THE NORRBOTTEN BIG BAND - The Avatar Sessions : The Music of Tim Hagans (2009) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

There are remarkably few progressive big bands of note, though one that merits entry into their ranks is the Norrbotten Big Band. Trumpeter Tim Hagans, an American who serves as its artistic director, contributed the originals for this date, while he recruited a number of star soloists from the U.S. for these sessions. He envisioned "Buckeyes" after being inspired by a conversation between Ornette Coleman and Joe Lovano; though there are rapid-fire free jazz portions played by the orchestra, with the leader and tenor saxophonist George Garzone playing the role of Lovano, the results are anything but a train wreck. The hip boogaloo "Boo" features the sassy trumpet of Randy Brecker, with guitarist Vic Juris added to the rhythm section. The lush ballad "Here with Me" showcases David Liebman's magical soprano sax, backed by Hagans' superb scoring of the reeds and brass. "Palt Seanuts" is a breezy bop vehicle that Hagans claims is based on a Viking sea song, though he may be engaging in a Dizzy Gillespie-like put-on in his notes. The sauntering "Rufus at Gilly's" casts the spotlight on veteran bassist Rufus Reid, who demonstrates why he is one of the most in-demand players with his inventive, bluesy solo technique. Highly recommended! by Ken Dryden 
Tracklist :
1    Buckeyes 10'15
Drums – Peter Erskine
Tenor Saxophone – George Garzone
Trumpet – Tim Hagans
2    Boo 8'40
Trumpet – Randy Brecker, Tim Hagans
3    Box Of Cannoli 13'16
Bass Clarinet – Jan Thelin
Drums – Peter Erskine
Piano – Daniel Tilling
Trumpet – Tim Hagans
4    Here With Me 5'58
Soprano Saxophone – David Liebman
5    Palt Seanuts 9'32
Alto Saxophone – Håkan Broström
Drums – Peter Erskine
Tenor Saxophone – Karl-Martin Almqvist
Trombone – Peter Dahlgren
Trumpet – Tim Hagans
6    Rufus At Gilly's 8'42
Bass – Rufus Reid
7    Song For Mirka 7'13
Composed By – Dan Johansson, Tim Hagans
Flugelhorn – Dan Johansson

JEFF PALMER, DAVID LIEBMAN, JOHN ABERCROMBIE, ADAM NUSSBAUM - Abracadabra (1987-1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Sound explorations are emphasized throughout this release with Jeff Palmer's atmospheric organ, the varied tones of John Abercrombie's guitar synthesizer, David Liebman's very passionate soprano and Adam Nussbaum's drums interacting over a variety of patterns. All of the compositions are group originals with five by Palmer and one apiece from the other three musicians. Whether it be the funky beat of "Hip Slick," the free jamming of "Mr. Adam," the spacey title cut or the almost New Age feel of "Mr. John," the themes are less important than the setting of moods and the advanced improvising. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Hip Slick 7:56
Jeff Palmer
2     Mr. Adam 3:01
Adam Nussbaum
3     Tango Dream 8:00
Jeff Palmer
4     Mr. John 4:41
John Abercrombie
5     Abracadabra 5:10
Jeff Palmer
6     The Unknown Known 6:33
Jeff Palmer
7     Mr. Dave 2:46
David Liebman
8     Girl Swirl 8:38
Jeff Palmer
9     On Fire 12:41
Jeff Palmer
Credits :
Drums – Adam Nussbaum
Guitar Synthesizer – John Abercrombie
Organ [Hammond B3 Electronic Organ-Bass Pedals] – Jeff Palmer
Producer – Paul Bley
Soprano Saxophone – David Liebman