#gary smulyan

[jazzplusplus]

Red Door | Harry Allen's All Star New York Saxophone Band (August 1, 2023 - Otesaga Resort Hotel Ballroom - Cooperstown Summer Music Festival)

Red Door by Gerry Mulligan and Zoot Sims : Grant Stewart (ts), Ken Peplowski (ts), Harry Allen (ts), Gary Smulyan (bs), James Chirillo (g), Mike Karn (b), Aaron Kimmel (dr)

[jazzdailyblog]

Tom Harrell's "Labyrinth": Navigating the Soundscape of Jazz Ingenuity

Introduction: In the realm of jazz, the name Tom Harrell stands as a beacon of artistic innovation and technical prowess. His album, “Labyrinth,” released to critical acclaim, serves as a testament to his creative genius. In this blog post, we embark on a journey through the labyrinthine soundscape that Harrell and his ensemble craft in this remarkable musical endeavor. Harrell’s Sonic…

[gordsellar]

The great baritone sax player Gary Smulyan playing Thad Jones' "A Child is Born" gorgeously with: Ian Macdonald - piano Jason Emmond - bass Joe Barna - drums & cymbals

The band also has a trumpet/flugelhorn player, Joe Magnarelli, but he sits out this number.

[theloniousbach]

HORNS FOR A CHANGE AT SMALLS JAZZ CLUB

GARY SMULYAN with Gary Versace, Mike Karn, and Matt Wilson, 28 DECEMBER 2024, 9 pm set

EVAN SHERMAN with Joe Mangarelli, David Kikoski, and Peter Washington, 29 DECEMBER, 6 pm set

I probably have the option to see more piano/bass/drums trios on these streams, but, in addition to a general predilection for the format, I particularly sought them out for the last seven shows. But it was time for a change, so I picked up the last couple of shows from the end of the year that I was interested.

GARY SMULYAN’s baritone was itself perhaps enough, but he’s worthy of having Gary Versace and Matt Wilson on his bandstand so that sealed that one. I’ve seen EVAN SHERMAN capably behind the kit for other leaders. I’ve seen Joe Mangarelli’s trumpet some, but David Kikoski often and will, like this time, take Peter Washington’s presence as an endorsement of the gig. I was rewarded with solid, capable sets with fascinating choices of material with key players, Matt Wilson and then Peter Washington, outshining their leaders

GARY SMULYAN has a couple of trio albums with David Wong and Rodney Green based on contrafacts, new melodies on established changes. So that’s what he played with this band, reconsiderations of Yesterdays (Mal Waldron’s Vodka), John Lewis’ Milestones (SMULYAN’s Miles Tones), and Pennies from Heaven (Stop). They played Nat King Cole’s A Woman Understands as a straight up ballad and the closer sure did sound both musically and from the garbled introduction as a Hanakkuh tune. He bravely took his big horn into the china shop and didn’t break anything, but it just isn’t a nimble instrument. Gary Versace was either diffident or took a while to settle in, but Matt Wilson commanded attention, part of my drummer hot streak. He sparkled, neither shy nor flashy but giving the tunes and his bandmates rhythmic gems to polish themselves.

EVAN SHERMAN picked a great set, a blues (by Miles Davis or John Coltrane, they couldn’t decide), a hoppy number by Fats Navarro, three !! Monk tunes, including Ruby My Dear, Trinkle Tinkle as a trio date, and In Walked Bud to close, with an appealing like that Joe Mangarelli unfolded on flueglhorn. His trumpet work was equally tasty and unrushed. Together he, Sherman, and the material gave David Kikoski boundaries that channeled his invention and drive can be a bit much sometimes—and, to be fair, just right just as often. Peter Washington was particularly glorious. He was a presence despite literally being in the shadows for much of the set, but his playing was front and center. His accompaniments supported everyone and his solos were remarkably legato, no bowing but it sure sounded like it. There was a grace and sophistication to his statements.

There’s always at least a little bit of magic in just about every gig.

[rich4a1]

VANGUARD JAZZ ORCHESTRA “LIVE” AT THE VILLAGE VANGUARD

VANGUARD JAZZ ORCHESTRA “LIVE” AT THE VILLAGE VANGUARD – CENTENIAL: THE MUSIC OF THAD JONES BCM+D Records RHYTHM: Adam Birnbaum, piano; David Wong, bass; John Riley, drums; SAXOPHONES: Dick Oatts & Billy Drewes, altos; Rich Perry & Ralph Lalama, tenors; Gary Smulyan, baritone; TROMBONES: Dion Tucker, Jason Jackson, Robert Edwards, & Douglas Purviance; TRUMPETS: John Chudoba, Brian Pareschi,…

[pastdaily]

Baritone Madness - Brignola, Cuber And Smulyan - Live In Rome - 1996 - Past Daily Downbeat

https://pastdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/BARITONE-Madness-1996.mp3 Over to Rome this week for a 1996 concert from the Roma Villa Cellimontana Festival in August featuring three Baritone sax players: Nick Brignola, Ronnie Cuber and Gary Smulyan. Supported by Riccardo Fassi on piano, Massimo Moriconi on bass and Giampaolo Ascolese on drum and preserved for posterity by RAI Radio (and chatty…

[xerks44]

Ron Carter - In Concert with Diana Ross - Stolen Moments - #roncarterbas...

LIVE: THE LADY SINGS – 1992 DIANA ROSS

A FULL PROGRAM OF BILLIE HOLIDAY-ASSOCIATED SONGS

In 1972, Diana Ross portrayed Billie Holiday in the movie Lady Sings The Blues.

20 years later she was featured at a special concert at New York’s Ritz Theater, singing jazz with an all-star band.

After a five-minute introduction in which Diana Ross talks about her love for the music, she performs a set of jazz standards, many of which were associated with Billie Holiday.

She puts a lot of feeling and swing into her versions of “Fine And Mellow,” “ Them There Eyes,” “Don’t Explain,” “What A Little Moonlight Can Do,” “Mean To Me,” “Lover Man,” “Gimme A Pigfoot and a Bottle Of Beer,” “Little Girl Blue,” “There’s A Small Hotel,” “I Cried For You,” “The Man I Love,” “God Bless The Child,” “Our Love Is Here To Stay,” “You’ve Changed,” “Let’s Fall In Love,” “It’s Alright With Me,” “Strange Fruit,” “All Of Me,” “Good Morning Heartache,” “T’Ain’t Nobody’s Bizness If I Do,” “My Man,” “What A Wonderful World,” and a reprise of “Fine And Mellow.”

For this unique concert, which was probably never repeated, Diana Ross is joined by trumpeters Stanton Davis, Jon Faddis, Roy Hargrove and John Longo, trombonists Garnett Brown, Urbie Green and Slide Hampton, Justin Robinson and Frank Wess on altos, Ralph Moore and Jerome Richardson on tenors, baritonist Gary Smulyan, Barry Harris Bobby Tucker and Paul Odeh alternating on piano, guitarist Ted Dunbar, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Grady Tate; arrangements were contributed by Gil Askey who shares the conducting duties with Jon Faddis.

Thanks are due to Ron Carter who generously made this unique film available to Jazz On The Tube.

-Scott Yanow

[dustedmagazine]

Ronnie Cuber & Gary Smulyan – Tough Baritones (Steeplechase)

Tenor tandems have a vaunted and venerated stature in jazz lore. An annotated list of notable encounters could swiftly fill the word count of this review without even really scratching the surface. Baritone tandems are rarified by comparison and commonly include a third horn in the equation. John Coltrane’s Dakar is a classic example and the fact that it was originally a session co-led by baritonists Pepper Adams and Cecil Payne, repackaged to capitalize on the tenorist’s ascendant cachet, helpfully proves the point. Tough Baritones does its modest part to remedy and rectify this historical tendency by placing emphasis justly on two of the most talented purveyors of the burly horn currently in action. Ronnie Cuber has the superior years and experience, but Gary Smulyan is every bit his equal when it comes to bringing out the best in the instrument.

Title and principals inherently make any rhythm section something of an afterthought, but its testament to the co-leader’s confidence and prowess that they opt for one of such excellence. Gary Versace and bassist Jay Anderson are Steeplechase regulars, the former balancing both leader and sideman sessions while the latter is arguably the house bassist for the imprint. Versace plays piano in this context but is also a formidable organist. Jason Tiemann’s fewer credits belie the credible versatility he brings to the cans. Cuber and Smulyan lean into the blowing session amiability of the date with a program dialed into hardbop precedent. “Blowing the Blues Away” is the first of four Horace Silver covers with both baritones belting out of the gate before Cuber bustles to the front for first solo honors.

Red Prysock’s “That’s a Groovy Thing” continues the cerulean sentiments with Cuber again firing off the first salvo after a swinging call and response opening section. Smulyan answers with a throaty rebuttal and both players wear the influence of the aforementioned Adams proudly and prominently. Versace is third in line as soloist but keeps his improvisations within the climates dictated by the horns. Anderson and Tiemann occupy the ensemble passages with equal parts poise and passion. What they forgo in the way of regular individual statements is compensated for by conscientious attention to the greater good. That diligence to utility frees up the co-leaders to concentrate on spirited conversations, as with the angular explosions that surround a rendering of Monk’s “Well You Needn’t.” Freddie Hubbard’s “Little Sunflower” demonstrates the duo’s dexterity with a ballad line, while Cuber’s closing “Intervals” test the team’s mettle on a devious original. Safe to say that the baritone tandem lineage has a new benchmark.

Derek Taylor

[didanawisgi]

Sunny

[mosaicrecords]

Phil Woods & Jimmy Heath: in Conversation with Gary Smulyan

Baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan interviewed Jimmy Heath and Phil Woods on memories of 52nd Street and the early days of bebop. This twelve minutes goes by way to fast. This is the real deal.

-Michael Cuscuna

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[bobrosenbaum]

Gary's Back in Town, Tel Aviv, Israel, December 2024.

The brilliant (and wonderful) baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan is back for a round of appearances here, including one with the Strings of the excellent Israel Camarata Jerusalem. In other appearances he is joined by the outstanding trumpeter Joe Magnarelli, another intrepid traveler.

[jazzplusplus]

Four Others: Harry Allen, Eric Alexander, Grant Stewart (ts), Gary Smulyan (bs), Rossano Sportiello (p), Joel Forbes (b), Chuck Riggs (dr)

[projazznet]

Gary Smulyan – Our Contrafacts

“Fantastic work from Gary Smulyan – a baritone saxophonist who may well be one of the few really standout players on his instrument these days – working in a legacy that puts his mighty talents right up there with Pepper Adams, Serge Chaloff, and a rare few others who could really make the baritone swing!” (Dusty Groove).

[theloniousbach]

BACK TO SMALLS LIVE/MEZZROW’S (mostly) FOR TRIOS, PART TWO

MIKI YAMANAKA with Pablo Menares and Jimmy Macbride, SMALLS JAZZ CLUB, 23 DECEMBER 2024, 10:30 pm set

DAVID HAZELTINE with Neal Miner and Pete Van Nostrand, 4 JANUARY 2025, 9 pm set

RAY GALLON with Paul Gill and Kenny Washington, 12 DECEMBER 2024, 10:30 pm

My most recent contribution to this series was a 2024 retrospective which acknowledged the role that accessing jazz via streams rather than recordings shapes my general view of the music. That followed PART ONE of this immediate series wherein I revel in trios and the salutary role of drummers with MAMIKO WATANABE (with Rudy Royston) and SULLIVAN FORTNER (with Tyrone Allen) as my reentry into streams as writing prompts. So it is equally true that I look for and anticipate patterns that shape my streaming on a day to day level as I pick shows that would be fun to write about. While that has minimal impact on the general sweep of my aggregated listening, I observe it with curiosity.

Still, I try not to miss MIKI YAMANAKA with husband Jimmy Macbride when her monthly-ish late night gigs come around at SMALLS. DAVID HAZELTINE had the recommendation of a two night weekend run. And RAY GALLON, a stalwart whom I catch often but not always, had Kenny Washington. There’s some clusterthunking worth continuing the themes of PART ONE.

Fittingly, I liked MIKI YAMANAKA the best as she’s on my can’t miss list. Her playing is full bodied and driving, informed by a jazz nerd’s study of the tradition. She’s not at Emmet Cohen’s level, objectively in terms of technique and subjectively in terms of my hierarchy, as she listens and celebrates a slightly edgier part of the heritage. She did Vince Guaraldi’s Christmas Time Is Here which isn’t edgy but gave her/them something to dig into. She also played John Stubblefield’s Baby Man and Kenny Kirkland’s Chance as well as three originals. Jimmy Macbride is particularly sympathetic, but he’s a player of taste and imagination. In light of Royston and Allen recently, it paid to listen to how engaged he was in the overall sound.

DAVID HAZELTINE underwhelmed me early with a very spare left hand but by the end he had more power. Neal Miner filled in the gap more than capably, starting with the slinky blues of Buddy Montgomery’s How Now Brother Bob which seemed like it should have a vocalese version. I Wish I Knew was quicker but still spare and Darn That Dream was unrushed. But they closed out strong and even ran through the Rhythm Changes of The Theme for a couple of choruses before the exultant closing phrase. Pete Van Nostrand was oh so solid, but not as spectacular or forceful as the other drummers in this series. His best moment though was exchange with Miner when they locked eyes and amused one another.

RAY GALLON with Paul Gill always delivers a solid set that intermixes his solid tunes with favorites like My Old Flame and deeper dives like We Kiss In The Shadows from The King And I. What made this one special in anticipation and realization was Kenny Washington. He was subtle, even with some Billy Mintz minimalism, though louder, on a solo overwhelmingly on the snare drum. He wasn’t at all flashy but the audience noticed and was appreciative after every showcase. But it was his sensitive ensemble playing whether supporting Gill quietly or inflecting Gallon’s solos. He truly is a marvel and, given recent exposure to his interview with Jeremy Pelt in the Griot collection, articulate and intelligent.

I have postponed watching a show with baritone saxist Gary Smulyan given trio mode. But Ari Hoenig with his second trio (Tenor man Tivon Pennicot instead of Ben Tiberio) is tonight and the interesting Simona Premazzi has a recent trio gig with EJ Strickland as the drummer, so…..

[diyeipetea]

JazzX5#033. Bill O'Connell and the Afro Caribbean Ensemble: Wind Off the Hudson [Minipodcast]

JazzX5#033. Bill O’Connell and the Afro Caribbean Ensemble: Wind Off the Hudson [Minipodcast]

Por Pachi Tapiz.

“Wind Off the Hudson” Bill O’Connell and the Afro Caribbean Ensemble: Wind Off The Hudson (Savant Records) Bill O’Connell, Andrea Brachfeld, Craig Handy, Ralph Bowen, Gary Smulyan, Alex Sipiagin, Conrad Herwig, Lincoln Goines, Robby Ameen

© Pachi Tapiz, 2019

JazzX5 es un minipodcast de HDO de la Factoría Tomajazz presentado, editado y producido por Pachi Tapiz. JazzX5comenzó su…