Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Jon Ivar Christensen was born March 20, 1943 in Oslo, Norway. In the late 1960s he played alongside Jan Garbarek on several recordings by the composer George Russell. He also was a central participant in the jazz band Masqualero, with Arild Andersen, and they reappeared in 2003 for his 60th anniversary.

He appears on many recordings on the ECM label with such artists as Keith Jarrett, Jan Garbarek, Terje Rypdal, Bobo Stenson, Eberhard Weber, Ralph Towner, including the seminal 1975 Solstice, Barre Phillips, Arild Andersen, Enrico Rava, John Abercrombie, Michael Mantler, Miroslav Vitous, Rainer Brüninghaus, Charles Lloyd, Dino Saluzzi Jakob Bro, and Tomasz Stanko.

Christensen was a member of the Keith Jarrett “European Quartet” of the 1970s, along with Jan Garbarek and Palle Danielsson, which produced five jazz recordings on ECM Records.

Drummer Jon Christensen died on February 18, 2020, at the age of 76 in his hometown.

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Requisites

Trailways Express ~ Philly Joe Jones | By Eddie Carter

A few nights ago, I spent the evening listening to albums by three of my favorite drummers: Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, and Philly Joe Jones. This morning’s record from my library inspired me to take a trip aboard the Trailways Express (Polydor – Black Lion Records 2460 142), a 1971 U.K. release by Philly Joe Jones. It was his sixth album as a leader and was recorded in 1968, a year after he moved to London. He’s accompanied on this date by Les Condon on trumpet (track: B1), Kenny Wheeler on flugelhorn (A1 to A3, B2, B3) and trumpet (B1), Chris Pyne on trombone (B3), Peter King on alto sax (A2, A3, B1 to B3), Harold McNair on flute (A2, B2) and tenor sax (A1, B1 to B3), Mike Pyne on piano, John Hart (B1), and Ron Matthewson (A1 to A3, B2, B3) on bass. My copy is the 1975 U.S. Stereo reissue (Black Lion Records BL-142).

The group jumps headfirst into the spirited melody of Mo Jo by Philly Joe Jones. Mike ignites the opening statement with electrifying notes. Harold continues creating a crisp, upbeat solo, and then Kenny glides and soars smoothly on the flugelhorn next. Mike and Philly exchange ideas as the song progresses until the final chorus and conclusion. The tempo shifts as the front line introduces Gone, Gone, Gone by George and Ira Gershwin. It starts with a slower beat that steadily climbs as the septet embarks on their theme. Peter is up first and delivers a vibrant interpretation. Kenny, still on flugelhorn, spreads his wings next. Philly’s exquisite brushwork closes the solos before the ensemble returns to the theme.

Baubles, Bangles, and Beads by Robert Wright, George Forrest, and Alexander Borodin begins with Philly’s short introduction, preceding the group’s lively melody. Peter initiates the good times in the first solo, followed by Kenny, again on flugelhorn, who keeps the brisk mood alive. Mike takes over for a short, jubilant performance, and then Ron walks in vivaciously. Philly Joe precedes the ensemble’s closing chorus with a succinct remark. The title tune, Trailways Express by Philly Joe Jones, kicks off Side Two with Les taking over on trumpet and Philly’s introduction calling the group to action. Harold lights the fuse in the opening presentation; then Peter continues spreading the fire next. Philly fans the flames further toward the theme’s reprise and gradual descent to a fadeout.

Here’s That Rainy Day by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke begins with Philly guiding the ensemble’s melody in his introduction. Peter starts with a soothing statement, and Harold narrates the next solo masterfully on the flute. Mike comes in next with a relaxed, easygoing reading. Philly delivers the song’s final festive swing ahead of Harold and Peter’s closing theme and the finale. The final track is Ladybird by Tadd Dameron and Ted Heath. Philly starts with a brief introduction before the septet’s vibrant theme. Mike sets the stage for the goodies to come. Harold follows him cheerfully, and Kenny moves along swiftly with cat-like ease next. Chris amazes in a dazzling interpretation, and Philly concludes with a final flourish, leading the ensemble back to the reprise and climax on a high note.

Alan Bates produced Trailways Express, though the identity of the recording engineer remains a mystery. Nonetheless, the album boasts a strong soundstage that listeners will find delightful. Philly Joe Jones was an outstanding drummer and the powerhouse behind the first great Miles Davis Quintet of the fifties. His nickname, Philly, distinguished him from another renowned drummer, Jo Jones. Although Jones’s discography as a leader is limited, he collaborated with numerous top-tier musicians as a sideman throughout his career. For fans of hard-bop and post-bop who seek exceptional drumming, Trailways Express by Philly Joe Jones is a must-listen. Its exceptional musicianship, led by Jones’s drumming, makes it a pleasure to listen to repeatedly!

~ Here’s That Rainy Day – Source: JazzStandards.com

~ Baubles, Bangles and Beads, Ladybird – Source: Wikipedia.org

© 2025 by Edward Thomas Carter

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CHARLES HEATH

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TARIQ GARDNER & EVENING STAR

Evening Star is a group of long time peers and friends from the Detroit Music Community. The group merges the roots traditions of jazz with the modern sounds of neo-soul, hip-hop, and R&B. Group Leader Tariq Gardner channels rhythms from the vast African Diaspora including Gospel, Rhumba, Samba, Swing, and many many more to make the band’s textures go from smooth to rough to velvety. This group has played many venues within the state as well as out of state including Jazzin’ at the Vanity, Third Place Music Festival, Cliff Bells, Blue Llama Jazz Club, and Detroit Jazz Festival. The band has an afro-futuristic aesthetic with the mission that simply makes music the forefront of positive outlets with original compositions as well as arrangements on popular songs from the Black American Canon. Most Recently they have released their freshman album “GATEWAY DRUG” as well as performed at the international Detroit Jazz Festival 2023.

THE BAND:

Tariq Gardner – Drums

Caelin Amin – Bass

LeRoy Mickens – Piano and Keyboards

Jeffrey Trent – Saxophone

Coleman Ward – Vocals

Tickets: $40.00 Cocktail Table (Pre-Pay $20.00 Cover/$20.00 Bar or Menu) | $75.00 Diner & Show (Pre-Pay $20.00 Cover | $55.00 Dinner)

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The Jazz Voyager

From the nation’s capital to the Big Apple is the next stop for this Jazz Voyager who will be in the venerated Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall. Gorgeous both sonically and visually, this venue utilizes ambitious elements such as a retractable concert shell ceiling and a sophisticated acoustical curtain and banner systems that make the sound quality of the hall spectacular.

To be in the audience for the celebration of the life and music of Lenny White. The iconic Grammy-winning drummer is among jazz music’s most prolific and honored artists, producers, composers and sidemen. All will be fêted at a one-night-only celebration filled with music and memories

This event will feature performances by Return to Forever w/ Stanley Clarke, Al DiMeola and orchestra conducted by Maestro Steve Mecurio, Miles Davis Bitches Brew, Red Clay, Echoes of an Era, as well as exploring material from his illustrious five + decade career. Laurence Fishburne will serve as emcee with appearances from fellow artists Buster Williams, Omar Hakim, Patrice Rushen, Al Foster, Mike Clark, Billy Hart, and Billy Drummond.

Tickets: $175.00~$250.00

Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall address is 10 Columbus Circle, New York City, NY 10019. For more information visit https://jazz.org.

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