David Kikoski: Mostly Standards (2008)

Pianist David Kikoski, who's partnered so ably on past Criss Cross albums with horn men like Alex Sipiagin, Seamus Blake, Conrad Herwig and Wycliffe Gordon, is perhaps best known for a series of compelling trio albums he's recorded for the label over the past decade. Now along comes Almost Standards, on which he mixes it up with bassist Eric Revis (Betty Carter, Louis Hayes, Billy Harper and a bunch of Marsalis family members), and much-in-demand drummer Jeff 'Tain' Watts (Branford Marsalis), and an invigorating presence on two earlier Kikoski CDs. The new album's a mix of material serving as takeoff points this time out: harmonically intriguing tunes that are already standards or probably ought to be.

Tracklist:
1 Grey Areas (Kikoski) 9:02
2 Blues on the Corner (Tyner) 8:39
3 Old Folks (Hill, Robinson) 6:46
4 Chance (Kirkland ) 8:53
5 Doxy (Rollins) 7:40
6 TBS (Watts, Watts) 6:28
7 Autumn Leaves (Kosma, Prevert) 12:42
8 Leaves (Kikoski) 7:45
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Branford Marsalis Quartet: Four MFs Playin' Tunes (2012)

This is the first recording of the Branford Marsalis Quartet with an electrifying young drummer that joined the band three years ago and the results are a nimble and sparkling album, featuring ambitious original compositions by members of the band, a Thelonious Monk classic, and one standard dating to 1930. The record blends the beautiful and subtle ballad sounds of the 2004 release Eternal with the ecstatic contrasts of the critically-acclaimed Braggtown. In other words, this just might be the Branford Marsalis Quartet’s most sublime musical achievement yet. This is the first vinyl release from Marsalis Music, and the label is so excited to be able to offer something special to the folks who support independent music stores.

On Four MFs Playin’ Tunes,the song takes center stage, with the band members bringing their considerable musical expertise to bear, as they focus on each tune as an important musical entity unto itself and not merely a vehicle for showcasing individual talent. Branford Marsalis elaborates: “We need to quit thinking of songs as vehicles and think of them as songs, and treat each with equality… What we are trying to do is to figure out the emotional purpose of each song we play and then play according to that purpose, as opposed to musicians who spend their time developing what they call a concept.” Those sentiments are echoed unanimously by the group from the youngest and most recent member, drummer Justin Faulkner, who joined the band in 2009 and has been impressing audiences and critics alike during the band’s electric live performances, to core fixtures pianist Joey Calderazzo and bassist Eric Revis.

Personnel:
Branford Marsalis - saxophones
Joey Calderazzo - piano
Eric Revis - bass
Justin Faulkner - drums
Tracklist:
01. The Mighty Sword
02. Brews
03. Maestra
04. Teo
05. Whiplash
06. As Summer Into Autumn Slips
07. Endymion
08. My Ideal
09. Treat It Gentle (Bonus Track)
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