4 New Postcards Records Re-Issues

The 1990s jazz-rich label was acquired by Arkadia, which is updating the catalog

Founded by Sibyl Golden and lead producer Ralph Simon in 1993, Postcards Records set a new artistic standard for modern acoustic jazz in the 1990s. The label released 17 critically acclaimed recordings by artists such as Gary Peacock, Bill Frisell, Steve Kuhn, Alan Pasqua, Harold Land, Bob Stewart and Chip White.

The label also specialized in electro-acoustic recordings by avant-garde players such as Paul Bley, Julian Priester and Sam Rivers, as well as modernists Reggie Workman, Bruce Ditmas, Ralph Simon, Jorge Sylvester and John Clark. In June 1999, Arkadia Records acquired Postcards and is now reissuing its catalog while producing new recordings.

Now, Arkadia has re-issued four terrific Postcards recordings. They all sound terrific, especially the bass players and pianists on each album.

Alan Pasqua’s Milagro (1993). Pasqua is a superb pianist and was joined on Milagro by Dave Holland (b) and Jack DeJohnette (d), plus Michael Brecker (ts on tracks 2, 4 and 8); John Clark (Fr. hrn on tracks 5 and 7); Willie Olenick (tp,flglhrn on tracks 2, 5 and 9); Roger Rosenberg (alto fl on tracks 2, 5, 7 and 9; Jack Schatz (tb and b-tb on tracks 2, 5 and 9); and Dave Tofani (b-clar on tracks 2 and 7. The post-bop album is beautifully soulful but also muscular. Five stars.

Reggie Workman’s Summit Conference (1993). This one is woollier but just as dynamic and exciting. Songs are in the free-jazz realm. Bassist Reggie Workman was joined by Sam Rivers (ts,ss,fl), Julian Priester (tb), Andrew Hill (p) and Pheeroan akLaff (d).

Reggie Workman’s Cerebral Caverns (1995). Workman here is more introspective and the group feels tighter and intellectually intertwined. Masterful playing behind Workman by Sam Rivers (ts on tracks 3, 4; ss on track 7; and fl on tracks 1 and 5); Julian Priester (tb on tracks 3, 4 and 5); Geri Allen (p on tracks 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8); Elizabeth Panzer (harp on tracks 1, 5, 6 and 8); Al Foster (d on tracks 3 and 5); Gerry Hemingway (d on tracks 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7; electronic drum pads on track 1); and Tapan Modak (tabla on tracks 4, 5). Rivers was a fascinating player, and it’s a revelation to hear his free-jazz saxophone become encircled by Workman’s bass notes. Geri Allen gives this album grace and energy.

Alan Pasqua’s Dedications (1995). Of the four albums, this one is perhaps most straight-ahead and solidly in the post-bop camp. The lineup is exceptional: Alan Pasqua (p), Dave Holland (b), Paul Motian (d), Gary Bartz (as on tracks 1, 5 and 8); Michael Brecker (ts on tracks 2 and 4); and Randy Brecker (tp on tracks 1, 4, 5 and 8).

Captivating music that was well thought-out, tightly arranged and skillfully played with a fine sense of community and conversational interactions.

To listen and buy, go here.

Here’s A Sleeping Child from Alan Pasqua’s Milagro…

Here’s Meteor from Reggie Workman’s Summit Conference…

Here’s Fast Forward from Reggie Workman’s Cerebral Caverns…

And here’s Dedicated to You from Alan Pasqua’s Dedications…