Thanks for the music –  CARL GARDNER

One of my all-time UK jazz favourites is ‘Pavanne’ from ‘Don Rendell & Ian Carr Live’ (1969). Because it’s played exquisitely by a quintet from the under-rated, sax-trumpet duo with Michael Garrick on piano. Also they play its catchy, slightly middle-Eastern theme with wit and verve. The result is great ensemble playing, plus three fabulous soloists.

From post bop to Wonderwall

An all-time US favourite is ‘Stolen Moments’ on Oliver Nelson’s ‘Blues & the Abstract Truth’ (1961). A stellar sextet, including Hubbard, Dolphy and Evans. They combine sublimely, courtesy of Nelson’s arrangements. It rivals Miles on ‘So What’ in its vibrant attack. Therefore it’s one of the finest innovations in post-bop jazz.

I love musicians who transform unlikely material into gold. And Brad Mehldau is a specialist in such alchemy. For example, his no-holds-barred version of the Oasis Brit-pop classic, ‘Wonderwall’ on ‘Brad Mehldau Trio Live’ (2008). It’s a masterclass in how to rip up a well-known tune with inspired improvisation. I expect the Gallaghers hate it. Then there’s transformation of a different kind.

Cassandra to Coltrane

If you prefer up-tempo soul versions of ‘I Can’t Stand the Rain’ by Ann Peebles or Tina Turner, Cassandra Wilson’s is a surprise. Because it’s slower and intricately bluesy on ‘Blue Light Till Dawn’ (1993). Its swampy slide guitar turns it into an other-worldly meditation straight from the bayou.

Heresy I know, but I’m not Coltrane’s biggest fan. However, I love this version of the twee Rogers/Hammerstein song, ‘My Favourite Things’. It’s from his album of the same name (1961). Whilst he hangs onto the famous tune, he weaves some beautiful soprano licks around it. Full credit too to McCoy Tyner’s classy improvising.

Miles to Keith Jarrett

Inevitably Miles had to feature somewhere. ‘Black Satin’ is from one of his psychedelically influenced albums, ‘On the Corner’ (1972). However, it’s somewhat marmite. But I love its hypnotic, futuristic feel. Miles lays down a high-pitched repeating trumpet motif. This, over a distorted mix of funky guitar, tom-toms, sitar and shifting rhythmic clapping. Crazy.

‘Lifeline’ from ‘Changeless’ by Keith Jarrett’s Standards Trio (1989) has an altogether different feel. Because it turns from a low key start into a beautifully paced exercise in ensemble playing. In addition Jarrett also uses a repeating two-note ‘hook’ to raise the tempo. DeJohnette’s drumming and Peacock’s bass solos make a huge contribution. The result is harmonic heaven.

Ditto ‘Try a Little Tenderness’ from the album ‘Double Duke’ (1999) by Scots baritonist, Joe Temperley.  Never has the baritone sax been so bewitchingly romantic as here. Temperley brings his rich, mellow tone and wonderfully laid-back tempo to this tune (pre-dating Otis Redding by 30 years). A perfect fusion of sentiment and performance.

Mary Lou and Ella do it in style

Mary Lou Williams was in her mid-50s when she recorded Gershwin’s ‘It Ain’t Necessarily So’. It really demonstrates her under-rated class. An immaculate, laid-back modernist style (shades of Evans and Jamal?). Her clear, crisp phrasing – and witty timing – belie her rag-time origins. Has it ever been played better?

Finally, from the same musical, courtesy of Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong. Listen up to their moody and affecting ‘Summertime’ on ‘Porgy & Bess’ (1959. It’s sumptuously produced by Norman Granz. It opens with a simple trumpet theme from Armstrong. This is echoed by Ella’s lyrical vocal at her best. Then Louis’ gravelly tone kicks in. With Ella in a higher register scatting in the background. Two giants in complete harmony.

Featured artists:

Don Rendell & Ian Carr, Oliver Nelson, Brad Mehldau Trio, Cassandra Wilson, Miles Davis, Joe Temperley, Mary Lou Williams and Ella Fitzgerald

We’d love to know what you think of Carl’s picks.  What would your list sound like. Join in the debate and comment below.

Checkout:

 Jazzwise magazine’s  100 Jazz Albums that shook the world.

Gilles Peterson’s show on BBC Radio 6 

Ronnie Scott’s for live and streamed music

HERE.