This post came about in response to two recent events. First, on my last trip to Pittsburgh, I found a used copy of The Complete In a Silent Way Sessions. Secondly, Steve Pond's talk on jazz at IASPM has me dusting off some records that I don't listen to often enough.

I love jazz. However, it's rare that I buy jazz records these days. This is for no good reason other than I'm constantly overwhelmed by the amount of music that I don't have. Maybe once the rock star thing pans out, I can just splurge and buy everything that I want.

While I enjoy a variety of jazz genres, I'm most attracted to the genres and figures that get experimental, deviating from standard forms and unafraid to play around with sound/noise. Off the top of my head, things like Coltrane's "Ascension" and "Om," Eric Dolphy and Ornette Coleman's so-called 'free' jazz, etc.

And of course, Miles' fusion period.

I like a lot of Miles Davis records throughout his career. He covered a hell of a lot of territory, and always seemed to be at the forefront of pushing the genre into new directions. Still, it's the fusion material that really pulls me in. Maybe that's cliche, I don't know. If it is, I don't care.

Along these lines, what I have for you today is a show from 10/17/70 titled Fillmore Densetsu.

1. Directions
2. Honky Tonk
3. unnamed
4. Sanctuary
5. Yesternow
6. Bitches Brew
7. Inamorata / The Theme

Enjoy Fillmore Densetsu.

Ethiopiques

One night in the not too distant past, my buddy James came over for some drinks and camaraderie. As usual, he brought some music with him. "Ethiopian jazz," he said. I was pretty certain that I'd never heard Ethopian jazz (or any music from the country, for that matter). So we threw it on. Within a couple of tracks, I was taken in.

The disc collects the works of composer/bandleader Mulatu Astatke. Apparently Jim Jarmusch included some of these tracks in Broken Flowers. I never got around to seeing it though. At any rate, these instrumentals are captivating and an unique take on this American form. If I could compare it to anything that I'm familiar with, I might point to John Zorn's Masada project, although I'm not entirely sure that would be a fair comparison for either party.

A little research on the Internet tells me that there are 22 volumes in this series! I'm definitely curious to hear more. But for now, enjoy volume 4.

Tracks:

1. A Man Of Experience And Wisdom
2. When Am I Going To Reach There?
3. From All The Time I Have Passed
4. Nostalgia
5. My Own Memory
6. My Muna
7. My Gubel
8. My Asmara
9. February
10. Liberty
11. Baby, My Unforgettable Remembrace
12. My Saba
13. I Can't Live Without You
14. Bell

Ethiopiques 4