Jazzman 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: First released back in 1967 on the Touche label and impossible to find on vinyl ever since, Happiness Is Taking Care of Business, Dig was the sole album from the short-lived Al Tanner Quintet. Yet as this much-needed Jazzman reissue proves, it remains an inspired selection of spiritually enriching modal workouts that makes the most of its talented ensemble. While pianist and bandleader Al Tanner naturally makes his presence felt throughout, flautist/trumpeter George Alexander and tenor saxophonist Roy Henderson also deliver inspired solos, while the rhythm section of drummer William 'Smiley' Winters and bassist Edgar Williams are also on fine form throughout.

Review: Jazzman has excavated another jazz "holy grail" here - one of the few albums ever recorded by San Francisco-based pianist (and local hero) Al Tanner. It was initially released back in 1967 by the obscure, but arguably significant, Touche label, and while popular within Californian jazz circles, garnered little exposure or sales elsewhere. It remains a fantastic album, with Tanner being joined by drummer William 'Smiley' Winters, bassist Edgar Williams, saxophonist Roy Henderson, and flautist/trumpeter George Alexander to attractively dance through a range of pleasingly breezy, musically detailed modal workouts. It's a genuinely impressive album all told, so praise must be given to Jazzman for unearthing and reissuing it.

Review: Originally released in 1973, Prof James Benson's seminal album, The Gow Dow Experience is a project that has an amazing story accompanying it. An entirely self-released project, Prof Benson's intention was to record these sessions so that his students at Cal Poly in California would have a special memento of what they had achieved together. Taking inspiration from their recent trip to Africa and blended with the radical jazz emerging from Black American artist's in the 70s, it was a momentous achievement for him and his young protegees. Jazzman's re-release also includes four tracks from the recording session that, until now, have never been released - they're well worth the wait, we promise!

Review: Jazzman have been capitalising on their kinship with revered digger Greasy Mike by offering him a series of compilations which shine a light on some of the wildly rare records contained in his considerable archives. Following prior themes from Middle-Eastern Harem and Shipwrecked On A Tropical Island, Mike turns his attention to "the sublime, seductive sound of the smooth and sultry songstress." You won't find any household names here, but rather a cast of mesmerising, formidable singers set to heartworn jazz ballads. These are no wallflowers and there's more than enough grit to go with their grace, making this a fantastic collection for anyone who savours the sound of 50s and 60s divas with something to say.

Review: Many artists achieve greatness but very few produce work that is so moving it's considered sacred. Whether you choose to call them hymns, psalms or spirituals, their songs are a healing force for troubled times. We feel close to these prophets, in recognition of their uncommon labours. It is as if they have given all of themselves, body and soul, through music. Spiritual Jazz 15 - A Tribute to 'Trane shines a spotlight on the reverence in which the saxophonist is held in so many ways. On one hand our selection displays cover versions of his songs performed by the musicians he inspired; disciples to Coltrane the messiah, who chose to give praise to the one who laid a foundation for them. The listener will also encounter original music written in honour of Coltrane that underlines the endless presence he has had among artists from different backgrounds and eras.

Review: Jazzman Records add to the legacy of saxophonist John Coltrane with this latest tribute compilation. Few artists, in the words of the label, "produce work that is so moving it's considered sacred." But that is exactly what has happened with John Coltrane over the years; while the forces that have exalted him to such an extent remain mysterious, we're now left with just the music, of which many of the original compositions have now become jazz standard form. From Norman Conners to Brother Jack McDuff, each covering artist here - masters in their own respects - curtsies before the prophet.

Review: Jazzman Records' curatorial moniker Greasy Mike delivers a seventh compilation in his eponymous beatnik jazz series. At The Beatnik Cafe follows up former visits to the Tropical Island, the Chinese Takeaway, and the Halloween haunted house for a trip back in time and place to 1950s New York, netting the sonic essence of the Beat generation. Predominantly comprising swing, bebop and hard bop recorded during and at the turn of the following decade, we're smitten at the likes of Harvey Anderson's 'Monday Night At 8PM', The Seven Arts Beat Society's 'New York Havana', and Cindy Laine's 'Whispering Wind', all of which amount to prototypical, quiet cafe-bound storms, and the perfect complements for free-assocative poetry composition and goatee grooming.