Archives for December 1998

Originally published at rec.music.bluenote

One of the highlights of straight ahead jazz in the 1980s was the group Sphere, which combined veterans such as tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse and drummer Ben Riley with younger musicians Kenny Barron and Buster Williams. The ensemble was frequently cited as one of the few bands that had a cohesiveness and group concept which enabled the musicians to take chances and explore new areas while retaining their identities.

Originally published at rec.music.bluenote

Those who have been keeping score will know that part one was Keith Jarrett – whose influence on both subsequent shows (Renee Rosnes and Mulgrew Miller) was sometimes subtle, sometimes more overt. More later – read on.