Roswell Rudd, Heather Masse - August Love Song (2015) [Hi-Res]

August Love Song is the remarkable collaboration between impeccable vocal stylist Heather Masse and octogenarian trombone maverick Roswell Rudd. Masse, the New England Conservatory of Music-trained vocalist, is member of the Billboard-charti ng folk trio The Wailin Jennys and a regular on public radio s A Prairie Home Companion show. Rudd burst on the free jazz scene in the 1960s; his ensemble work with Archie Shepp and forays into African and world music inform his explorations in sound and rhythm to the present.

Rudd and Masse met when they both appeared on the Prairie Home show, were surprised to discover they were neighbors in the Catskills in rural New York, and quickly found they had a strong musical connection that bridged their ages. Weekly jam sessions in Rudd s living room became the impetus for August Love Song, recorded at Rudd s home to capture the free-and-easy feel of the music. Joined by Rolf Sturm (guitar) and Mark Helias (contra bass),
the group alternates betweens originals by Rudd, his partner, composer Verna Gillis, and Masse, including Love Song For August (August is Masse s son) as well as improvised arrangements of mutual favorites by Gigi Gryce ( Social Call ), the Gershwins ( Love Is Here To Stay ), Duke Ellington ( Mood Indigo ) and Dizzy Gillespie ( Con Alma ). While separated by two generations, Masse and Rudd find common ground in the interplay and joy of jazz creation.

Review
He was as galvanizing a presence as ever, at his best, he made the music sound as if it were still being discovered. --New York Times

Masse exhibits impeccable phrasing and a lush sound that suggests the sensuousness of Sophie Milman shot through with somber, Sarah Vaughn threads --Jazz Times

Pretty much whatever song is on at the moment will be your new favorite. The cross-generational chemistry and sublime musicianship of this duo is a constant delight whether you are thrilling to a new interpretation of a standard, exploring one of their originals or just smiling at the unlikely, lovely sound they make together." --Michael Devlin

Tracklist:
1 01. Roswell Rudd - Social Call (03:39)
1 02. Roswell Rudd - Love Song for August (05:10)
1 03. Roswell Rudd - I'm Goin Sane (One Day At a Time) (06:02)
1 04. Roswell Rudd - Mood Indigo (04:48)
1 05. Roswell Rudd - Winter Blues (04:12)
1 06. Roswell Rudd - Blackstrap Molasses-Old Devil Moon (06:03)
1 07. Roswell Rudd - Con Alma (04:14)
1 08. Roswell Rudd - Open House (04:09)
1 09. Roswell Rudd - Tova and Kyla Rain (02:54)
1 10. Roswell Rudd - Love is Here to Stay (04:54)