Arkadia Collections

"This album features an all-star cast of Mulligan’s must notable sidemen, including Randy Brecker, Bob Brookmeyer, and Lee Konitz, and modernized arrangements of some of Mulligan’s more famous themes. The charts, by pianist Ted Rosenthal, brings out a different side of these eleven Mulligan classics. As could be expected, the soloing is superb, especially from Brookmeyer and Brecker. Brookmeyer has perfected the soling style he developed with the Mulligan quartet, and anchors the group with incredible consistency. Brecker, on the other hand, provides a contrast to Brookmeyer and Konitz, improvising in a more modern style. This album …draws on Gerry’s wide repertoire for an album of music as contemporary now as it was then."
--Jeffrey Sackman, The Gerry Mulligan Newsletter - July 1998

"A tribute to Gerry Mulligan would seem to demand use of a baritone sax - but this band gets along fine without one. Perhaps that is just because its members know Mulligan’s music so well. The rhythm section…served in that category with Mulligan. All three of the horn men solo well, and Brecker continues to show his ever-growing strength as a mainstream jazz trumpeter. Brookmeyer’s trombone has a deep richness and crispness in its phrasing. And Konitz provides a smooth sax voice like Mulligan’s - if a little higher. ***1/2"
Bob Karlovits, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, August 1998

"This fine CD is, as the title suggests, a tribute to the master composer, leader and musician by a group of excellent musicians. Rosenthal’s arrangements really evoke the Mulligan sound, and everyone is in top form. It’d be hard to let this album go."
--Jack Aldrich, Victory Music Review 12/98

What critics say about Thank You, John!:

***** stars - “Thank You, John! is a look at the sax genius’ music with stars from the (Arkadia) label. The variety of performers produces a range of approaches…an album that will leave you humming - and respecting Coltrane."
--Bob Karlovits, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

"…a superb tribute to ‘Trane. Thank You is a salute from a variety of (Arkadia Jazz) artists, who play his music their way without trying to emulate the Coltrane sound - and the result is vibrant and fresh."
--Jared Rutter, Players August 1998

"These (Arkadia Jazz) artists have chosen to approach the music individually and let their performances elucidate how they feel about Coltrane and what they think of his music. This is the only way that this tribute album for someone of such gigantic stature as Coltrane is going to work, and it certainly does here. Liebman…gets some sparks going. Then there are some purely unexpected delights, like Nova Bossa Nova. The best overall cuts are still the most straight-ahead pair from Billy Taylor. This is a successful tribute that could have been a real disappointment."
--James Lien, CMJ New Music Report

Top 10 - Gavin Jazz Radio Charts April 1998

"Thank You, John! manages to take a fresh and enjoyable approach to many classic Coltrane songs. Whether you’re looking for an introduction to jazz or are a Coltrane fan, this is an interesting and worthy addition to anyone’s CD collection."
--Tim Knital, Campus Circle 5/20/98

"An earnest homage to Jazz legend John Coltrane by Arkadia’s impressive company of artists…superlative renditions of Trane’s “Syeeda’s Song Flute” (Benny Golson), “Naima” (Billy Taylor Trio) and “Giant Steps” (pianist Ted Rosenthal). Golson, one of Trane’s childhood friends in Philadelphia, has a special feeling for John’s music, and it shines through on “Syeeda” and his own striking composition, “Touch Me Lightly”. Rosenthal’s solo piano is laid bare most of the way in a sparkling rendition that accentuates his imagination as well as his remarkable chops… ...the album is first-class."
--Jack Bowers, www.allaboutjazz.com May 1998

What critics say about Thank You, Duke!:

TOP 10 CD’s of 1999 “Plenty of fine discs have honored Duke this Year, and this eclectic album ranks among the best.”
—Bob Young, Boston Herald

“This is an album to fall in love with instantly.”
--Jeanette Housner, Victoria Music Review, January 2000

“This compilation contains moments of genuine inspiration…plus a high level or artistry and craftsmanship from all hands… Mission accomplished, artfully.”
--Owen Cordle, JazzTimes, May 2000

“Even with the comitition so deep and wide, this release by Arkadia stands out as one of the best and, unquestionably, one of the best jazz offerings of 1999.”
--Hank Davis, Goldmine, December 1999

“This week I received a copy of another Ellington tribute CD that's well worth your time and attention. Thank You, Duke: Our Tribute to Duke Ellington comes from the excellent Arkadia Jazz label Arkadia's stable of recording artists would delight the big-money guys. Some of the best jazz talents today work for this company.
Thank You, Duke begins in stirring fashion with a smart rendering of "Don't Get Around Much Any More." Tenor genius Benny Golson is at home with the tune, and he gives it a distinctive Golson twist, providing more than five minutes of sheer bliss. Golson returns with a later cut, that pinnacle of the Ellington catalog, "Mood Indigo." Golson gives the chestnut a different reading, and I think you'll like it.
Billy Taylor, for so many years the jazz explainer for the "Sunday Morning" show on CBS-TV, shows that --- while in his late 70s --- Taylor can play the piano as well as most anyone. His version of "In a Sentimental Mood" displays the light Taylor touch as he performs with ease and grace.
T.K. Blue, whose delicious sax work appears on a new album that I'll review in the next column, makes two appearances on the Ellington album. "Day Dream" shows that Blue can evoke a fiery yet controlled sound that is both interesting and soothing. Later, in "Chromatic Love Affair," he gets the opportunity to play around with one of the less familiar numbers in the Ellington catalog. Blue boasts a distinctive tone on the alto sax. He's going to become a major star.
One of the most accomplished and interesting jazz pianists of these times is Joanne Brackeen, who has been heard too little in the past few years. Her album earlier this year was a winner, and she does quite impressive things with her solos here, the magnificent "Sophisticated Lady" and the beautiful and dignified "Come Sunday."
Harold Land, a stellar performer on the saxophone for many years, is heard on one of the most loved tunes performed by Ellington during his lifetime. "In a Sentimental Mood" is aptly named, and Land's handling of this tune is well nigh perfect.
The Joe Henderson Project offers an interesting version of another lesser-known bit of Ellingtonia, "Isfahan." The CD, which contains 60 minutes of music, winds up with bassist Joris Teepe's group offering a very nice rendition of "The Feeling of Jazz."
--Bob Powers, G21.net, 12/06/99

“…this anthology has quite a few individual coups that stand out from the pack. Benny Golson is wonderfully loose and swinging on "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" yet manages an old-time breathy ballad style for "Mood Indigo." "In A Sentimental Mood" receives two renditions; Billy Taylor does an affectionate, impressionistic piano solo, and Ray Ellis (where has he been all these years?) produces a lovely neo-classical orchestral backing for Harold Land's majestic tenor saxophone. A group with Eric Reed on piano, Terrell Stafford on trumpet and Steve Nelson on vibes that calls itself The Joe Henderson Project does an even mellower "Isfahan" than Henderson did on his breakthrough Lush Life album. For contrast, check out the often stark, sometimes dissonant duet between soprano saxophonist T. K. Blue and pianist Randy Weston on "Chromatic Love Affair." Joanne Brackeen does her own impressionistic solo twist on "Sophisticated Lady" and stirs up "Come Sunday" in a piano trio format. Finally Dutch bassist Joris Teepe closes with a slightly kooky "The Feeling Of Jazz, " with some echoes of Eddie Harris by tenor player Chris Potter.”
--Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide

What critics say about Thank You, Joe!:

"Critics’ Picks - Top 5 Recordings of 1997"
--Chuck Berg & Bret Primack, JazzTimes

"Unlike many less-than-stellar “tribute” albums, Thank You, Joe! provides vibrant insight into Henderson’s classic compositions, with passionate performances that pay homage to a musician whose ongoing contribution to jazz continues to be brought to the forefront."
--Steve Graybow – Billboard Magazine, July 1, 2000

"This CD pays tribute with former Henderson sidemen and other young musicians playing some of his more enduring tunes. Stafford (flugelhorn) and vibraphonist Steve Nelson add luminous warmth to Billy Strayhorn’s “Isfahan”. Javon Jackson was a good choice for the tenor spot – he’s an inventive player. This is an effective homage, demonstrating just how good Henderson’s compositions have been and the kind of thoughtful, vibrant playing they can provoke."
--Amazon.com, Stuart Broomer, July 2000

"Continuing their Grammy-nominated Thank You… Series, Arkadia serves up a tribute to the very much alive and recording Joe Henderson. All have been critically acclaimed something this new release has in common with its predecessors. Arkadia has assembled a crack band to provide this tribute, one whose center is young tenorist Javon Jackson..the lyrical and melodic Jackson more than delivers. His tone is confident and probing, respectfully inspecting the corners and edges of these Henderson gems. Jackson has a killer funkiness expressed perfectly on the opening “Mamacita” and “Isotope”. He is perfectly supported and augmented by Randy Brecker and Terrell Stafford, who both deliver blistering solos. Marsalis alum Eric Reed is at his typical urbane best on the piano. A spirited tribute all the way around."
--C. Michael Bailey, allaboutjazz.com

"Arkadia has a good thing going for it: tribute albums. Interestingly, Thank You, Joe! is Arkadia's first CD of appreciation extended to a living jazz legend…Thank goodness that Arkadia had the insight to honor Henderson. The CD includes two musicians who have performed with Henderson: Randy Brecker and Joanne Brackeen (she performing on one number). Javon Jackson fills the cathartic and yet demanding role of the tenor saxophone voice on Thank You, Joe!. It's quite an impressive achievement to capture those Hendersonian references while altering the flavor of the tunes according to Eric Reed's arrangements. An album of exciting music, such as that on Thank You, Joe!, approaches the level of appreciation that is Joe Henderson's due."
--Don Williamson, allaboutjazz.com

"What do you call a tribute recording that pays homage to an artist while shedding new light on his or her work? In this case, Thank You, Joe!, a delightful new release that not only pays tribute to saxophonist Joe Henderson's legacy but also adds to it. Organized by drummer Carl Allen and featuring piano player and arranger Eric Reed, bassist Rodney Whitaker, saxophonist Javon Jackson, trumpeters Randy Brecker and Terrell Stafford, and Steve Nelson on vibes, this group is more than up to the task of feting Henderson. Reed's piano is bright and playful throughout the session, which also features pianist Joanne Brackeen and her trio for a lovely rendition of Henderson's "Gazelle". Reed's arrangements offer insight into the intricate structure of the Henderson compositions on display."
--Ralph Pantuso, Sonicnet.com

What critics say about It's About Love:

"...It's About Love is a nicely assembled compilation... Highlights of the CD, which spans 1996-1999, include Benny Golson performing Duke Ellington's "Mood Indigo," Randy Brecker performing "My Funny Valentine," and singer Mary Pearson performing "The More I See You." Even soprano saxman Dave Liebman, who is no stranger to avant-garde jazz and outside improvisation, gets romantic, interpreting Billy Eckstine's "I Want to Talk About You." Not all of the songs are old standards from the 1930s and 1940s; Talib Kibwe's "It's Really All About Love" and pianist Uli Lenz's "A Perfect Couple" are original pieces, and "My Cherie Amour" (which pianist Joanne Brackeen interprets) was one of Stevie Wonder's major hits in the 1960s...It's About Love is exactly what it's supposed to be: an enjoyable collection of acoustic mood music."
Alex Henderson, All Music Guide, April 2001

What critics say about Stars of Jazz #1:

"4 stars...Spurred by Ken Burns extensive foray into the history and state of jazz, Arkadia provides a budget excursion to the same rich lands. This first volume of the four-CD series is one of two discs devoted to current masters and mistresses of the art. The extensive archives of the Arkadia and Postcard labels provide the material. With the exception of a Django Reinhardt track, these selections are all from the '90s; Billy Taylor, Benny Golson, T.K. Blue and more are included. These contemporary jazz figures are giants in their own right and purists keeping alive the classic tradition of instrumental cool jazz."
--OUTSIGHT, July 2001

What critics say about Stars of Jazz #2:

"4 stars...Arkadia Jazz Presents: The Stars of Jazz #2 is a more swinging, upbeat collection than its sister recording Arkadia Jazz Presents: The Stars of Jazz #1. The key figures here keeping instrumental jazz flame traditions include Billy Taylor, Benny Golson, Nat Adderley and more. Stand out tracks in this compendium of standouts are the Grammy nominees "My Favorite Things" (David Liebman) and "My Funny Valentine" (Randy Brecker)."
--OUTSIGHT, July 2001

What critics say about The New Young Lions of Jazz:

"4.5 stars...On The New Young Lions of Jazz, noted Arkadia and Postcards bandleaders present songs as showcases for solo forays by a different featured performer on each track. Leading off the disc, James Carter works out elegantly on the tenor sax on "My Favorite Things," led by Benny Golson. On one of the few vocal selections in this four-CD series, Kurt Elling has fun with "What's Your Choice, Rolls Royce" while Joanne Brackeen leads. Another very excellent selection is the weeping elegance provided by Ravi Coltrane on tenor horn to "Over the Rainbow" under Brackeen's guidance."
--OUTSIGHT, July 2001

What critics say about Out & Out Jazz:

--OUTSIGHT, July 2001

Arkadia Jazz... In The Beginning $7.98 "70001"
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Arkadia Jazz All-Stars: Thank You John! $9.98 70002
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Arkadia All-Stars Thank You Duke! $9.98 70003
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Arkadia Jazz: Thank You, Joe! $9.98 70004
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Arkadia Jazz Presents: The Stars of Jazz #1
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Arkadia Jazz Presents: The Stars of Jazz #2
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Arkadia Jazz Presents: The New Young Lions of Jazz
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Arkadia Jazz Presents: Out and Out Jazz
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Arkadia Jazz Presents: It's About Love
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Gerry Mulligan All-Star Tribute Band: Thank You, Gerry! $12.98 71191
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