All the elements were well cooked and enjoyed thoroughly. Recommended. I hope I get back someday.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Tony D's Rochester NY
On recommendation of the Rochester NY pizza blog, I stopped in at Tony D's. The style is NY typical with a coal fired oven. The place was surprisingly jumping on a Tuesday night-slammed even. Staff was attentive and I was seated at their open kitchen. It was a lot of fun to watch the chefs at work. Most of what came off the stove was steaks, chops and pasta. I think I saw the entire menu roll by from prep to plating. For the pizza I chose sausage and pepperoni. Both were quite zesty, the Italian sausage in particular. While I didn't see any fennel, I'm sure it was there. The sausage was diced into tiny bites, the pepperoni was of typical size. The crust was excellent. Had some nice char, but not burned. The crust was still supple. Overall the pizza was balanced, if a little spicy. I do like some red pepper, however it had no effect.
Tony D's Rochester NY
On recommendation of the Rochester NY pizza blog, I stopped in at Tony D's. The style is NY typical with a coal fired oven. The place was surprisingly jumping on a Tuesday night-slammed even. Staff was attentive and I was seated at their open kitchen. It was a lot of fun to watch the chefs at work. Most of what came off the stove was steaks, chops and pasta. I think I saw the entire menu roll by from prep to plating. For the pizza I chose sausage and pepperoni. Both were quite zesty, the Italian sausage in particular. While I didn't see any fennel, I'm sure it was there. The sausage was diced into tiny bites, the pepperoni was of typical size. The crust was excellent. Had some nice char, but not burned. The crust was still supple. Overall the pizza was balanced, if a little spicy. I do like some red pepper, however it had no effect.
All the elements were well cooked and enjoyed thoroughly. Recommended. I hope I get back someday.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
2012 Top CD's Second Quarter
I've got to pickup the pace or I'll still be doing this in 2014... So I'm going to condense a bit.
My favorite CD from April May June was...
Sunna Gunnlaugs-Long Pair Bond
Acquired: Bandcamp
Rating: 92
The opening notes of this disc remind me of "The Pretty Road" by Maria Schneider, even though this is a piano trio date. So I was hooked in about 5 notes. The title track is a definite highlight, it's something I can listen to over and over. There is much on this disc that puts me in an introspective mood, but this is by no means wallpaper music that one is to put on and ignore. My second favorite comes from the bassist "Fyrir Briynhildi". I'm pretty sure I misspelled Sunna's name and I won't even attempt the bassists'. I have this on my recommended page at bandcamp, and on my new fan page. My comment on bandcamp is music I can only wish I wrote. I didn't mention the drumming of Scott McLemore. Very musical stuff, and what I'm hearing in my head when I play. Scott has the distinction of being the single drummer I've bought the most discs of in 2012 also. More on that later. You can link to this via bandcamp www.bandcamp.com/stonewing
Missing the cut:
Jane Ira Bloom-Wingwalker
Acquired: Gift
Rating: 91
Another very solid side. I heard of this via the "Jazz Sessions" podcast which is now discontinued. I just love her tone on Soprano and the tracks are all very deep.
Locke/Keezer Quartet-Signing
Acquired: Artist Website
Rating: 89
Some solid moments, but a couple of misses for me. Doesn't really stick with me.
Steep Canyon Rangers-Nobody Knows You
Acquired: Gift
Rating 90
Very hook-filled bluegrass. Solid playing by the backup band for Steve Martin. While the choruses have great hooks, some of the overall songs let me down a bit.
Booker T and the MG's-Stax Profiles
Acquired: Stax Museum gift shop
Rating 82
I always rate compilations to a bit higher standard. I don't think compilations should have too much filler. There's some great live stuff from the Stax European tour, and all the requisite Booker T hits. Deep grooves and Duck was a huge influence on me. But a little bit goes a long way sometimes.
Various Artists-Top of The Stax
Acquired: Stax Museum gift shop
Rating: 75
Hard to get a definitive collection of stax singles together since the bastards at WEA refuse to let Stax out of their distribution deal. Most of the great stuff WEA wants to keep in the vault like it's Disney. Atlantic was kind enough to let a few well-known hits onto this but not a lot of them.
Ludwig Wicki/Howard Shore-Lord of the Rings Symphony
Acquired: Gift
Rating: 72
Just not enough new here for me. A neat concept, but works better as a film score than a symphony in my book. Very strong material though, so still earns a decent rating.
Million Dollar Quartet-Complete Million dollar quartet
Acquired: Sun Studios Museum Gift Shop
Rating: 65
The last of my Memphis trip discs. As a historical document:100. I can't describe the feeling I got being in the same room as where that side was cut. Just a lot of incomplete and false starts. Again a fascinating historical document, but not really a side I'm going to put on to rock out to.
My favorite CD from April May June was...
Sunna Gunnlaugs-Long Pair Bond
Acquired: Bandcamp
Rating: 92
The opening notes of this disc remind me of "The Pretty Road" by Maria Schneider, even though this is a piano trio date. So I was hooked in about 5 notes. The title track is a definite highlight, it's something I can listen to over and over. There is much on this disc that puts me in an introspective mood, but this is by no means wallpaper music that one is to put on and ignore. My second favorite comes from the bassist "Fyrir Briynhildi". I'm pretty sure I misspelled Sunna's name and I won't even attempt the bassists'. I have this on my recommended page at bandcamp, and on my new fan page. My comment on bandcamp is music I can only wish I wrote. I didn't mention the drumming of Scott McLemore. Very musical stuff, and what I'm hearing in my head when I play. Scott has the distinction of being the single drummer I've bought the most discs of in 2012 also. More on that later. You can link to this via bandcamp www.bandcamp.com/stonewing
Missing the cut:
Jane Ira Bloom-Wingwalker
Acquired: Gift
Rating: 91
Another very solid side. I heard of this via the "Jazz Sessions" podcast which is now discontinued. I just love her tone on Soprano and the tracks are all very deep.
Locke/Keezer Quartet-Signing
Acquired: Artist Website
Rating: 89
Some solid moments, but a couple of misses for me. Doesn't really stick with me.
Steep Canyon Rangers-Nobody Knows You
Acquired: Gift
Rating 90
Very hook-filled bluegrass. Solid playing by the backup band for Steve Martin. While the choruses have great hooks, some of the overall songs let me down a bit.
Booker T and the MG's-Stax Profiles
Acquired: Stax Museum gift shop
Rating 82
I always rate compilations to a bit higher standard. I don't think compilations should have too much filler. There's some great live stuff from the Stax European tour, and all the requisite Booker T hits. Deep grooves and Duck was a huge influence on me. But a little bit goes a long way sometimes.
Various Artists-Top of The Stax
Acquired: Stax Museum gift shop
Rating: 75
Hard to get a definitive collection of stax singles together since the bastards at WEA refuse to let Stax out of their distribution deal. Most of the great stuff WEA wants to keep in the vault like it's Disney. Atlantic was kind enough to let a few well-known hits onto this but not a lot of them.
Ludwig Wicki/Howard Shore-Lord of the Rings Symphony
Acquired: Gift
Rating: 72
Just not enough new here for me. A neat concept, but works better as a film score than a symphony in my book. Very strong material though, so still earns a decent rating.
Million Dollar Quartet-Complete Million dollar quartet
Acquired: Sun Studios Museum Gift Shop
Rating: 65
The last of my Memphis trip discs. As a historical document:100. I can't describe the feeling I got being in the same room as where that side was cut. Just a lot of incomplete and false starts. Again a fascinating historical document, but not really a side I'm going to put on to rock out to.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Top CD 2012-1st quarter
So in the first 3 months of 2012, this was the best CD I came across
Jimmy Owens-The Monk Project
Acquired: Jazz Record Mart
Rating: 96
I am actually not a huge fan of "tribute" sides. It seems as in the last fifteen years or so, major jazz labels have been cranking out tribute sides in a misguided effort to get sales from jazz fans who want something "familiar". Speaking as one buyer of Jazz CD's, I don't usually go looking for stuff I've heard before. But I digress.
I think I heard of this side reading the Elements of Jazz blog. Donna tends to post the jazz charts, and I was able to find this on Spotify. I realized I'd have to take a trip into the city to get this side. Growing up there were no decent record stores out in the 'burbs. Funny how things have come full circle.
The material choices are excellent. Some Monk hits, but plenty of the more obscure including one track I'm not sure if I've ever heard. The line up is killer. While it's just a combo date, having Howard Johnson on the track enables there to be mulitple colors between Tuba and his Bari playing. There are 4 horns total, Jimmy on trumpet, Wycliffe Gordon and Marcus Strickland on Tenor add with Howard.
The rhythm section is the best you could hope for on a straight-ahead date. Kenny Barron on piano, Kenny Davis on Bass and Winard Harper on drums.
The arrangements are all pretty fresh takes on these classics too. I'm glad I broke my "no tribute sides" rule for this. If you have that rule too, you'll be glad you picked this up.
Jimmy Owens-The Monk Project
Acquired: Jazz Record Mart
Rating: 96
I am actually not a huge fan of "tribute" sides. It seems as in the last fifteen years or so, major jazz labels have been cranking out tribute sides in a misguided effort to get sales from jazz fans who want something "familiar". Speaking as one buyer of Jazz CD's, I don't usually go looking for stuff I've heard before. But I digress.
I think I heard of this side reading the Elements of Jazz blog. Donna tends to post the jazz charts, and I was able to find this on Spotify. I realized I'd have to take a trip into the city to get this side. Growing up there were no decent record stores out in the 'burbs. Funny how things have come full circle.
The material choices are excellent. Some Monk hits, but plenty of the more obscure including one track I'm not sure if I've ever heard. The line up is killer. While it's just a combo date, having Howard Johnson on the track enables there to be mulitple colors between Tuba and his Bari playing. There are 4 horns total, Jimmy on trumpet, Wycliffe Gordon and Marcus Strickland on Tenor add with Howard.
The rhythm section is the best you could hope for on a straight-ahead date. Kenny Barron on piano, Kenny Davis on Bass and Winard Harper on drums.
The arrangements are all pretty fresh takes on these classics too. I'm glad I broke my "no tribute sides" rule for this. If you have that rule too, you'll be glad you picked this up.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
2012 Top CD's 1st quarter
Catching up after the holidays. So here are 3 more that just don't quite make the cut, but are excellent records.
Dave Brubeck Quartet-Their Last Time Out.
Acquired: Gift
Rating: 89
Some sound quality issues, but this is the classic quartet. This group is one of those that got me into Jazz- a bit of a theme for this posting. I only wish this had Blue Rondo on it, but I guess they didn't play it that day. Eugene Wright comes off a bit boomy in the mix, but for a live recording of this vintage you have to give it some slack. If you have Time Out and Time Further Out, this side really shows the quartet playing some charts that you wouldn't have already. Great blowing by all through some standards as well as the tune they are most famous for. For Bass Players, Eugene's open solo at the beginning of "Set My People Free" is a highlight.
Toshiko Aikiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Big Band- Mosaic Collection
Acquired: Label Website
Rating: 91
This is a 3 disc set that comprises Toshiko's early JVC/Japan sides- Kogun, Long Yellow Road, Tales of a Courtesan and Insights. The first time I ever heard a big band (that I wasn't in) was Northern Illinois under Ron Modell in '85. They opened with "Road Time Shuffle". I thought the world was coming to an end. I bought this 3 disc set just for that track. It's left a lasting impression. Toshiko's writing only got more meaning for me over the years. The lead trumpet on these sides is Bobby Shew. I got the opportunity to go out on the road with Bobby as a Freshman in college. Unfortunately all anybody wanted to talk about was playing with Steely Dan. I wish I was hip to these sides then. Toshiko doesn't get played as much as she should. The charts are just that hard. They start off all swinging in a Thad Jones kind of vibe, then the flutes piccolos and other assorted woodwinds get taken out. You need aces in every section to even think about trying her stuff. Which is too bad. Highly recommended big band. Not dated to my ears at all.
Keith Jarrett-Rio
Acquired: Gift
Rating 95
A double disc improvised piano disc could be like a root canal, no matter who the player is. And they can be pretty great too. I can't compare this to La Scala, as I don't have that side. But this concert in Rio is really happening. Keith uses the whole tonal spectrum from the angular stuff you'd expect to some moments of conventional beauty so moving even my wife digs it. Each track is different, and this is really a side you want to listen to complete. And yet the movements each stand alone. As usual for the ECM label, the sound is just as clear and full as can be. It's like being inside of the lid of the piano.
Dave Brubeck Quartet-Their Last Time Out.
Acquired: Gift
Rating: 89
Some sound quality issues, but this is the classic quartet. This group is one of those that got me into Jazz- a bit of a theme for this posting. I only wish this had Blue Rondo on it, but I guess they didn't play it that day. Eugene Wright comes off a bit boomy in the mix, but for a live recording of this vintage you have to give it some slack. If you have Time Out and Time Further Out, this side really shows the quartet playing some charts that you wouldn't have already. Great blowing by all through some standards as well as the tune they are most famous for. For Bass Players, Eugene's open solo at the beginning of "Set My People Free" is a highlight.
Toshiko Aikiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Big Band- Mosaic Collection
Acquired: Label Website
Rating: 91
This is a 3 disc set that comprises Toshiko's early JVC/Japan sides- Kogun, Long Yellow Road, Tales of a Courtesan and Insights. The first time I ever heard a big band (that I wasn't in) was Northern Illinois under Ron Modell in '85. They opened with "Road Time Shuffle". I thought the world was coming to an end. I bought this 3 disc set just for that track. It's left a lasting impression. Toshiko's writing only got more meaning for me over the years. The lead trumpet on these sides is Bobby Shew. I got the opportunity to go out on the road with Bobby as a Freshman in college. Unfortunately all anybody wanted to talk about was playing with Steely Dan. I wish I was hip to these sides then. Toshiko doesn't get played as much as she should. The charts are just that hard. They start off all swinging in a Thad Jones kind of vibe, then the flutes piccolos and other assorted woodwinds get taken out. You need aces in every section to even think about trying her stuff. Which is too bad. Highly recommended big band. Not dated to my ears at all.
Keith Jarrett-Rio
Acquired: Gift
Rating 95
A double disc improvised piano disc could be like a root canal, no matter who the player is. And they can be pretty great too. I can't compare this to La Scala, as I don't have that side. But this concert in Rio is really happening. Keith uses the whole tonal spectrum from the angular stuff you'd expect to some moments of conventional beauty so moving even my wife digs it. Each track is different, and this is really a side you want to listen to complete. And yet the movements each stand alone. As usual for the ECM label, the sound is just as clear and full as can be. It's like being inside of the lid of the piano.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
2012 Top Cds part 2
Working my way through CD's acquired during the first three months of 2012. Here are four more that just didn't make the cut.
Clayton-Hamilton Big Band- Live at MCG
Acquired: Artist's Table
Rating: 82
Some really solid swinging big band. A few moments where I scratch my head. A few tracks I just don't like. One of the tracks I don't like is "Nature Boy". I'll call this reviewer bias. I've never liked that song, instrumentally or otherwise.
What this band does the best is expand on the legacy of the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis band. In the pocket swing like on "Captain Bill" or blazing through Rhythm choruses on "Eternal Triangle" and "Squatty Roo".
Renee Rosnes-As We are Now
Acquired: Jazz Record Mart
Rating: 87
I had the opportunity to meet and hang out with one of my Twitter friends while he was on the road in Chicago. After lunch we went to kick around at the record mart. I found this side. I said to him: Renee Rosnes, Chris Potter, John Pattituci and Jack DeJohnette. I'm sure this record must suck.
I should have looked a bit closer at the disc, it was a used out-of-print and had a $30 price tag, but I'm glad I have this side. The production does make it sound a bit dated, and it sounds like they recorded Jack's kit in an airplane hangar.
My favorite track on this is the title track. Chris Potter lays out and it's just a beautiful modern composition. I don't have many recording that John and Jack play on. I should seek more out as they are fantastic together.
Charlie Haden and Hank Jones-Steal Away
Charlie Haden and Hank Jones-Come Sunday
Acquired: Amazon
Rating: 85 (each)
I'll cheat and review these together. This is the first time I've actually clicked "add to cart" when I got the "frequently bought together" message. It was very interesting to see the contrasts in the second meeting years later. I feel that Steal Away is a bit looser, in a good way. It comes off as more of a jazz reading. Much of Come Sunday is simple readings of Hymns. Of course, nobody ever sounds better playing in an understated way than Charlie Haden. I don't have an exact measurement, but it seems that Charlie takes more of a lead role on Come Sunday than he does on Steal Away.
So Steal Away- more of an improvised session. Come Sunday, slightly better material selection (totally subjective on my part) and a bit more bass heavy.
Clayton-Hamilton Big Band- Live at MCG
Acquired: Artist's Table
Rating: 82
Some really solid swinging big band. A few moments where I scratch my head. A few tracks I just don't like. One of the tracks I don't like is "Nature Boy". I'll call this reviewer bias. I've never liked that song, instrumentally or otherwise.
What this band does the best is expand on the legacy of the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis band. In the pocket swing like on "Captain Bill" or blazing through Rhythm choruses on "Eternal Triangle" and "Squatty Roo".
Renee Rosnes-As We are Now
Acquired: Jazz Record Mart
Rating: 87
I had the opportunity to meet and hang out with one of my Twitter friends while he was on the road in Chicago. After lunch we went to kick around at the record mart. I found this side. I said to him: Renee Rosnes, Chris Potter, John Pattituci and Jack DeJohnette. I'm sure this record must suck.
I should have looked a bit closer at the disc, it was a used out-of-print and had a $30 price tag, but I'm glad I have this side. The production does make it sound a bit dated, and it sounds like they recorded Jack's kit in an airplane hangar.
My favorite track on this is the title track. Chris Potter lays out and it's just a beautiful modern composition. I don't have many recording that John and Jack play on. I should seek more out as they are fantastic together.
Charlie Haden and Hank Jones-Steal Away
Charlie Haden and Hank Jones-Come Sunday
Acquired: Amazon
Rating: 85 (each)
I'll cheat and review these together. This is the first time I've actually clicked "add to cart" when I got the "frequently bought together" message. It was very interesting to see the contrasts in the second meeting years later. I feel that Steal Away is a bit looser, in a good way. It comes off as more of a jazz reading. Much of Come Sunday is simple readings of Hymns. Of course, nobody ever sounds better playing in an understated way than Charlie Haden. I don't have an exact measurement, but it seems that Charlie takes more of a lead role on Come Sunday than he does on Steal Away.
So Steal Away- more of an improvised session. Come Sunday, slightly better material selection (totally subjective on my part) and a bit more bass heavy.
Monday, December 10, 2012
2012 top CDs'
Once again, time for me to work on my year end list. As with last year, this is a list of CD's I personally received over the past year. Not being a full time reviewer, just about everything on this list is stuff I bought. I think I received two promos in the past year. Also the CD's listed could have wildly varying release dates, and are in most cases, not from 2012.
I'm going to organize this by quarter. So first will be the best CD's acquired in January, February and March. First up are the albums that didn't make the cut.
Orchestre National De Jazz- Shut up and Dance (released 2010)
Acquired: Retail- Jazz Record Mart, Chicago
Rating: 64
A very experimental album, featuring the music of John Hollenbeck. I believe I first was aware of this disc from Jason Crane's Jazz Session podcast. As the release was pretty limited, I had to pay a fair premium for this disc. To my tastes, it's a bit uneven. There is a lot of rhythmic interest, but I prefer that there be a melodic interest to go along with that. Strict rhythmic interest is fine in doses- I do like a good drum solo, but my ears just need more.
My favorite tracks were Melissa Dance, Racing Heart Heart Racing, Bob Walk and Life Still.
Bob Walk illustrates what this disc is when it works best. A heavily syncopated, yet light grove sets the exposition. A reed solo starts to lay in, as melodic fragments from the ensemble build tension. As the piece moves forward, more harmonic material is interlaced. There are a variety of ostinato figures, without being overused. The rhythmic contrast helps develop the story this song would tell.
Worth seeking out for fans of the artist or the genre.
John Patitucci- Songs, Stories & Sprituals (released 2003)
Acquired Retail-Jazz Record Mart, Chicago
Rating: 73
A solid all-around disc, but with not enough bright moments for me. The recording of "It Never Entered My Mind" actually sounds like it is in the wrong key for the vocalist. That vocalist is Luciana Souza, and it kills me to not write something glowing about her. A far better track is "Lei" written by brazilian Djavan. This is the sort of thing I bought the record for. A fantastic groove set up by Brian Blade and Ed Simon, six-string bass pyrotechnics, and Luciana's singing of something that's in her wheelhouse. This also has a fantastic string quartet and bass arrangement of "In the Bleak Midwinter" that's worth the price of a download. I expected to see Gil Goldstein as the arranger, but it's JP's work.
Various Artists- Soda Fountain Favorites (compiled & released 2011)
Acquired-gift
Rating: 71
A good collection of the genre. Not too many fillers, but a few songs that aren't as "Favorite" as others. I review them all. Of course a collection such as this has the benefit of 55 years of hindsight, and could always have been stronger. There's probably nothing on this you haven't heard before.
I'm going to organize this by quarter. So first will be the best CD's acquired in January, February and March. First up are the albums that didn't make the cut.
Orchestre National De Jazz- Shut up and Dance (released 2010)
Acquired: Retail- Jazz Record Mart, Chicago
Rating: 64
A very experimental album, featuring the music of John Hollenbeck. I believe I first was aware of this disc from Jason Crane's Jazz Session podcast. As the release was pretty limited, I had to pay a fair premium for this disc. To my tastes, it's a bit uneven. There is a lot of rhythmic interest, but I prefer that there be a melodic interest to go along with that. Strict rhythmic interest is fine in doses- I do like a good drum solo, but my ears just need more.
My favorite tracks were Melissa Dance, Racing Heart Heart Racing, Bob Walk and Life Still.
Bob Walk illustrates what this disc is when it works best. A heavily syncopated, yet light grove sets the exposition. A reed solo starts to lay in, as melodic fragments from the ensemble build tension. As the piece moves forward, more harmonic material is interlaced. There are a variety of ostinato figures, without being overused. The rhythmic contrast helps develop the story this song would tell.
Worth seeking out for fans of the artist or the genre.
John Patitucci- Songs, Stories & Sprituals (released 2003)
Acquired Retail-Jazz Record Mart, Chicago
Rating: 73
A solid all-around disc, but with not enough bright moments for me. The recording of "It Never Entered My Mind" actually sounds like it is in the wrong key for the vocalist. That vocalist is Luciana Souza, and it kills me to not write something glowing about her. A far better track is "Lei" written by brazilian Djavan. This is the sort of thing I bought the record for. A fantastic groove set up by Brian Blade and Ed Simon, six-string bass pyrotechnics, and Luciana's singing of something that's in her wheelhouse. This also has a fantastic string quartet and bass arrangement of "In the Bleak Midwinter" that's worth the price of a download. I expected to see Gil Goldstein as the arranger, but it's JP's work.
Various Artists- Soda Fountain Favorites (compiled & released 2011)
Acquired-gift
Rating: 71
A good collection of the genre. Not too many fillers, but a few songs that aren't as "Favorite" as others. I review them all. Of course a collection such as this has the benefit of 55 years of hindsight, and could always have been stronger. There's probably nothing on this you haven't heard before.
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