Joe Maneri is an enigmatic figure among icons of free improvisation. Late in the twentieth century, he was rediscovered, in part, through the efforts of his son, violinist Mat Maneri, and Joe Maneri has since recorded albums under his own name that have contributed significantly to his discography. This live two-CD set features Joe Maneri on alto and tenor sax, clarinet, and piano; Mat Maneri on electric six-string violin, baritone violin, and viola; and Randy Peterson on drums. These ...   [ read more ]

CD $33.23

This live recording at the Knitting Factory in N.Y.C. surely recalls the old Village Vanguard trio sessions of Sonny Rollins, Wilbur Ware, and Elvin Jones gone further out. They are similar in spontaneity and progressive attitude. Extendo-saxophonist/clarinetist Chris Speed and in-the-pocket bassist Scott Colley join rubberband-flexible and potent drummer Ben Perowsky as a power trio that is juggernaut, steamroller powerful in most instances, though there are some tender moments pre...   [ read more ]

CD $15.18

Defying what has become conventional wisdom, tenor saxophonist Lester Young (when he was reasonably healthy) actually cut some of his greatest recordings in the 1950s. On this wonderful effort with pianist Oscar Peterson, guitarist Barney Kessel, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer J.C. Heard, Prez performs definitive versions of "Just You, Just Me" and "Tea for Two," and plays a string of concise but memorable ballad renditions: "On the Sunny Side of the Street," {&"Almost Like Being...   [ read more ]

CD $18.03