The Cookers ‘Believe’ Release Party at 92Y Tribeca December 12, Broadcast live by WBGO’s The Checkout

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Billy Harper, Billy Hart, Cecil McBee, Craig Handy, David Weiss, Eddie Henderson, George Cables

The Cookers is tenor saxophonist Billy Harper, trumpeters Eddie Henderson and David Weiss, alto saxophonist Craig Handy, pianist George Cables, bassist Cecil McBee, and drummer Billy Hart.

The Cookers have been touring in support of their “cooking” release Believe since the summer, igniting crowds at major venues and festivals including the Playboy Jazz Festival, the Vancouver Jazz Festival, Caramoor Jazz Festival and more with DownBeat hailing the super-group “a must-see band on the festival circuit.”

Michael Feinberg – ][ – THE ELVIN JONES PROJECT – [Sunnyside Communications, 2012] –

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Alex Wintz, Bassist, Billy Hart, Composer, Elvin Jones, George Garzone, Leo Genovese, Michael Feinberg, Producer, Sunnyside Communications, Tim Hagans

“I dream of an art so transparent you can look through it and see the beauty of the world” –Stanley Kunitz (1906-2006)

Michael Feinberg, THE ELVIN JONES PROJECT

Michael Feinberg -][ – THE ELVIN JONES PROJECT –Mp3– [Sunnyside Communications, 2012] –

The classic John Coltrane Quartet of the 1960s was one of the most influential ensembles jazz has heard. The group’s influence has continued to spread in the world of contemporary jazz, as new generations of performers have trolled the Quartet’s catalog and those of its illustrious sidemen.

Twenty five year old bassist/bandleader Michael Feinberg was particularly inspired by the core of Coltrane’s rhythm section: drummer Elvin Jones. While he perused his favorite drummer’s catalog, Feinberg found himself drawn to the interplay the legendary percussionist had with a multitude of bassists. Feinberg soon discovered that his favorite bassists had had a significant musical relationship with Jones. The study of these relationships became the root of Feinberg’s project and subsequent recording: The Elvin Jones Project.

Jazz Supergroup, THE COOKERS, Celebrate Their Fifth Anniversary With Stellar Third Release, BELIEVE, Available June 12 on Motéma Music

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African American, Billy Harper, Billy Hart, Cecil McBee, Craig Handy, David Weiss, Eddie Henderson, George Cables

Featuring Billy Harper, Eddie Henderson, David Weiss,
Craig Handy, George Cables, Cecil McBee, and Billy Hart

LISTEN TO STREAMING TRACKS FROM BELIEVE

The Cookers, BELIEVE

“Player for player, there’s no better working band in jazz than The Cookers.” – Andy Gilbert, Boston Globe

“Rich with a mix of classic elegance and exploration, the group might reference the past by name, but it never sounds less than current.” – Chris Barton, Los Angeles Times

In an interview, drum great Billy Hart summed up his attitude toward The Cookers succinctly but emphatically: “Believe in us,” he insisted (tacking an expletive onto the end that served to press the point home). Over the course of two albums, The Cookers have given jazz audiences plenty of reason to believe, and their Motéma Music debut, bearing the simple but eloquent title Believe, finds the all-star septet continuing to keep the faith in swinging fashion – their third release, celebrating their fifth anniversary as a working ensemble.

Johannes Enders -][- Billy Rubin – [Yellowbird Records, 2012] –

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Billy Hart, Jean-Paul Brodbeck, Johannes Enders, John Enders

Good morning jazz aficionados, today is new release day so watch out for Wallace Roney, Grégoire Maret, Vijay Iyer, Peter White, Chano Dominguez, Lynne Arriale and many more!

Johannes Enders, Billy Rubin

Johannes Enders -][- Billy Rubin –MP3– [Yellowbird Records, 2012] –

Johannes Enders is one far beyond the borders of Germany to become the best jazz musicians and arguably most experimental of his profession. The tenor saxophonist from Weilheim, who studied in Munich, Graz and New York, is a go-getting creative spirit whose immense artistic output is full of surprises. With the Tied & Tickled Trio and his studio project Enders Room, both characterized by constantly changing instrumentation, the 44-year-old musician explores primarily the broad area of ​​conflict between electronic and jazz, experimenting there as a multi-instrumentalist with a particular sound atmospheres.

The Cookers Sign To Motéma Music

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Billy Harper, Billy Hart, Cecil McBee, David Weiss, George Cables

THE COOKERS

Hard-bop ensemble David Weiss and The Cookers have signed to Motéma Music! They will be releasing their third recording (and the first on Motéma) in June. The program will consist of original material from band members Billy Harper, Cecil McBee, George Cables and Billy Hart. Cecil McBee has contributed a great new composition for the project, which will also feature “Tight Squeeze” from McBee’s Unspoken.

Mads Vinding TRIO ]|[ OPEN MIND [Storyville Records]

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Bass, Billy Hart, Jazz, Jean-Michel Pilc, Mads Vinding, Piano

Mads Vinding Trio - OPEN MINDS

Mads Vinding TRIO ]|[ OPEN MIND -(MP3)- [Storyville Records, 2011]

An amazing new trio recording featuring legendary bassist Mads Vinding alongside pianist Jean-Michel Pilc and drummer Billy Hart.

World-famous Danish bass player Mads Vinding has performed all over the world and recorded with an impressive list of jazz masters including Hank Jones and Stan Getz. For more than 35 years Mads has collaborated with Billy Hart, one of the most influential, melodic, and creative drummers in jazz. He has recorded more than 600 records with the likes of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter, and has twice won the first place in DownBeat Critics Poll.

French-born Jean-Michel Pilc has lived in New York since 1995. He has played with Richard Bona, Michael Brecker, Marcus Miller, and Kenny Garrett, and is pianist and musical leader for Harry Belafonte.

..:: SOURCE: Amazon.com ::..

The Brian Landrus Quartet ]|[ TRAVERSE

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Billy Hart, Brian Landrus, Jazz, Lonnie Plaxico, Michael Cain, Saxophones

The Brian Landrus Quartet ]|[ TRAVERSE -(MP3)- [Blue Land Records, 2011] -|- Album Review

The Brian Landrus Quartet - TRAVERSE

Born in 1978 the versatile woodwind artist, composer, arranger, saxophonist and educator BRIAN LANDRUS emerges on the jazz scene in 2011 with his breakthrough debut album “TRAVERSE” on his own record label Blue Land Records features pianist Michael Cain, bassist Lonnie Plaxico and drummer Billy Hart.

As you see, his accompanists alone are well worth the price of admission to engage yourself in the distinguish sounds of “TRAVERSE.” It’s rare to hear an artist groove with the flexibility, intellect and gravity while they’re in pursue of excellence to insure listeners have a wealth of flawless, creative and challenging music to baptize their souls in.

“TRAVERSE” the title piece is out of the box exceptionally smooth, cool, vibrant and deliciously inviting. Wait a minute please don’t let the word, cliché or phrase “Smooth” hinder you. The multifaceted Brian Landrus is much deeper then “smooth” could ever imagine itself being that he changes woodwinds frequently to accent his voice through the intensity of each song.

THE COOKERS Celebrate The Release Of CAST THE FIRST STONE (Plus Loin)

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Azar Lawrence, Billy Harper, Billy Hart, Cecil McBee, Craig Handy, David Weiss, Eddie Henderson, George Cables, Jazz, The Cookers

THE COOKERS Celebrate The Release Of
CAST THE FIRST STONE (Plus Loin), Hard-Hitting Follow-Up to Acclaimed WARRIORS On April 12, 2011

@ The Iridum – May 14 & 15!
1650 Broadway, NYC (at 51st Street), Tel 212 582 2121, Showtime is 9:00 PM, tkts are $30
http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com

The Cookers - Cast The First Stone

Billy Harper (Tenor Sax), Eddie Henderson (Trumpet), David Weiss (Trumpet), Craig Handy (Alto Sax), George Cables (Piano), Cecil McBee (Bass), Billy Hart (Drums) & Special guest Azar Lawrence (Tenor & Soprano Sax)

Experience counts, especially in jazz. The more time musicians spend interpreting tunes and interacting with others, the more articulation an audience can expect. You can hear the fruits of such work in the expressive language the Cookers bring to the material on Cast the First Stone. Here’s a group of veteran improvisers approaching their current songbook with both ardor and eloquence.

Billy Harper, Cecil McBee, George Cables, Eddie Henderson, and Billy Hart all came up in the heady era of the mid ’60s. It was a period that found the dimensions of hard bop morphing from their original designs, and each these guys helped facilitate the process. David Weiss and Craig Handy, from a more recent generation and the youngest members of the band, are experts in this forthright lingo as well. Their feisty solos parallel those of their elders. Together, the septet throws a mighty punch.

THE COOKERS Release CAST THE FIRST STONE (Plus Loin), Hard-Hitting Follow-Up to Acclaimed WARRIORS On April 12, 2011

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Azar Lawrence, Billy Harper, Billy Hart, Cecil McBee, Craig Handy, David Weiss, Eddie Henderson, George Cables

The Cookers CD Release Celebration
May 14 & 15 @ The Iridium, NYC!
http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com

Cast The First Stone Features: Billy Harper (Tenor Sax), Eddie Henderson (Trumpet), David Weiss (Trumpet), Craig Handy (Alto Sax, trks 1-5), George Cables (Piano), Cecil McBee (Bass), Billy Hart (Drums) & Special guest Azar Lawrence (Tenor Sax, trks 4, 6 & 7, Soprano Sax, trk 3)

The Cookers - Cast The First Stone

Experience counts, especially in jazz. The more time musicians spend interpreting tunes and interacting with others, the more articulation an audience can expect. You can hear the fruits of such work in the expressive language the Cookers bring to the material on Cast the First Stone. Here’s a group of veteran improvisers approaching their current songbook with both ardor and eloquence.

Billy Harper, Cecil McBee, George Cables, Eddie Henderson, and Billy Hart all came up in the heady era of the mid ’60s. It was a period that found the dimensions of hard bop morphing from their original designs, and each these guys helped facilitate the process. David Weiss and Craig Handy, from a more recent generation and the youngest members of the band, are experts in this forthright lingo as well. Their feisty solos parallel those of their elders. Together, the septet throws a mighty punch.

“There’s no doubt that these guys hit it hard,” says Weiss. “Unquestionably that’s the signature of the band.” The trumpeter produced Cast the First Stone; he’s also the group’s straw boss. “I love Warriors, our previous disc, but some considered it a kinder and gentler Cookers record. This one has a great balance. There’s pretty stuff, smart stuff, and tough stuff – a few really rugged pieces in fact. It’s one of those records that grabs you from the first note and doesn’t let go.”

CONTACT -·- FIVE ON ONE

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Billy Hart, Contact, Dave Liebman, Drew Gress, Jazz, John Abercrombie, Marc Copland

Contact - Five on One

CONTACT -·- FIVE ON ONE – [Pirouet Records, 2010]

Five on the way to one. Five in one. Five on the same wavelength. The group is simply called Contact. But that’s a word with a whole slew of possible meanings. There is certainly contact–but not of the physical sort.
With the very first tones the quintet evinces a striking impression of vibrant unity. Or better yet–of synchronized life-blood. And it remains so until the last note. Five big names. An “All-Star” band. But not just. It’s not just a gathering of five jazz celebrities who get together to churn out a few pieces, and then scatter to the winds in every aesthetic direction in order to land where they better fit in. As the pieces are played, there is a growing sense that these musicians have produced a long overdue set of recordings that are an organic synthesis of their musical beings. Five who together discover a musical spirit that incorporates every individual. The CD is called Five on One, and on it, the musicians develop an intense interplay that is characterized by an intimate warmth.