Who’s in the Christmas spirit? It’s my favorite time of year, and to celebrate I’m recommending some items I’ve mentioned before and others I look forward to. But before we get to all that, there’s great news from the world of jazz to end the year on a high note.
World-renowned saxophonist Branford Marsalis, a leading musician in contemporary jazz for more than four decades, has signed with iconic Blue Note Records. Marsalis’ debut release for Blue Note, “Belonging,” is due out in the spring and will feature members of his first-class quartet: bassist Eric Revis, pianist Joey Calderazzo, and drummer Justin Faulkner.
Coinciding with the new album, the Branford Marsalis Quartet will go on an extensive tour throughout the United States and Europe. Marsalis and his quartet will be at the Dakota on April 29. For ticket information, visit www.dakotacooks.com. Stay updated on album details via www.branfordmarsalis.com.
Now, for your gift consideration, why not check out pianist and jazz legend George Cables as he celebrates his 80th birthday with the new High Note Records release, “I Hear Echoes.” According to the album press release, “This album does not just honor his storied past, but with tunes both old and new, it captures the essence of a musician who has not only shaped jazz history but continues to influence its evolution.”
Cables has played with the likes of Art Pepper, Dexter Gordon, and Freddie Hubbard, but his new release features jazz standards by legends like Horace Silver, Cole Porter, and Duke Ellington. He also includes a tribute to Arcoiris Sandoval, an exciting female pianist making a splash on the jazz scene today.
Appearing with Cables on the recording are bassist Essiet Essiet and drummer Jerome Jennings. Suggested track listening includes “Echoes,” “Morning Song,” and “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To.”
As you’re thinking of music by jazz musicians to buy for loved ones on your Christmas list, I’d also recommend considering “Compassion” (ECM) released at the beginning of the year by pianist Vijay Iyer. He played songs from the album during his January concert at the Dakota, which was the best concert I saw all year.
When it comes to holiday jazz, what’s on your playlist? Here are some of mine:
- Christian Sands, “Christmas Stories” (Mack Avenue Records).
- Ramsey Lewis Trio, “More Sounds of Christmas” (Verve Records).
- Warren Wolf, “Christmas Vibes” (Mack Avenue Records).
- Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, “Big Band Holidays II” (Jazz at Lincoln Center Inc).
- Ray Brown Trio, “Christmas Songs with the Ray Brown Trio” (Telarc).
- Bobby Timmons, “Holiday Soul” (Concord Music Group).
- George Shearing, “Christmas with the George Shearing Quintet” (Telarc).
- The Count Basie Orchestra, “A Very Swingin’ Basie Christmas!” (Concord Music Group).
- Tim Warfield, “Tim Warfield’s Jazzy Christmas” (Self-released)
- Terry Gibbs, “Jazz Yule Love” (Mack Avenue Records).
If it’s books that you want to give for Christmas this year, I’d suggest checking out one we mentioned earlier this year, “The Jazz Men: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Count Basie Transformed America” by author Larry Tye. It’s available from Harper Collins.
The three famous jazzmen had a huge impact on the 20th Century by way of the beautiful, timeless music and tremendous artistry they created. Tye’s storytelling is captivating.
We can look into the future with great excitement as pianist Sullivan Fortner has a forthcoming trio release. That album, “Southern Nights,” will debut on Artwork Records on Valentine’s Day. It was recorded in 2023 during a midsummer engagement at the Village Vanguard, with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Marcus Gilmore. All of this is terrific news for the Grammy-winning pianist.
As we remember loved ones this holiday season, let’s also remember those we lost. On Nov. 12, the great Roy Haynes died at age 99. He was one of the most important and innovative drummers of the 20th Century, representing all genres including jazz. My favorite song from Haynes is “My Heart Belongs to Daddy.”
Happy holidays!
Robin James welcomes reader comments at jamesonjazz@spokesman-recorder.com.