Jazz — All Formats  

A rare Japanese-only album from trombonist Roswell Rudd – one of his few full length statements of genius from the mid 70s! The album's got a very collaborative feel overall – one that takes off from some of Rudd's better-known work of the "new thing" era, but opens things up tremendously with more of a relaxed loft jazz sort of approach. Players shift somewhat throughout the set, and the instrumentation mixes Rudd's work on trombone and percussion with soprano sax from Steve Lacy, trumpet from Enrico Rava, voice from Sheila Jordan, tenor from Tyrone Washington, and electric piano from Patti Brown. There's a deeply personal vibe to the whole record, one that reminds us a bit of the spirit of Rudd's great Flexible Flyer album – and titles include "You Blew It", "Blues For The Planet Earth", "Cement Blues", "Bethesda Fountain", "Street Walking", and "Blown Bone". CD also features one more bonus track – the beautiful "Long Hope", recorded in 1967 with Karl Berger on vibes, Robin Kenyatta on alto sax, Lewis Worrell on bass, and Horacee Arnold on drums.

Early genius from Jackie McLean – arguably his best pre-Blue Note album, and a sinister batch of hardbop tracks recorded with a great group that includes Donald Byrd on trumpet and Elmo Hope on piano! The tracks are long, with a bit of the "blowing session" feel of other Prestige albums from the time – but they're also a lot tighter, and McLean really steps to the forefront on his solos, blowing with a sharp-edged sound that's really amazing – and which hints strongly at the even more adventurous turns he'd take later in the 60s. Tracks include "Up", "Lorraine", "Inding", and "Kerplunk". Great stuff all the way through!