Autumn jazz sounds

The jazz CD releases for autumn are almost as numerous and varied as the changing leaves of the season. There have been some unique recordings coming across my desk. Some of them are now available and others will be available within a month. These new CDs range from pop/jazz, straight ahead, smooth and funk to rock jazz.

Thelonius Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall
Bluenote

A priceless treasure has been released here by Bluenote Records, the longest active jazz label around. Tapes were recently discovered from a Voice of America broadcast from Carnegie Hall of the Thelonius Monk Quartet with John Coltrane. Musically, this is like finding a new painting by Van Gogh.

These gems of the Nov. 29, 1957, concert are the culmination of two highly individualistic performers playing together at the peak of their year-long collaborative efforts. This is serious and assertive music filled with humor, complete freedom of expression and enough fire to launch a space shuttle. Rhythm mates Shadow Wilson on drums and Ahmed Abdul Malik’s bass offer dynamic and exciting propulsion.

Monk and Trane search, interact and challenge each other at the peak of their improvising skills. Nine Monk tunes make up this release.

This CD has to be heard. Words are inadequate to describe what is a major jazz performance. Put this one alongside Miles Davis’ Kind Of Blue.
Rating: 5 Stars

This recording shows a quartet that was highly significant in shaping the course of modern jazz.

Herbie Hancock
Possibilities
Hear Music

The jazz Hall of Famer has ventured into the trendy arena of dueting with 10 pop and rock artists on his latest release, pairing up with big names such as John Mayer on Mayer’s catchy original, “Stitched Up.” There’s a Latin/rock romp with Carlos Santana and Angelique Kidjo on “Safiatou.” The hippest cut is Sting’s on his tune “Sister Moon.” Hancock gets a chance to stretch his jazz chops and Sting’s vocals are reminiscent of Mark Murphy. A thing of beauty is the sensitive pairing of Hancock’s piano with Paul Simon’s poignant lyrics on “I Do It For Your Love.”

Rating: 4 Stars

A well-done crossover release for Hancock that will reach a broader audience.

George Benson
Live: Best of George Benson
GRP

This live outing from a concert in Belfast, Ireland, was previously released on DVD by Eagle Vision. Benson revisits all of his chart-topping hits. He sings on seven of the 10 cuts and does interactive vocal mugging with the audience on his signature tune “On Broadway.”

Guest pianist Joe Sample livens things up on his two tunes. Sample really wails on “Hipping the Hop,” making Benson respond in a way that shows he hasn’t forgotten his jazz roots. The classic “Breezin’” gets a fresh makeover from Benson. He is backed up on most cuts by The BBC Big Band and Ulster Orchestra.

Rating: 3 Stars

Old gold revisited here with a few embellishments to keep you in a musical comfort zone.

Candy Dulfer
Candy Dulfer, Live at Montreux
Eagle Records

This outing catches Dulfer covering a four-year span of live appearances at the Montreux Jazz Festival from 1998 to 2002. It’s a funk-filled party outing with some jazz overtones.

She engages in a sax duel with tenor player Peter Leberom on “Omara’s Dance.” There are energetic versions of Kool and the Gang’s “Can’t Get Enough of that Funky Stuff” and a swinging version of her big hit of the ’90s, “Lily Was Here.”

Rating: 3 Stars

Dulfer’s power sax sound over a solid funk groove makes for a party happening. This is also available on DVD.

• High energy jazz/fusion guitarist Al Di Meola Project plays the Music Mill Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 8 p.m.

• Grammy-winning jazz guitarist Pat Metheny Trio will be in concert Thursday, Oct. 6 at Purdue University’s Loeb Playhouse in West Lafayette at 7:30 p.m.

• The Artsgarden will feature jazz standards by Stars at Night Tuesday, Oct. 11 in a free lunchtime concert at 12:15 p.m.