Jemeel Moondoc - The Zookeeper's House (2014)

Relative Pitch Records: RPR1026
http://www.relativepitchrecords.com/releases/rpr1026.html
http://shop.relativepitchrec...Zookeepers-House-RPR1026.htm



* Jemeel Moondoc: alto saxophone
* Matthew Shipp: piano (1, 4)
* Roy Campbell Jr.: trumpet (2, 3)
* Steve Swell: trombone (2, 3)
* Hilliard Greene: bass
* Newman Taylor Baker: drums

http://www.jemeelmoondoc.com/
http://www.matthewshipp.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Campbell,_Jr.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Swell
http://www.hilliardgreene.com/
http://www.ntbsingindrums.blogspot.com/

Recorded on 10/26/13 (October 26th, 2013), at Park west Studios, Brooklyn, NY.
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Jim Clouse.


Reviews

By Bruce Lee Gallanter
http://search2.downtownmusic...cgi?item=2014_10_01_12_47_21
http://downtownmusicgallery....s/Newsletter-2014-05-30.html

Hooray! This is the first new recording from the great alto saxist Jemeel
Moondoc in more than five years and it is a welcome return to the fold. The
only sad thing about this disc is that it is last (or perhaps next to last)
recording from Downtown trumpet great Roy Campbell, Jr. who passed away in
January of this year (2014) and to whom this disc is dedicated.

This is a studio date and man, does it sound great! Aside from Moondoc and the
rhythm team, each of the other frontline folks (Shipp, Campbell & Swell) are on
two pieces each. The title track is first and it has a suspenseful, dreamy vibe
with a sweeping undercurrent warm waves from Mr. Shipp. This is the first time
that Mr. Moondoc and Mr. Shipp have recorded together so the interplay between
them is fascinating as they weave several lines together at the same
time. "Little Blue Elvira" has a fine, bluesy theme with inspired solos from
both brass players and Moondoc as well. The one cover here is Alice Coltrane's
"Ptah, the El Daoud", the title track from her album from 1970. Like much of
Ms. Coltrane's music from this period, the music has a spiritual vibe which is
well captured here also. The buoyant rhythm team sounds especially inspired
with superb solos from Mr. Swell and Mr. Campbell. Mr. Moondoc's distinctive
tone and rich playing is featured on "One for Monk & Trane" which includes a
fine yet more inside solo from Mr. Shipp, showing a side to Shipp that we
rarely see/hear. The last song is a poignant ballad for just Jemeel and the
rhythm section and it is somber and haunting. An exquisite way to end one truly
fine disc from Downtown legend Jemeel Moondoc and his well chosen crew.

--

By Tom Burris
http://www.freejazzblog.org/...oondoc-zookeepers-house.html

Best Jazz Of 2014: 5-1
Written by burning ambulance
http://burningambulance.com/2014/12/05/2014-best-jazz-5/