THE CHANGING SAME

INTERPLANETARY SAM RIVERS MONTH CONTINUES with 1975's "SIZZLE" for Impulse!

2012-01-09T16:56:00.000-08:00

I really want to avoid any cheesy jazz adjectives or idioms here. But I don't really know what else to say; the title of this album very aptly suits its sound. I mean shit, this album is NUTS. Play the above YouTube video, you'll hear what I mean. Dave Holland on cello? WTF! The depth of the compositions is astounding, which is not something I generally associate with music that is this funky. Sam Rivers, all the way up through his most recent recordings, managed to keep everything extremely funky without falling into some of the trappings that are lent to musicians that make "funk." My friend Jonathan Sindleman often remarks on the level of content contained in Sam Rivers music. "Content" is a good word to describe his body of work. But I don't use the word "content" in the same way I would use the word "content" in describing my scientific keys I use for botanical identification purposes; although I would use the word "content" in that way when describing Sam Rivers music a little bit, sometimes. I mean it this like this: His music is not dry, overly complex, or too "wordy:" Though as far as I am concerned, it contains a level of information only comparable to what is found in certain botany related textbooks I use when I'm identifying plants in the woods here in the Pacific Northwest. And you'd have to be about as passionate about your art as these nerds that write these botany books to produce such works of music. Like, I have to be searching pretty hard to identify what I see, and still be completely excited about what I found through my searches. Ya dig?

Rest In Peace, Samuel Carthorne Rivers - September 25, 1923 – December 26, 2011

Info in comments.

SAM RIVERS - THE COMPLETE BLUE NOTE SESSIONS

2012-01-07T21:38:00.000-08:00

Sam Rivers recorded for Blue Note from 1964 to 1967. While recording for Blue Note, he was an avant-garde innovator with an inside/outside hard bop sound. Wrote Steve Huey on Allmusic.com: "[Sam Rivers] took his music as far out as he could while maintaining a recognizable structure; his work fearlessly explored wildly dissonant harmonies and atonality, dense group interaction, cerebral rumination, and passionately intense, free-leaning solos."

Rivers recorded four albums for Blue Note: The classic "Fuchsia Swing Song," the avant-bop masterpiece "Contours," the radical standards album "A New Conception," and the brilliant "Dimensions and Extensions" which also comprised Rivers' half of the split double LP "Involution" with Andrew Hill.

I paraphrased and plagiarized much of this info from Allmusic.com. But WTF? It doesn't really matter. All that matters here is that this is Sam Rivers on Blue Note. Everything else is tiny details.

Check out all the info in the comments

SUN RA - I AM LISTENING

2012-01-06T21:36:00.000-08:00

SAM RIVERS TRIO - W/ DAVE HOLLAND - LIVE IN GERMANY NOVEMBER 14 1979

2012-01-06T21:23:00.000-08:00

Sam Rivers Dave Holland Anthony Braxton = San Francisco 1978

2012-01-06T21:20:00.002-08:00

Dave Holland e Sam Rivers = Pisa , Italy 1980

2012-01-06T21:20:00.000-08:00

DAVE HOLLAND/SAM RIVERS

2012-01-06T12:14:00.000-08:00

English contrabass monster Dave Holland and Sam Rivers made a two part album of duets for Paul Bley's Improvising Artists Inc. record label in the mid 1970's. The recordings are abnormally special: The two men maintain an improvised musical dialogue that sounds like two old friends catching up in front of a fire with a bottle of especially good wine. They delicately dance around each others statements reacting to the combined sounds in nano-time, with a level of empathy and attention rarely heard in duet recordings. Sam switches instruments throughout the albums: tenor sax, piano, flute soprano sax.

These recordings are rich with content. They are expressions of a level of communication that hardly exists in the human experience in any form, let alone musically. We are lucky to have these conversations documented.

On a side note: The Improvising Artists Inc. small catalogue of releases is flush with rare gems. Sun Ra has an album of solo piano. Not only is this album great, it is rare to hear Sun Ra without his Arkestra, and even when he's performing with his ensemble, he tends to leave the soloing to the rest of his band. The label also sports a two totally badass logo designs, only one of which I have the time to find online:

I don't know about you, but I think that would be a great tattoo ;)

INFO LINK IN COMMENTS

DON PULLEN FEATURING SAM RIVERS - CAPRICORN RISING (BLACK SAINT, 1975)

2012-01-03T21:56:00.000-08:00

PERSONELL:
Bass – Alex Blake (2)
Drums, Tambourine – Bobby Battle
Executive Producer – Nuccio Rinaldis, Paolo Tofani
Photography By – Giuseppe G. Pino*
Piano – Don Pullen
Producer – Giacomo Pellicciotti
Recorded By – Tony May
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute – Sam Rivers
Recorded October 16-17, 1975, at Generation Sound Studios, New York.
BLACK SAINT RECORDS, ITALY, 1993

Don Pullen is a legend. And an avante-garde jazz icon. His 1966 duet recordings with legendary master musician Milford Graves "Nommo" and "Live at Yale" are probably the two most rare and sought after pieces of free jazz vinyl in history. Why they have never been reissued, considering their desirability, is a conundrum of great mystery.

Continuing our celebration of Interplanetary Sam Rivers Month, we visit a release from one of my favorite record labels, Black Saint/Soul Note Records from Italy. I was, until today, unfamiliar with "Capricorn Rising." Another tip from my man, Jonathan Sindleman, has led me to post this album. After first listen, I must say I am honored to share this work of art with you. It is organic, stunning, and energetic. A must have for any Sam Rivers and/or Don Pullen fan. Check out the frenetic, soulful "Fall Out.' And of course, pay attention to the wonderful Black Saint production value. Classic, beautiful.

Info here and in comments.

Stay tuned for the continuing celebration of Sam Rivers in the days to come.

CHARLIE PARKER

2012-01-02T22:58:00.001-08:00

Charlie Parker (Alto Sax), Buddy Rich (Drums), Hank Jones (Piano) and Ray Brown (Bass)

ANTHONY BRAXTON - ORNITHOLOGY (CHARLIE PARKER) - CONTRABASS CLARINET

2012-01-02T22:55:00.001-08:00

ANTHONY BRAXTON - CONTRABASS SAXOPHONE

2012-01-02T22:54:00.001-08:00

ANTHONY BRAXTON - CHESS, MATH, MUSIC

2012-01-02T22:51:00.001-08:00

CHIEF JOSEPH, MY HERO

2012-01-02T22:48:00.001-08:00

KEN BABBS - MERRY PRANKSTER - STAR SPANGLED BANNER

2012-01-02T14:24:00.000-08:00

INTERPLANETARY SAM RIVERS MONTH: DAVE HOLLAND QUARTET / CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS

2012-01-02T13:33:00.000-08:00

This is one of my all time favorite records. It is also the first album posted in celebration of Interplanetary Sam Rivers Month that features Sam Rivers as a side man. Some of you hardcore fans are familiar with Sam Rivers and Dave Holland's duet albums that appeared on Paul Bley's Improvising Artists Inc. label; we here at The Changing Same will be approaching those overlooked gems in the coming weeks. I felt that Wikipedia hit the nail on the head as far as an accurate description of this recording, so read on about this amazing music there.

I gotta dedicate this post to my power homie and forever and continual 1-6 sense searcher, Jonathan Sindleman, for introducing this awesome album to me.

INFO HERE AND IN COMMENTS.

SAM RIVERS - CULMINATION

2011-12-31T14:16:00.000-08:00

THE CHANGING SAME is celebrating Interplanetary Sam Rivers Month with part two to our post regarding Sam Rivers' Grammy nominated album "Inspiration."

"Culmination" was recorded during the same sessions as "Inspiration." They were both produced by Steve Coleman, and feature the 16 piece Rivbea All-Star Orchestra.

BUY: http://www.amazon.com/Culmination-Sam-Rivers/dp/B00002DEVJ

INFO HERE and in comments

SAM RIVERS INTERVIEW

2011-12-30T16:06:00.000-08:00

Sam Rivers - FLARE

2011-12-30T16:05:00.000-08:00

Sam Rivers Rivbea All-Star Orchestra Rehearsal

2011-12-30T16:04:00.001-08:00

JANUARY IS INTERPLANETARY SAM RIVERS MONTH

2011-12-30T15:38:00.000-08:00

SINCE SAM RIVERS PASSED ON this week, we here at The Changing Same are celebrating the pure genius that was him. We've shared his 1974 release for implulse! and a slightly more obscure live album; now its time for a classic from later in his career, a truly original recording at that, and a game changer as far as big band jazz is concerned, as far as we are concerned, anyway: Sam Rivers and the Rivbea All Star Orchestra's "Inspiration."

Sam Rivers' music became extremely expressive later in his career (perhaps a tip for those of us that are getting older - like Tom Waits, or Sun Ra, I'd like to think we get better with age, not the other way around like so many other pop and trendy musicians of today). The shear amount of content in his large ensemble recordings is just staggering. In 4 bars you'll hear influences ranging from Latin, to funk, big band swing, free jazz, avante-garde, and soul: Perhaps a few hits from the drummer that quote, ever so slightly, Latin jazz; a free, wild solo from the trumpeter; a heavy, funk influenced electric bass; completely out-there Monk-in-the-future intervals; all the while swingin' away, swingin' away hard...It's hard to imagine until you hear it. His creativity is only comparable to other masters: Zappa, Ra, Monk...The Changing Same is going to do its best to bring you communique's from Sam Rivers in the coming weeks in honor of his genius and his contribution to the world of jazz, and music as a whole. Thats why, here at The Changing Same, we are establishing January as Interplanetary Sam Rivers Month. Stay tuned.

BUY: http://www.amazon.com/Inspiration-Sam-Rivers/dp/B00000JJJ1

INFO LINK HERE AND IN COMMENTS

ALICE COLTRANE, SOLO HARP

2011-12-29T23:37:00.000-08:00

ALICE COLTRANE, MY FAVORITE.

2011-12-29T23:16:00.000-08:00

I heart Alice Coltrane just about more than anything else on the planet. Check out this amazing compilation of her recordings over at Blaxploitation Jive. Here is the list of what they're sharing:

Discography
As a leader

A Monastic Trio (Impulse!, 1967)
Cosmic Music (Impulse!, 1966-68) with John Coltrane
Huntington Ashram Monastery (Impulse!, 1969)
Ptah, the El Daoud (Impulse!, 1970)
Journey in Satchidananda (Impulse!, 1970)
Universal Consciousness (Impulse!, 1972)
World Galaxy (1972)
Lord of Lords (1973)
John Coltrane: Infinity (1973)
Reflection on Creation and Space (a Five Year View) (1973)
Illuminations (1974) with Carlos Santana
Eternity (1975)
Radha-Krisna Nama Sankirtana (1976)
Transcendence (1977)
Transfiguration (1978)
Turiya Sings (1982)
Divine Songs (1987)
Infinite Chants (1990)
Glorious Chants (1995)
Priceless Jazz (1998)
The Music of Alice Coltrane: Astral Meditations (1999)
Translinear Light (2004)
The Impulse Story (2006)

As a sideperson
With John Coltrane
Live at the Village Vanguard Again! (Impulse!, 1966)
Live in Japan (Impulse!, 1966 [1973])
Stellar Regions (Impulse!, 1966)
Expression (Impulse!, 1967)
The Olatunji Concert: The Last Live Recording (Impulse!, 1967)

With Terry Gibbs
Terry Gibbs Plays Jewish Melodies in Jazztime (Mercury, 1963)
Hootenanny My Way (Mercury, 1963)
El Nutto (Limelight, 1964)

With Charlie Haden
Closeness (Horizon, 1976)

With Joe Henderson

The Elements (Milestone, 1973)

With McCoy Tyner
Extensions (Blue Note, 1970)
Live Albums
Alice Coltrane Live (1972)
Alice Coltrane Quartet Live In Warsaw (1987)

DOROTHY ASHBY, JAZZ HARPIST. COMPLETE DISCOGRAPHY

2011-12-29T23:13:00.000-08:00

Speaking of women who play jazz harp, Dorothy Ashby makes fantastic music. And she plays the harp. Need I say more? Check out her complete discography over at Blaxploitation Jive.

Carrot Soufflé

2011-12-29T14:52:00.000-08:00

Fluffy and sweet, this dish is perfect for the holidays and somewhere between a dessert and an appetizer. I got this recipe from my good friend Lee Zucker; we used to serve this at her restaurant, The Locomotive, in Eugene, Oregon.

Carrot Soufflé

1 stick (4 ozs.) unsalted butter*, plus some for pan
4-5 very large carrots (1 1/2 lbs. total weight)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
3 tablespoons white, all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
Generous pinch of salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 1 1/2-quart casserole (about 8 1/2 inches square) or 6 custard cups. If using custard cups, set them in a roasting pan for ease of handling.

2. Peel carrots and chop into 1/2-inch rounds. Drop into a pot of 3 cups boiling water. When water returns to a boil, reduce to simmer and cook 10-15 minutes—until soft. Drain carrots well, return to pot, and mash with a potato masher; alternatively, pulse in a food processor to a coarse puree—slushy with no big pieces, but not smooth like baby food. Measure out 2 cups; store remainder for another use.

3. While carrots are still hot, add to them the 4 ozs. butter and the sugar and mix well. If carrots become too cool, return to heat briefly. In a small bowl, beat eggs; add and mix into carrot mixture. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, then mix well into carrots. Pour into prepared casserole or custard cups.

4. Bake at 350 degrees until set—about 50-60 minutes for a casserole, 40 minutes for custard cups. Rotate pan front to back for even baking half way through cooking time. When done, a knife inserted at center should come out oily-looking but not creamy-looking. If baked in a casserole, it probably will not puff; in custard cups, it will lift above the rim like a soufflé. (Serve immediately, or it will fall. It will taste the same, just look more ordinary.) To reheat, if made earlier, microwave a single serving for one minute; longer for multiple servings. If reheating multiple servings, carefully insert a skinny knife near center of one serving and touch deep inside to be sure they’re hot inside. Pierced spot can be smoothed over to camouflage the experiment.

6 servings

*If using salted butter, delete salt in recipe

Live Sam Rivers Crosscurrent (Blue Marge 1005, 1981)

2011-12-29T11:56:00.000-08:00

Since Sam Rivers passed on this week, The Changing Same is honoring him with a series of posts concerning this man's great genius and monumental impact on me as a musician and as a person. This little gem of a live show came to me courtesy of my super homie Jonathan Sindleman only yesterday. Now I share it with you, via Post Miles . Jonathan suggested I start with the last track, "Swirl." That was a great place to start; now I suggest you start by stopping by Post Miles and following the link to get you some.