Wonderful Japan-only album from 1976 by trumpeter Charles Sullivan. This guy is amazing, what a master. I love the trumpet in jazz, always have, so to discover a new cat this good is a real treat. I have had him on my radar for a while, courtesy of Strata-East and his album ”Genesis”, which I’m looking for as well. I stumbled upon this title a few weeks ago, listened to it and was completely hooked. Sullivan’s playing is superb and the rest of the band is a great bunch as well. They are; Rene McLean on alto and tenor, Kenny Barron on piano, Buster Williams on double bass and Billy Hart on drums.
Recorded in New York 1976, this LP sounds fantastic. Great engineering. There are a lot of brilliant Japanese-only releases from both foreign and domestic musicians, which I’m discovering now. Very exciting. I mean, ”Re-Entry” if released on Blue Note in the 60’s, would be an expensive and hot item I’m sure. The music is a lovely mix of hard-bop and post-bop played with soul and conviction. We are treated to five tunes, four of which are originals penned by Sullivan.
It’s hard to believe that this outstanding musician didn’t record more than four albums as a leader; two in the 70’s, one in the 90’s and one in the 00’s. Criminally underrated perhaps, but don’t sleep on this cat. Do yourself a favour and check this session out.
