This week’s Vinyl Vault features a 1987 album from Wayne Shorter, “Phantom Navigator.” Released on Columbia the year after the last Weather Report album came out, Phantom Navigator continues Shorter’s explorations with synthesizers and heavy grooves. Shorter composed and arranged all the songs which display complex and ever-changing ideas throughout. Some of the musicians on the album include Chick Corea, Alphonso Johnson, John Patitucci, Bill Summers and Mitch Forman. Join host Geoff Anderson for the Vinyl Vault, Tuesday evening on…

This week the Vinyl Vault will feature a Les McCann double album entitled “Fish This Week.” Released in 1973 on Blue Note Records, the album is actually a compilation of material originally released on the Pacific Jazz label in the early 60s. Included are several tracks from McCann’s first album, “The Truth,” released in 1960. It’s primarily an acoustic trio album with Leroy Vinnegar on bass and Ron Jefferson on drums on most tracks. Check out the early jazz-gospel-soul sound…

Tune in as the Vinyl Vault remembers the late Dr. John by featuring his 1978 album “City Lights.” Released on A&M/Horizon records, the album was recorded in New York City but retained the doctor’s signature New Orleans’ flair. All the songs were either written or co-written by Dr. John; several were co-written with Doc Pomus. For the most part, New York studio musicians comprised the band, with a few exceptions: Steve Gadd, Hugh McCracken, Richard Tee, David Sanborn, Ronnie Cuber,…

This week’s Vinyl Vault features some Dutch fusion with guitarist Jan Akkerman and his 1978 album “Live.” Released on Atlantic, the album was recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival on July 7, 1978. Akkerman gained international notoriety as the guitarist for the band Focus which had a couple of rock radio hits in the ‘70s. Although “fusion” may be the best description for this music, it is decidedly more laid back than some of the more bombastic playing of…

The Vinyl Vault features the all-woman band Alive! and their 1981 album “Call it Jazz.” The album was recorded live at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. The song choices make for a varied program with straight ahead jazz, blues and a Gil Scott-Heron cover. Check out the Vinyl Vault  with host Geoff Anderson on Tuesday, June 25 at 8:30pm on KUVO Jazz.

Tune in to the Vinyl Vault feature is Billy Cobham’s “Life & Times” released in 1976 on Atlantic records. Alternating intense 70s fusion with funk and some laid back vibes, the everchanging landscape is nevertheless characterized by top-flight playing throughout. John Scofield appears on guitar, George Duke is on keyboards and Doug Rauch plays bass. Check out the Vinyl Vault with Geoff Anderson, Tuesday, July 2 at 8:30 pm on KUVO Jazz.

This week’s Vinyl Vault features a duet album from Gary Burton and Steve Swallow entitled “Hotel Hello.” The album was released in 1975 in ECM Records. Although only two musicians play on the album, they overdubbed additional parts on many of the tracks giving the album a bigger sound than most duet albums. Don’t miss this vibrant, tasteful album on the Vinyl Vault, Tuesday, July 9 at 8:30 on KUVO Jazz.

The Vinyl Vault will feature “Live at Montreux” by Ben Sidran. Recorded in 1978 and released on the Arista label, the set features an all star cast. Sidran on vocals and piano is joined by the Brecker Brothers, Tony Levin, Mike Manieri, Steve Kahn and Steve Jordan. The set list includes some Sidran originals as well as some jazz standards. Join Geoff Anderson on the Vinyl Vault, Tuesday, July 16 at 8:30pm on KUVO Jazz.

Leonard Feather called him, “probably the first great jazz flutist.” He was talking about Sam Most and we have one of his albums on the Vinyl Vault this week. “But Beautiful” was recorded in 1976 and released on Catalyst Records. Most was backed by a trio consisting of George Muribus on piano, Putter Smith on bass and Will Bradley, Jr. on drums. Most picks up the tenor saxophone on two tracks but otherwise sticks with his flute. The program is…

This week’s Vinyl Vault features World Beat pioneers Osibisa and their 1973 album “Happy Children.” The music on the album combines traditional African beats and drumming with more contemporary elements of jazz and rock with a funk underpinning. It’s a combination that sounds as fresh today as it did 46 years ago. And it has a great album cover. Check out Osibisa on the Vinyl Vault with Geoff Anderson, Tuesday, July 30 at 8:30pm on KUVO Jazz.