Milt Jackson - "Olinga" 1974

Bass - Ron Carter

Drums - Mickey Roker

Piano - Cedar Walton

Saxophone [Soprano, Tenor] - Jimmy Heath

Vibraphone - Milt Jackson

Matrix - "Matrix IX" 1976

Matrix is a jazz fusion group that started in 1974. Their sound is noted for it's tight brass arrangements and very complex musical themes.  The closest mainstream group I would compare them to would be the early "Weather Report" recordings.  This album was a bit obscure even in it's day, and I dusted this original copy that I have had and gave it a listen. I was surprised by the dynamics and punch that these recordings could still deliver.  The titles and music on this LP are innovative and very engaging and have listed the full titles below.  My favorite is Track 1: "Earth And The Overlords"

BTW, they have a website where other works are available directly from Matrix this LP though is not available.
 Hope you enjoy this rare gem!

Track Listing

1.  Earth And The Overlords - Inspired by Arthur C. Clarke's science fiction novel Childhoods End

2.  Catalpa Complex

3.  Blue Snow

4.  Dark Riders - Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy Lord Of The Rings

5.  Clea - Inspired by Lawrence Durrell's literary creation Clea

6.  Geese

7.  The Last Generation -Also inspired by Arthur C. Clarke's Childhood's End

Download 320kbps MP3

Gary Criss - "Rio De Janeiro" 1978

Okay, I'm all over the map now with this one...I know this blog is called "Little Jazzarium", but believe it or not there is a certain "bossa-nova" feel to this CD, however, it's genre is classified as "Disco".  This CD is 'out-of-print' and is a hard-one to come by.  I got this one on eBay, and the seller was in Russia.  I almost bought this LP when it was originally released in 1978, but never did, and am very happy that I have secured a copy now.  I've always been a fan of the various covers of Jobim's timeless  "The Girl From Ipanema" and Gary Criss does a nice job with his version.  My favorite tracks are "Rio De Janeiro" and "Girl From Ipanema/Brazilian Nights" and "Calm Before The Storm".  Don't dismiss this album too quickly, give it a listen, you may be surprised??

Arranged By, Conductor - John Davis (5)
Backing Vocals - Carolyn Mitchell , Venice Thomas*
Bass - Vince Fay
Drums - Grant MacAvoy , Jimmy Young
Guitar - Craig Snyder
Horns, Strings - Don Renaldo Horns And Strings, The
Keyboards, Flute - John Davis (5)
Percussion - Jimmy Walker* , Larry Washington , Nick D'Amico

John Handy - "Carnival" 1977

It seems that much of  John Handy's repertoire is available on CD and digital download, with the exception of the years spanning 1976~1978.  There were three albums that were never released on CD, this one and "Where The Boats Go" and "Handy Dandy".  These albums are infused with the 70's jazz-funk style and other bloggers have made posts on these other 2 LP's.  I have not found a good quality archival of "Carnival", so here it is.  Most notable tracks are "Alvina" and the haunting "I Will Leave You" and the fanciful "Love's Rejoycing"...I hope you enjoy the Alto Sax sounds from JH.

Backing Vocals - E. Edwards* (tracks: B2) , John Handy (tracks: A3, B2) Bass - James Jameson, Sr.* (tracks: B1) , Rudy Coleman (tracks: A) , Vincent Jefferson* (tracks: B2, B4) Congas - Eddie "Bongo" Brown (tracks: A1, B1) , Paulo DaCosta* (tracks: B2, B4) , Tom Nicholas (tracks: A2 to A4) Drums - Harold Jones (tracks: B2, B4) , James Gadson (tracks: A1, A3, B1) , John Handy IV (tracks: A2, A4) Guitar - Larry Carlton (tracks: B1) , Lee Ritenour (tracks: A1) , Mike Hoffmann (tracks: A2 to A4) Keyboards - George Spencer (tracks: A3) , Reginald "Sonny" Burke* (tracks: A1, A2, A4, B1,) Keyboards, Synthesizer [Arp] - Lee Ritenour (tracks: B2, B4) Percussion - E. Edwards* (tracks: A1, A4, B1) , John Handy (tracks: A2) Piano - Reginald "Sonny" Burke* (tracks: B2) Producer - Esmond Edwards Saxophone [Alto] - John Handy Synthesizer [Arp] - Reginald "Sonny" Burke* (tracks: A2, A4, B1) Vocals - John Handy (tracks: A4) Written-By - John Handy , Oscar Hammerstein* (tracks: B3)