My second Rashied Ali title on Survival. This is one is live and the energy of this quartet is superb. The sole tune on side 1 is a burner and the whole band is on fire. The alto performance of Carlos Ward on that tune is amazing. I’m a big fan of Ali’s playing. His drumming is quite delicate sounding even when in full swinging motion. The rest of the rhythm section is killing it as well, with Fred Simmons on piano (stepping in for the quartet’s regular pianist Don Pullen who couldn’t attend) and Stafford James on double bass. The portion on the first tune with the piano solo and the superb bass behind it is something to behold. Brilliant. Contains a top notch drum solo as well by Ali.
Side 2 features a single lengthy tune as well and features Ward on flute, and he masters that instrument to a tee as well. Overall, I would describe the music on this album as accessible avant-garde. It’s just a total privilege to sit here and listen to this stuff. One of my favorite finds of the year.
Will try and find the rest of the Ali stuff on Survival as well, but they are hard to come by for sure and not easy to find at a reasonable price. Very happy to have been able to find two of them so far.
The cover (was still in shrink) is one of my favorites in jazz. Love everything about it. The razor thin vinyl is in lovely shape and the spindle hole was like new and I had to give the record a little push down as it was so tight. Beautiful condition all around.
For all lovers of the avant-garde this is essential, and to those who are just getting into it, I would suggest you give this one a listen. I think it’s a great introduction to this genre as it’s not too crazy. Just great jazz.
Happy Easter! 🐣
