This is a somewhat avant-garde leaning effort by pianist and co-founder of Strata-East Records Stanley Cowell, backed by a terrific band, featuring Woody Shaw on trumpet, Tyrone Washington on tenor, flute, clarinet, tambourine and maracas, Bobby Hutcherson on vibes, Reggie Workman on Fender and double bass and Joe Chambers on drums. Quite the line-up.
The music is imaginative and explorative at it’s core, with superb individual statements throughout as well as a lovely sense of interplay and understanding between the musicians. There are four lenghty tunes (which I love), one penned by Cowell, one by Washington, one by Shaw and one by Hutcherson. My favorite is perhaps Shaw’s post-bop treat ”Boo Ann’s Grand”, also present on his debut as a leader ”Black Stone Legacy”.
I obtained this original UK Polydor pressing for a very reasonable price, and considering what you get music-wise, it definitely is one of my more successful buys.
