Highly enjoyable album by Duke Pearson that for a long time wasn’t on my radar, until I discovered how great it was. A lot of the later Blue Note stuff was not my main focus for quite some time, but I’ve explored a lot of it in recent years. Far from everything though, which is exciting cause theres a lot left to sink my teeth into. I take things slow. So this title is one of the best later Blue Notes I’ve heard. It contains a great mix of tunes which keeps you engaged and excited throughout. It’s not just straight ahead hard bop. It’s has different elements going on. Listen to the wonderful “Bedouin” for example, with it’s oriental flavors. Different for sure and I love that. It’s quite original stuff, which feels fresh and unique. Pearson leads a lovely sextet that includes Donald Byrd on trumpet, Joe Henderson on tenor sax, James Spaulding on alto sax and flute, Bob Cranshaw on double bass and Mickey Roker on drums. Pearson has penned all the tunes but one, which is credited to Byrd.
If you haven’t listened to this album much, or at all, give it a shot. You’ll not regret it. It’s one of the real gems of the Blue Note catalogue for sure. My original mono pressing sounds wonderful and I’m very happy to have found it. You don’t see original pressings of this one in mono that often it seems.
I’ve secured another great Duke Pearson title as well, earlier this year. Stay tuned for that. I really enjoy his work, both as a pianist and a composer. He has class and style. Looking to explore his catalogue a lot more.
Couple of questions: Favorite Duke Pearson album? Maybe you can give me your top 3? Your thoughts on the album on display?
Enjoy your collections folks and take care of each other. More vintage original mono pressings coming up. Cheers!