Charles Tolliver is a master of all trades. The New York-based
trumpeter, active since the 1960s, is a leading player, educator, big
band leader, composer, and founder of the one of the greatest jazz
labels of all time, Strata-East.
In Summer 2020, he will be releasing his first studio album in 13
years via Gearbox Records, entitled Connect. Recorded to tape at RAK
Studios last November and engineered by Tony Platt (Bob Marley, Jazz
Jamaica All Stars, Abdullah Ibrahim), the line-up features top musicians
from the New York jazz scene who have collectively played with the
likes of Herbie Hancock, Nancy Wilson, and Chick Corea. Forming as the
Charles Tolliver All Stars, the band includes Jesse Davis on alto
saxophone, Keith Brown on piano, Buster Williams on double bass, and
Lenny White on drums. The album also bridges together New York and
London by featuring leading British saxophonist Binker Golding on two
tracks, (Binker & Moses, Moses Boyd Exodus, Zara McFarlane).
On recording with Gearbox, Charles said: “…with both of our
collective recording label expertise a recording of my touring band
could and would be done. I chose to CONNECT consummate artists whose
performances represent absolutely ‘THE’ Real Deal in this artform-Lenny
White, Buster Williams, Jesse Davis, Keith Brown. The excellent artistry
of Binker Golding was added for some tracks by Darrel.”
An interview with BBC 3’s J to Z, which aired last Saturday and can be found https://prescriptionpr.cmail19.com/t/j-l-qyuhill-bjhwnv-y/" rel="nofollow - HERE , discusses Charles’musical influences and announces the forthcoming album.
With a career spanning five decades, Tolliver first began playing
professionally with saxophone Jackie Mclean. His recording debut was
with McLean on Blue Note in 1964, and he went on to record and perform
with artists Roy Haynes, Sonny Rollins, Horace Silver, McCoy Tyner, Max
Roach, and many more. Entirely self-taught, Tolliver encapsulated his
approach to improvising in a recent article with Downbeat by saying:
“I like to rumble. I take the most difficult routes for
improvisation. It’s easy to play a number of choruses effortlessly and
never make a mistake, never break down. That’s no fun.”
Tolliver’s first ever recording under his own name was Paper Man,
recorded in 1968 with a legendary line-up of Herbie Hancock on keys,
Gary Bartz on saxophone, Ron Carter on double bass, and Joe Chambers on
drums. The album was released via the iconic British label Black Lion
and achieved great success and critical acclaim. Today’s record Connect,
released via British jazz-led label Gearbox Records, brings his
association with British jazz into full circle, and shows the mentality
of an artist who has achieved greatness yet constantly aspires to do
more.
from www.backseatmafia.com