Resonance US Vinyl & CDs

Review: Resonance Records is once again unearthing hidden treasures, this time with the latest installment in their Takao Fujioka Collectionian expertly curated best of compilation showcasing unreleased gems from the legendary US pianist's archive. This release brings together magical moments from Live at Art D'Lugoff's Top of the Gate, Some Other Time: The Lost Session from the Black Forest, Another Time: The Hilversum Concert, and Evans in Englandialbums that have delighted jazz fans worldwide with their intimate, soulful energy. As the album's title suggests, it's all about heartipicking tracks that resonate with the tenderness and brilliance Evans was known for. You'll find favorites like 'Someday My Prince Will Come' and 'Waltz For Debby', along with rarities that deepen our understanding of his genius. With contributions from Bill's son, Evan Evans, the compilation feels personal and intimate, capturing his father's spirit through carefully selected performances.

Review: Resonance Records expands its Takao Fujioka Collection this June with two new anthologies spotlighting previously unreleased performances by pianist Bill Evans and guitarist Wes Montgomery. Wes’s Best: The Best of Wes Montgomery compiles the best five of the label’s celebrated archival issues of Wes’ work, including Echoes of Indiana Avenue, In the Beginning, and Smokin’ in Seattle, the latter drawn from 1966 radio sessions with Wynton Kelly’s trio, recorded shortly after Smokin’ at the Half Note. Three tracks also appear from Back on Indiana Avenue, which debuted as a double vinyl set for RSD 2019. Overseen by producer Zev Feldman with the support of the Evans and Montgomery estates, the release offers rare insight into Montgomery’s artistic evolution over time, and as with earlier entries in the series, cover artwork comes from Way Out West editor Takao Fujioka.

Review: This live album offers a thrilling snapshot of Sun Ra and his Myth Science Cosmo Swing Arkestra in their prime, captured at the Famous Ballroom in Baltimore in 1978. Featuring a blend of space age jazz, avant-garde improvisation and genre-defying energy, the performance showcases the group's unique sound, from interpretations of jazz standards to electrifying avant-garde explorations. The two-CD set brings together powerful moments of musical transcendence, including the deep grooves of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' and 'Lady Bird', alongside experimental pieces like 'Thunder of Drums'. The album is a rich sonic journey, enhanced by the vibrant visuals from filmmaker Robert Mugge, who also contributed bonus tracks from his 1980 film. A strong sense of communal energy permeates the music, with Sun Ra's expansive vision guiding the Arkestra through complex rhythms and free-flowing improvisation. The set's deluxe packaging includes insightful essays and reflections, making it a great package to have to understand the full impact of Sun Ra's groundbreaking artistry.