New Makaya McCraven

 

'In These Times' by the drummer/percussionist, Makaya McCraven. Newly released and on vinyl. 

New directions in Jazz that I've been searching for. Modern Jazz, if that helps. But certainly not avante-garde. 

I discovered Makaya McCraven (along with Ambrose Akinmusire), two or three years ago and have been interested in his music since. 

I wish I had the words and ability to break down recordings. If you find yourself interested in Jazz paths beyond the traditional, then check it out. 

It's on the International Anthem Records label. I love the packaging and visual presentation of their offerings. There's obvious dedication to quality here.

Wayfaring Cosmic Americans

'Wayfaring Strangers : Cosmic American Music'

From 2016 .... the recordings release, not the songs .... and on compact disc.

A compilation of various musicians and their country-rock offerings from the late 1960's and 1970's. Musicians who may not have been well known outside of their local areas. But that doesn't lessen to songwriting or enjoyability of the listen.

Drawn to it because of the inclusion of Allan Wachs.

Beauty Within

A Sunday, late afternoon - early evening find on compact disc. 

Edward Simon Group - 'Beauty Within'

And to think that just a few minutes earlier, there was a debate raging inside my head whether to stop and go into the record shop.

It's from 1994. A piano-jazz trio with trumpet added on three of the nine songs. 

Eight of the nine songs are original compositions. That was huge in deciding to take a chance. I don't care to hear albums full of cover tunes. I want to hear new voices doing new things!! 

The album review at All Music Guide mentions a Chick Corea influence and it's definitely heard through-out. 

The shop owner asked if I had heard of this artist before. "Well no, just taking a chance."  ..... "Ok I'll take two dollars off the price and if you don't enjoy it, bring it back for a 75% credit towards something else." .....  It doesn't appear that I'll be taking him up on that offer. It's a keeper for the collection. 

With Understanding

'With Understanding' by Richard Davis. 

An incredible vinyl find from a few days ago. From 1975. A jazz bassist.  

Initially drawn in by Chick Corea's name on the cover. But it's the bass playing, often bowed here, and reminding personally of long-ago times and places, that is the exciting discovery.

This is why I often drive out of town to dig through bin and crates of previously owned records ....  in hopes of finding long hidden and unknown gems.