BLUE NOTES


Bobby Hutcherson NOW! Blue Note (Connoisseur CD Series)

One of the most intriguing and enjoyable contemporary jazz records released this year is this one. NOW by Bobby Hutcherson is part of the Connoisseur CD Series and was originally recorded back in 1969, 1977 and remixed in 1998 (tracks 6-9 remixed in 1978). The instrumental players are: Bobby Hutcherson (vibes), Harold Land (tenor sax), Kenny Barron and Stanley Cowell (piano), Wally Richardson (guitar), Herbie Lewis (bass), Joe Chambers (drums), and Candido Camero (congas). On vocals are: Gene McDaniels (lead) with group vocals supplied by the awesome New York Studio Singers (Christine Spencer, Hilda Harris, Eileen Gilbert, Albertine M. Robinson, Maeretha Stewart). The L.A. Philharmonic conducted by Calvin Simons are involved in the final three bonus tracks.

The opening track Slow Change features a vocal performance by McDaniels that is mind-blowing in its virtuosity, expression and range. While a piano provides a relentless but subtle backdrop, the tenor sax work of Harold Land is both distinctive and astute. Around the middle-eight Hutcherson and Chambers enter with astonishing vibes and drums before the vocals return. It’s a superb and highly original composition with strong melody, and haunting ambience. Hello To The Wind has an opening, underlying folk vibe (assisted by a rolling, soft acoustic guitar vibe) which builds in intensity as each of the instruments joins in the extended crescendos. It’s an extraordinary track, the like of which I have never heard before. Title track Now opens with contemplative piano and vibes joined after a minute or so by the most beautiful group vocal passage. It’s the shortest song here at just 2:44 but leaves an indelible mark. Sonically this is a wonderful recording, musically its contemporary jazz at its most beautiful and accessible. In fact it’s a must-have for fans of the genre.

5/5

Sam Rivers CONTOURS. Blue Note (Connoisseur CD Series)

This record literally bursts out of the speakers with Freddie Hubbard providing the most astonishing exhibition of trumpet playing. also includes a lyrical spell of piano from maestro Herbie Hancock, magical bass and drums from Ron Carter and Joe Chambers, and a superb sax flourish from Sam Rivers. It’s a magical opening to another cracking record from Blue Note. The album was originally recorded back in 1965 and has now been re-mastered in 24-bit resolution by Ron McMaster. Next up is Dance Of The Tripedal where Rivers dominates proceedings with quite extraordinary expressive tenor sax playing. It’s mind-blowing stuff and supremely adventurous. About three minutes in to this ten minute track and Hubbard returns with an improvised trumpet passage that is unparalleled in my jazz-listening experience. But the biggest surprise of all for me is that this level of adventurous, innovative jazz was being recorded back in 1965. Sonically, it’s another audiophile recording with exceptional instrumental separation, vibrancy and clarity. Superb!

4.5/5

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Larry Young OF LOVE AND PEACE. Blue Note (Connoisseur CD Series)

I have never been a great fan of the organ, that is until I heard the last Blue Note Larry Young release THINK TANK which pretty well blew away much of my resistance. OF LOVE AND PEACE has just completed the process. Opening track Pavanne illustrates just how effectively the organ can be used in providing a solid and subtle rhythm while letting other instruments literally fly. Eddie Gale (trumpet) and James Spaulding (alto sax) improvise with excitement and flare before Young’s fabulous solo, and both drummers (Wilson Moorman III, Jerry Thomas) fight it out with each other. It concludes with all instrumentalists coming together in a final race for the line; it’s a fabulous, joyful, uplifting track and one I would love to have seen performed live. The mood goes downbeat in next track Of Love And Peace with Gale providing the dominant vocalising role. The drumming is inspired with flashes of cymbal and brushed skins gently lurking behind a screaming trumpet, and Young’s lyrical keyboard. Originally recorded back in 1966, this is another sonic stunner, and for Young fans a must-have record.

4/5

Horace Silver THE UNITED STATES OF MIND. Blue Note (Connoisseur CD Series)

This is a 2CD collection of recordings made in 1970-72 and features Silver (electric piano), Randy Brecker and Cecil Bridgewater (trumpet, fluegelhorn); George Coleman, Houston Person, and Harold Vick (tenor sax); and several other top players. On vocal duties are Andy Bey, Salome Bey and Gail Nelson. The first CD is R&B influenced with vocal ballads dominating. The vibe is laid back and melodic, with a strong lounge music vibe, and perhaps a little conventional for my tastes. As the tracks slip by things begin to hustle along a little more with songs like Wipe Away The Eve that also includes a lively spell of tenor sax, and some inspired keyboard play. I also like the following female vocal track Nobody Knows with its wistful instrumental tones and beautiful, expressive vocal quality. The second CD opens with a more adventurous vocal ballad in Big Business and continues to improve on the first CD. But it’s not really my bag although I’m sure that jazz ballad lovers will find much to admire.

3/5

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Jack Wilson EASTERLY WINDS. Blue Note (Connoisseur CD Series)

Then it’s back to the jazz I do like with the brash opener Do It - a foot stompin’, melodic, almost fun song with a 16-bar construction. The instrumentals are superb and the song reminds me of soundtrack from one of those early cop movies. Then the startling clatter of percussion opens the next song On Children that fairly bounds along like a greyhound. The keyboard backdrop is overlaid with vibrant, expressive sax and trumpet (Jackie McLean and Lee Morgan) while scattered drum beats pepper like punctuation marks. The vibe is optimistic, welcoming, and celebratory and this gets my vote for song of the album. The moving piano tones of title track Easterly Winds is also a favourite with Wilson proving just how important the instrument can be in helping create the best mainstream jazz. Other players are Garnett Brown (trombone), Bob Cranshaw (bass) and Billy Higgins (drums). This is a great album with diverse pace, joyous tones and excellent sonic quality.

4/5

Andrew Hill DANCE WITH DEATH. Blue Note (Connoisseur CD Series)

This 1968 recording also includes players Charles Tolliver (trumpet), Joe Farrell (tenor and soprano sax), Victor Sproles (bass), and Billy Higgins (drums). Opening track Yellow Violet sets the scene nicely with some wonderful intro trumpet work by Tolliver before Hill enters with some gorgeously intuitive piano play. Sharp percussive taps are heard momentarily and spasmodically as the expressive keyboard notes tumble out, and before a typically brilliant spell of Farrell sax takes over the reigns. Sonically, this is a stunning track. Musically it’s at the cutting edge of contemporary jazz. The pace quickens with Partitions and so does the ambition. This track is full of improvisation and adventure as instruments tumble in and out, and the pace changes through a solemn drum backdrop which slows and quickens. The piano work is brilliant and omnipresent as trumpet and sax join in the fray in quick succession. Along with the Hutcherson’s and the River’s album, it’s my pick of these great re-releases which Blue Note has selected and re-mastered with such care and respect.

4.5/5