Record Store Day returns to independent outlets on Saturday, April 20. Most record stores are independent now, unless you purchase your vinyl at Target. It’s a day designated to encourage you to deplete your wallet in exchange for limited-edition rarities, but it’s been said such an activity can be therapeutic.
Who am I to argue? I understand the excitement surrounding the possession of a rare object, especially if that object transports you. This year’s Record Store Day features a treasure trove of archival jazz-related releases, and a few of genuine historic significance. The following titles will also be available on CD as of April 26 if, like me, you remain committed to that format.
Pianist Art Tatum is underacknowledged at this point in music history, and that’s a shame. He played in a stunning, authoritative style, and his recordings have always been a joy to take in. Curator Zev Feldman (involved in a large percentage of archival finds lately) has unearthed three LPs worth of excellent material for “Jewels In The Treasure Box” on the Resonance Records label.
Tatum’s legendary technical prowess is on display throughout, and even if you’re not a student of jazz piano, these recordings, made at the Chicago Blue Note Jazz Club in 1953, are delightful. “Jewels” should prove to be one of the most satisfying musical history lessons of the year, and it’s miraculous that jazz this full of life has been unearthed more than 70 years after it was put to recording tape.
In 1959, tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins was thrilling audiences all over the world with his luminous virtuosity. He must have been considered something of a rebel due to his decision to work without a pianist in the band, which freed him up to explore unorthodox spaces. The legendary sessions on “Freedom Weaver: The 1959 European Tour Recordings” (also on Resonance) have been floating around illicitly for decades, and it’s good to have them all collected in an authorized four LP set.
This is exciting music. Working with bassist Henry Grimes and three rotating drummers, Rollins seems to effortlessly project invention at every turn. I did a sonic comparison to the bootleg versions of this material, and these tapes have been cleaned up nicely, particularly when it comes to Rollins’ searing tenor runs. There are also terrific liner notes detailing this period in his exceptional career, with forthright commentary from the man himself, who has allegedly hung up his saxophone but is still thriving at the age of 93.
Also worth seeking out for aficionados of these artists: the expansive and warm “Atlantis Lullaby” from woodwind king Yusef Lateef (he must never be forgotten!) as well as “The Mighty Warriors” from a pair of geniuses, Mal Waldron and Steve Lacy. And, hey, even though there are countless live Sun Ra dates available on vinyl, “At The Showcase: Live In Chicago 1976-1977” really stands out in its off-kilter intensity. Ra is my favorite synthesizer player of all time.
Best of luck in your Record Store Day endeavors.
More jazz this month: Guitarist John Scofield plays Dazzle April 4-5 in support of his heartfelt, covers-heavy new album, “Uncle John’s Band.” Also at Dazzle this month: saxophonist Donny McCaslin and his group on April 11, and one-time Miles Davis sideman Kenny Garrett, a formidable talent on alto sax, April 18-19. … Singer Marion Powers pays tribute to Billie Holiday at Denver’s Nocturne on April 7 and 14. … Pink Martini plays Boettcher Concert Hall on April 19. … The multiple Grammy Award-winning composer and bandleader Maria Schneider brings her orchestra to the Newman Center on May 3.
Bret Saunders is a Boulder-based radio DJ and jazz afficionado.
