Jay Migliori - Equinox (CD)

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Unissued 1984 album from the jazz and session-work saxophonist.

While Jay Migliori’s name may not be familiar to you, you’ve long heard his playing on The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds, The Byrds’ Younger Than Yesterday, Jan & Dean’s Surf City, recordings from Cannonball Adderly, Harry Nilsson, Frank Sinatra, and countless Phil Spector productions. Maybe you know him from his work with the Grammy® winning Supersax, or saw him play live with Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, or Frank Zappa’s band. To list all of his collaborations would be impossible, but Jay also recorded and released a number of solo albums— including one that almost never saw the light of day.

The 1984 recordings were commissioned by fan, Frances Cunningham, and Migliori entered L.A.’s Sage & Sound studio with pianist Joe Lettieri, drummer Chiz Harris, Conte Condoli on trumpet, and Jim Crutcher on bass. One of the songs, “Equinox” (written by John Coltrane), was a favorite of Jay’s wife, Patti—one that Migliori always dedicated to her on stage, now serves as the album’s title. In addition to other Lettieri originals, the group recorded other notable songs from Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, and more.

What is now Equinox spent years under a desk in California. Luckily, once the tapes were rescued and the music mixed, it was clear that an album needed to be released and the music shared to tell Jay’s story. Its release on Omnivore is thanks in no small part to jazz pianist, author, and historian Lewis Porter, (who worked with the label on the acclaimed Hasaan Ibn Ali Metaphysics). The story is documented in Cary Baker’s liner notes—which also features conversations with Jay’s wife, Patti, and legendary bassist Carol Kaye (whom Jay worked with as a session player).

Newly mixed by Grammy® nominee Brian Kehew and mastered by Grammy®-winning engineer Michael Graves, Equinox is now finally available—produced for release by Patti Migliori and Grammy®-winner Cheryl Pawelski. The release features the original seven album tracks, plus a bonus three alternate takes. It’s how Equinox was meant to be, and more!

 

Media Condition:  Very Good Plus (VG+)
Sleeve Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+)
Country:    US  
Released:  2023
Genre:       Jazz
Style:         Jazz-Rock

Track listing:

1. Equinox
2. Four Brothers
3. Ya Know
4. Blue Jay
5. Lunarey
6. Davana
7. Ask Me Now
8. Ya Know (Take 1)
9. Equinox (Take 3)
10. Four Brothers (Take 4)