Bird Reissues, Discs From David Hazeltine, David Kikoski Top Week's Releases
Reissues of important but lesser-known jazz legends, a few solid introductions to some giants of jazz and a pair of discs by two young pianists lead the new releases due in stores Tuesday.
The Holland label Criss-Cross has put out pianist David Hazeltine's Blues Quarters Vol. 1 and pianist David Kikoski's Almost Twilight. Kikoski, a longtime member of drummer Roy Haynes' group, is joined by Jeff "Tain" Watts on drums and John Pattitucci on bass.
Baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan also has a new one on Criss-Cross: Blues Suite. Sea Breeze is releasing vocalist Karen Gallinger's Remembering Bill Evans. She and her quintet visit Evans tunes such as "Waltz for Debby" and "Turn Out the Stars."
On the reissue front, Polygram is putting out four discs well worth checking out. Vice-Pres is a small group date from tenor saxophonist Paul Quinichette. The leader earned the moniker "Vice-Pres" for his tonal and stylistic similarities to Lester Young, known as "Prez."
George Russell at the Five Spot is a live gig from composer and pianist George Russell, the man who taught Miles Davis about modes. Guitarist Billy Bauer's Plectrist features the ex-Lennie Tristano banjoist and guitarist playing both of those instruments. Introducing Jimmy Cleveland is the debut recording of the virtuoso trombonist.
For a solid introduction to one of the all-time jazz icons, alto saxophonist Charlie Parker, try Charlie Parker: The Best of the Dial Years on Cleopatra Records. There are so many records out bearing Bird's name that good, basic Parker records with the classics are to be relished. Highlights include such Parker staples as "Ornithology" and "Yardbird Suite."
Ember Records, a lesser-known label, is releasing Charlie Parker: Live at Birdland, Vol.2. Legend Records has two introductions to giants of the musical world. Vocalist Billie Holiday and bandleader Glenn Miller are each presented in self-titled collections of their classics.
Jasmine Records is releasing a record from the rarely heard about trumpeter and crooner Wingy Manone, Wingy Sings Manone Plays: Great Hits. Manone's 1929 tune, "Tar Paper Stomp" was the first version of what became known as Glenn Miller's "In the Mood."
Below is a complete list of this week's jazz releases:
Re-Issues and compilations: