Following a tip from Gilles Peterson, Paul Murphy’s Jazz Room Records has reissued the now obscure 1983 album Surprise! by vocalist Frank Noviello, which includes a jazz dance rendition of Gary Bartz’ 1973 spiritual jazz classic “I’ve Known Rivers”.

Originally self-released with little fanfare, this album features a nice selection of jazz standards and inventive originals. With “I’ve Known Rivers” really being the standout track on this one, other notable selections include Randy Weston’s “High Fly”, the swingin’ bebop number “Tribal Dance”, and the more mellow track “Autumn’s Call”. Fans of Mark Murphy should definitely check out this record.

Ever since Noviello’s version of “I’ve Known Rivers” has been seeing some heavy rotation from many notable DJs, the attention to this record has greatly increased and therefore I expect prices to soon skyrocket, making this the perfect time for Jazz Room Records to be reissuing this recording. Grab it when you can!

Frank Noviello — ‘Surprise!’
(Originally released: 1983 / Silk Tree Records)
(Reissued: 2024 / Jazz Room Records)

1. If I Were A Bell
2. High Fly
3. Some Other Time
4. Tribal Dance
5. Autumn’s Call
6. I’ve Known Rivers

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• Jazz
• Jazz Dance
• Reissue