New! Escapement from Daggerboard!
Escapement
DAGGERBOARD returns with ESCAPEMENT featuring a legendary lineup with Henry ‘The Skipper’ Franklin, Erik Jekabson, and Gregory Howe (Throttle Elevator Music), Matt Clark, and Mike Clark (Headhunters, Herbie Hancock).
On 12 new songs and orchestrations, Daggerboard ventures out from the syncopated textures of classical minimalism to explore many time signatures and musical movements all within a core of Jazz.
New Release!
Mike Clark / Kosen Rufu
Featuring legendary drummer Mike Clark with Eddie Henderson on trumpet, Henry ‘The Skipper’ Franklin on bass, Skerik on saxophone, Wayne Horvitz on piano and Rhodes, and fellow Headhunter Bill Summers on congas and percussion.
Embracing many of the jazz genres Mike is famous for, KOSEN RUFU is a masterpiece recording that ventures from straight ahead to funk and beyond. With 10 new original compositions and an outstanding cover of Eric Dolphy’s composition “Hat and Beard,” KOSEN RUFU is an inspiring work made by an amazing ensemble.
Mike Clark is an American drummer and recording artist who has recorded and toured with Headhunters (member), Herbie Hancock (Thrust), Tony Bennett, Larry Coryell, Vince Guaraldi, Joe Henderson, Eddie Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson, Wayne Shorter, and Dr Lonnie Smith.
Mike has performed with such well-known jazz greats as Christian McBride, Chet Baker, John Scofield, Nicholas Payton, Woody Shaw, Donald Harrison, Albert King, Mike Wolff, Wallace Roney, Billy Childs, Chris Potter, Bobby McFerrin, Nat Adderley, Oscar Brown Jr., and Gil Evans and his Orchestra.
New Release!
Roscoe Mitchell Orchestra and Space Trio at the Fault Zone Festival
Legendary Jazz Composer Roscoe Mitchell returns with his full orchestra for his most intriguing album to date. Roscoe plays Bass Saxophone in his Space Trio for the opening composition then composes for Piano and Violin on Cards in 3D Colors.
Sustain and Run 22 and Distant Radio Transmission Fault Zone are amazing full orchestral compositions performed by 30 pieces with soloists and vocal ensembles.
Last is his return to the Space Trio, Roscoe with Scott Robinson on Slide Saxophone and vocalist Thomas Buckner.
Frequently called an innovative genius, Roscoe has a remarkable ability to catch the improvisational spark with a practiced and methodical accuracy. The Cover ‘Roscoe Mitchell Orchestra and Space Trio at the Fault Zone Festival’ is an original artwork of mr Mitchell’s and is currently touring in an exhibit of his artwork.
New Release! Calvin Keys - Blue Keys
Blue Keys
CALVIN KEYS Blue Keys featuring legends Gary Bartz, and Steve Turre. On nine new recordings Calvin delivers outstanding guitar performances that clearly demonstrate why he is considered an all time great.
Joining Calvin are Black Jazz Records compatriot Henry Franklin, Gregory Howe (Throttle Elevator Music) and Strata East conga player Babatunde Lea.
"Calvin is a natural. His playing is so deep in the pocket, it comes off elegant and effortless." - Mercury News
New Album! Daggerboard & The Skipper
Daggerboard & The Skipper
Nine New Songs From Throttle Elevator Music writers Gregory Howe and Erik Jekabson in Collaboration with Henry Franklin AKA 'The Skipper' of (Black Jazz Records).
Taking off from Daggerboard's Last Days of Studio A, Daggerboard and The Skipper lands solidly in a jazz with amazing strings, vibes, and Erik's soaring trumpet all atop Henry's driving stand-up bass and Mike Hughes rock solid beat.
Also Featured are two compositions and outstanding guitar work by Ross Howe (Throttle Elevator Music Final Floor), Roger Glenn on Vibes (Donald Byrd) and a string section featuring Mads Tolling on first violin.
New! Daggerboard: The Last Days of Studio A
Daggerboard: The Last Days of Studio A
10 New Songs From Throttle Elevator Music with Kamasi Washington members Erik Jekabson and Gregory Howe. Taking off from Throttle’s Final Floor released in 2020, "Daggerboard Last Days of Studio A" lands closer to a main vein of Jazz.
The album includes many of the same players as "Throttle Elevator Music featuring Kamasi Washington": Mike Hughes on Drums, Mike Blankenship on keys and featuring Roger Glenn on Vibes (Donald Byrd) and Kasey Knudsen on Saxophone.
Recorded at Fantasy Studios Studio A one week before it closed, the music has a dreamy landscaped that wanders down eerie back streets.
New release by Roscoe Mitchell!
DOTS Pieces for Percussion and Woodwinds
Legendary Jazz Composer Roscoe Mitchell returns with his most intriguing albums to date; ‘DOTS’. Roscoe plays solo Percussion, Saxophone, and an inspiring selection of other horns, woodwinds and most importantly, his own percussion instrument array.
On 19 new compositions Roscoe transcends time and space and delivers meditative masterpieces. Frequently called an innovative genius, Roscoe has a remarkable ability to catch the improvisational spark with a practiced and methodical accuracy.
The Cover ‘DOTS ONE’ is his original artwork and part of a series soon to be on exhibit.
New Release!
Jake Breaks - Breaksy
Jacob B. began the long drive just a few blocks off the Garden State Highway in a Highland Green Ford Mustang. For three days he drove west with a crate of records, two 1200 turntables, a mixer and a bag of clothes. He arrived in Oakland Friday afternoon, played a few shows and a late-night rave.
Joining the band are Throttle Elevator Music writers Gregory Rustall Howe, Matt Montgomery, and Ross Djangist Howe. Also featuring Thomas ‘Tomcat’ McCree, Doug Rowan, Tim Hyland, and Michael ‘Rinni’ Rintabone.
New from Throttle Elevator Music Featuring Kamasi Washington
Final Floor
Final Floor is eleven new tracks featuring saxophonist Kamasi Washington and trumpeter Erik Jekabson with longtime collaborators and songwriters Matt Montgomery and Gregory Howe. Joining them are Mike Hughes on drums, Kasey Knudsen on Alto Saxophone, Ross Howe on Fender Guitar and Mike Blankenship on organ.
As the title indicates, this album represents the final original recordings of Throttle Elevator Music. Final Floor has an upscale energy with elements of rock and punk that fuel the overall sound and dynamically bring an edge back to jazz.
Emergency Exit
Emergency Exit reunites Throttle Elevator Music with legendary saxophonist Kamasi Washington and virtuoso trumpet player Erik Jekabson for an outstanding sixth recording on Wide Hive Records. Containing six new songs and four alternate versions - Emergency Exit has great energy and amazing musicianship.
Also featuring core Throttle members, songwriters Matt Montgomery and Gregory Howe on many instruments, Mike Hughes and Lumpy on drums, Ross Howe on guitar, Kasey Knudsen on alto saxophone and Mike Blankenship on organ.
New Release!
Roscoe Mitchell with Ostravaska Banda - Distant Radio Transmission Also Nonnah Trio Cutouts for Woodwind Quintet and 8.8.88
New! Great reviews from New York Times, All About Jazz, Chicago Reader, Gapplegate Classical-Modern Music Review, and Jazz Journal.
Distant Radio Transmission was recorded as an improvisation by Roscoe Mitchell, Craig Taborn, and Kikanju Baku in 2013 and released as the third composition on Roscoe Mitchell Conversations I.
This version of Cutouts, which is completely notated, was commissioned in 1981 by the Wisconsin Arts board and the Conimicut Foundation. In addition to traditional notation, this work contains symbols for extended techniques such as multiphonics, harmonics, micro-tones, special effects and circular breathing.
Erik Jekabson Sextet III - One Note At A Time
This third album from Erik Jekabson's Sextet on Wide Hive Records features nine expansive compositions with an all-star group featuring saxophonist Dave Ellis (Charlie Hunter Trio), Guitarist Dave Mac Nab (Hamilton SF), Bassist John Wiitala, Drummer David Flores and legendary percussionist John Santos. Also featured is Avotcja on vocals for the title track "One Note At a Time" along with Mads Tolling and Alicia Rose on violin.
Erik Jekabson is a well known Bay Area musician who has played trumpet with Galactic, John Mayer and Kamasi Washington in Throttle Elevator Music. Here with his sextet, Erik continues to establish his own sound with a steady transcendent feel.
New Release! Phil Ranelin Collected 2003-2019
Phil Ranelin Collected Works 2003-2019
Phil Ranelin’s love for the slide trombone stems from the almost royal tradition that the trombone holds in Indianapolis’ Jazz heritage: and from the slide trombone’s spiritual position within the genesis of Jazz as an indigenous American cultural treasure.
Phil Ranelin is a fourth generation Indianapolis native son and as such, he is a modern day continuum of J.J. Johnson and his “Naptown” slide trombone forefathers such as Reggie DuValle (Ranelin’s first private instructor), Tillman Buggs, Slide Hampton and others.
As a Straight Ahead innovator, Phil Ranelin continues to explore new realms of collaborations with younger generations, with the presentations of atypical configurations, and with complex-rhythmic and melodic-groove juxtapositions.
Collaborators include: Kamasi Washington, Calvin Keys, Big Black, Pharoah Sanders, Henry Franklin, Roger Glenn and more.
Celebrate Phil Ranelin's 80th Birthday in Los Angeles on May 29, 2019, at Zebulon, 8pm. Phil Ranelin & Tribe Renaissance will perform with Special Guests. Also featured will be opening sets by Black Nile and The Kabasa Drum & Dance Ensemble.
Roscoe Mitchell Orchestra Littlefield Concert Hall Mills College
Roscoe Mitchell 25 Piece Orchestra Returns with an Outstanding Follow up to it's 2017 release 'Discussions.'
Recorded March 19th and 20th 2018 in the Littlefield Auditorium, Mills College, where Roscoe has held the chair of composition, once held by esteem composer Darius Milhaud for over a decade. Encompassing intriguing instrumentation with full written orchestrations by Mr Mitchell this recording contains performance by many notable musicians and is of the highest quality both sonically and musically.
Joining Roscoe’s Orchestra are three accomplished soloists: Thomas Buckner - baritone voice, Giovanni Trovalusci - flute and bass flute, and Soo Yeon Luyh - haegeum. "Rub," "Wha Wha," and "Frenzy House" were conducted by Steed Cowart and "No Nah Nah Nai" was conducted by Roscoe Mitchell.
Latest Release from Erik Jekabson's "Sextet"
Erik Jekabson Sextet
This second album from Erik Jekabson's Sextet features nine expansive new compositions with an All-star group featuring saxophonist Dave Ellis (Charlie Hunter Trio), Guitarist Dave Mac Nab (Hamilton SF), Bassist John Wiitala, Drummer Hamir Atwal (Tuneyards) and legendary Percussionist John Santos.
Read the new rave reviews in Festival Peak and AllMusic.
Counterweight
Throttle Elevator Music producer Gregory Howe returns with Counterweight, a collaborative offering of ten new songs following the success and critical reception of Throttle Elevator Music. Much of the T.E.M. personnel are reunited with bassist/composer Matt Montgomery and drummer Mike Hughes (both also heard on late guitarist Larry Coryell's Wide Hive release Heavy Feel) joining trumpeter Erik Jekabson (Area J, Throttle IV, and Retrorespective) and the welcome addition of Bay Area heavies Mike Ramos on guitar and Kasey Knudsen on saxophone.
A sonic departure from the Throttle project, Counterweight maintains an urgent, exploratory attitude, with intense improvisational playing and a compositional architecture both soulful and cerebral. The soaring lead trumpet performances by Jekabson anchor Counterweight in the tradition of a modern jazz trumpet ensemble while the ensemble actively navigates toward new musical terrain.
New Recording by Roscoe Mitchell
Discussions
New York Times: Roscoe Mitchell's Discussions is one of the 25 Best Classical Recordings of 2017.
"‘DISCUSSIONS’ (Wide Hive) Roscoe Mitchell has long been interested in teaching orchestras how to improvise, and this album reveals the fruits of his labor. A chamber orchestra digs into new arrangements of his past free-improvisation saxophone solos; the sense of fresh community they create around “I’ll See You Out There” is a testament to Mr. Mitchell’s underlying vision. S.C.W." - New York Times, December 14, 2017.
Roscoe Mitchell Discussions is an orchestral masterpiece. Four original improvisations, taken from 'Conversations,' his second release on Wide Hive Records, have been transcribed and performed by a twenty piece orchestra, complete with two orchestral improvisations and two duets with Roscoe Mitchell and mesmerizing flutist Wilfredo Terrazas.
Called an "American Iconoclast" by the New York Times, Roscoe has forged a lifetime of truly free music as composer, musician, and teacher. Currently the department chair of composition at Mills College, a position once held by Darius Milhaud, Roscoe is a founding member of the A.E.C and the A.A.C.M and has toured and performed with many of the greatest artists in Jazz.
Throttle Elevator Music Featuring Kamasi Washington
Throttle Elevator Music IV
Throttle Elevator Music IV reunites with tenor saxophonist Kamasi Washington for a fourth album, atop eleven original new compositions by the Throttle writing team (Matt Montgomery and Gregory Howe).
Kamasi's horn soars alongside virtuoso trumpet player Erik Jekabson. Also joining the band for a third record is emerging talented drummer Mike Hughes.
Available now on Amazon.
Heavy Feel
An American musical icon and guitar legend, Larry will always be remembered as an innovator, an incredibly adept player, and simply said a musical heavy-weight.
Throughout ‘Heavy Feel’ Larry's guitar playing is outstanding; genre crossing with ease between rock, blues, folk, and soul infused jazz.
Like many great jazz records, "Heavy Feel" was recorded in one day, and the tracks are imbued with the improvisational genius for which Mr. Coryell is known.
Joining Larry are three outstanding musicians; two in the rhythm section (Bassist Matt Montgomery and Drummer Mike "Lumpy" Hughes), and longtime musical collaborator and renowned saxophonist, George Brooks.
Selected Releases
Artists
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Azeem
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Babak Tondre
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Big Black
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Calvin Keys
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Counterweight
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Craig Taborn
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Cubik and Origami
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dissent
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DJ Quest
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DJ Zeph
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Doug Rowan
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Erik Jekabson
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Gregory Howe
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Harvey Mandel
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Henry Franklin, The Skipper
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JRK
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Kamasi Washington
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Kasey Knudsen
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Kat Ouano
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Larry Coryell
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Laurel Thomsen
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Lumpy
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Matt Montgomery
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Mike Blankenship
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Mike Clark
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Mike Hughes
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MIke Ramos
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Mike Rinta
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Nathalie Sanchez
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Pharoah Sanders
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Phil Ranelin
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Roscoe Mitchell
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Rosie Steffy
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Ross Howe
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Sonny Fortune
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Ticklah
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Tim Hyland
