Sunday Sleep In ~ “Singing Everyday” ~ Matthew Halsall.

The album “On The Go” was originally released in 2011, but a Remaster was done adding three previously unreleased gems to the mix, Singing Everyday being one of them. So on May 20th, 2016 “On The Go (Special Edition)” was released.

I literally didn’t know which one to feature, all of them brilliantly done. I always go for the gentle flow for the Sunday sleep in’s but there will be much more to follow.

This British trumpeter and composer since his start has managed to capture the depths of the 1950s & 60s with everything we seek from the genre we love called Jazz. But in doing so has put his own refreshing touch and tone to it on every single piece he produces.

From 2008-16 he has released 7 albums with 2 Singles/EP. I encourage you to taste them all. One in particular will captivate your mind, because it highlights a place you’ve never been before unless born in that time period. “End of Dukkha” will have you in that jazz bar out of the past. This band makes sure of it and it is the biggest compliment I can give to them.

Halsall brings it all back to life and keeps it here.

 

Sunday Sleep In ~ “Where Breathing Starts” ~ Tord Gustavsen Trio.

Gorgeous composition from Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen from his debut album Changing Places in 2003. He has produced 5 more since, his last being in 2014.

Sadly this artist from the beginning has pretty much stayed touring all of Europe with very sporadic visits to the USA and Canada. In 2013 he did play the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.

From trio’s to quartets and entire ensembles all of his albums have only charted basically in Norway and France with a 100 in Germany in 2012. Sort of sad the U.S. in 12 years hasn’t caught on to him. I encourage all to dive in to all of his works, I guarantee there will be no disappointments.

Sunday Sleep In ~ “World Changes” ~ Giovanni Mirabassi Trio.

 

This native Italian self taught pianist and composer at 17 got an out of a blue invitation to play with jazz legend Chet Baker in 1987 when Baker did a gig in Giovanni’s birthplace Perugia. How sweet was that.

Then he started composing his own music and got his own group together playing. By 19 he was touring Italy with Steve Grossman.

He learned by listening to the likes of all the masters, notably Art Tatum and Bud Powell among others. But in 1992 he would take his actual first piano lessons from Aldo Ciccolini, the teaching would be three years in Paris. Fellow Italian pianist Enrico Pieranunzi would also become a main inspiration.

In 1996 he would produce his first album and he never looked back. To date he has put out almost 25, his last release in 2014.

This particular trio you’re hearing would perform together from 2007 through 2010. On the albums they would be apart of each made their own magic making the compositions come alive and jump out at you as if you were seeing a black light poster only you hear the visions.

 

Sunday Sleep In ~ “Soliloquy” ~ Mike Longo.

Soliloquy is everything you want in a jazz ballad and this Mike Longo composition defines his indescribable talent.

I’ll let you read his extensive Resume here with the Who’s Who of players this pianist has worked with through his long career.

He started playing at age three, by fifteen Oscar Peterson had become his idol and he also became his student. Need I say more. Longo was destined to become greatness.

 

 

Even though you don’t seem to hear his name with the same notoriety as other famous names don’t be fooled. He didn’t play with the likes of Red Allen, Gene Krupa, Coleman Hawkins, Roy Eldridge, Zoot Sims, Clark Terry and then get hired the day after Dizzy Gillespie first heard him because he was no good.

On the contrary Longo was a masterpiece in the making and every well-known jazz artist and lover knows the sound of his piano keys. So enjoy the taste.

Sunday Sleep In ~ “Romance” ~ Gerald Wilson Orchestra

Unmistakably Gerald.

Creating music now for 75 years. Sept. 4 he will be 96 years young. Having had the privilege to have seen him at work multiple times at the Detroit Jazz Festival and with the audience helped to celebrate his 92nd in 2010, I pray I get another chance to see him again.

A beautiful soul who has shared his absolute talent and gift of outstanding masterpieces of jazz.

Sunday Sleep In ~ “Quiet Earth” ~ Renee Rosnes

 

This Canadian native started out with saxophonist Joe Henderson in 1986 and from there has become one of jazz’s best pianist, composer & arranger.

She went on to Wayne Shorter’s band, JJ Johnson’s Quintet then in 1989 embarked on a 20 year stint with James Moody until his passing in 2010 all while producing and releasing her own albums as a leader during and after.

A part of the 2004 Inaugural Concert Tour of SFJAZZ Collective a new jazz ensemble along with 7 other all-star musician/composers was named by Billboard that year as one of the two most significant jazz moments.

Quiet Earth is a Rosnes composition from “Life On Earth” released in 2001.

Her collaborations throughout her career with others in Jazz are endless (and this list isn’t complete).

No surprise that Renee Rosnes is a multi Juno Awards winner and continues to shine.

Sunday Sleep In ~ “Secret Beach” ~ Brad Mehldau Trio

This Mehldau composition was released in 2006 off of his album “Live” recorded at the Village Vanguard over a four night period in Oct.

This pianist has been recording since 1991. In 1995 he finally got signed to Warner Brothers and produced 10 albums through 2002. Then put out another 13 out with Nonesuch. His latest release was in Feb. his 24th. He also can be heard on nine movie soundtracks.

The entire trio excels at preserving Jazz in fine tradition & tune.