu is joined by guitarist Mike Stern and bassist Ben Williams on his debut CD, “Spirits”.Award-winning composer and pianist Scott Routenberg unveils his fourth album, “Every End is a Beginning,” featuring the drum work of U of I alum Cassius Goens.