Jazzman Vinyl & CDs

Review: Jazzman has excavated another jazz "holy grail" here - one of the few albums ever recorded by San Francisco-based pianist (and local hero) Al Tanner. It was initially released back in 1967 by the obscure, but arguably significant, Touche label, and while popular within Californian jazz circles, garnered little exposure or sales elsewhere. It remains a fantastic album, with Tanner being joined by drummer William 'Smiley' Winters, bassist Edgar Williams, saxophonist Roy Henderson, and flautist/trumpeter George Alexander to attractively dance through a range of pleasingly breezy, musically detailed modal workouts. It's a genuinely impressive album all told, so praise must be given to Jazzman for unearthing and reissuing it.

Review: The Iron Curtain stood as one of the defining metaphors of 20th-century division: a shroud drawn between East and West, described by Winston Churchill as obscuring all knowledge of life on the other side. But while the world fixated on ideological rifts and military standoffs, a parallel story unfolded in the Soviet Union and its satellite states: the quiet, defiant blossoming of jazz. This second of a two-part Jazzman compilation mini-series lifts that curtain, tracing the emergence of bold, genre-spanning jazz from the early 60s to the 80s. These recordings reflect the arm-in-arm influences of hard bop, modal, cool and Latin jazz, refracted through the lens of European folk traditions and hard-distilled through filters of restriction, secrecy, and sometimes outright prohibition. Pressure makes diamonds, and jazz, ever adaptable, flourished in spite of it all: the secret spirituals of an easily overlooked era.

Review: Jazzman Records delves into the vaults of the SABA and MPS labels, unearthing a treasure trove of spiritual jazz from the 1960s and 70s. This compilation showcases a diverse array of international talent, from American legends like Elvin Jones and Nathan Davis to European innovators like Pedro Iturralde and Jef Gilson. The music traverses a wide spectrum of styles, reflecting the labels' commitment to releasing exciting and innovative jazz. Expect soulful ballads, fiery modal explorations, and avant-garde excursions, all united by a spirit of exploration and a deep reverence for the jazz tradition. Highlights include Pedro Iturralde Quintet's 'Veleta De Tu Viento', Nathan Davis's 'Evolution', and the adventurous sounds of the Joachim Kuhn Group. With its impeccable curation and insightful liner notes, this compilation is a must-have for any serious jazz aficionado.