Viewing entries tagged
Black Saint

”The Legend of Ai Glatson” by Leroy Jenkins with Andrew Cyrille and Anthony Davis on Black Saint BSR 0022

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”The Legend of Ai Glatson” by Leroy Jenkins with Andrew Cyrille and Anthony Davis on Black Saint BSR 0022

Avant-garde violin goodness.

I’ve come to love the violin in avant-garde/free jazz. Probably mentioned this before. I’ve loved the instrument and it’s presence in the world of classical music for a long time. Paganini is a favorite composer for example. When it comes to my appreciation for the instrument in jazz it all started when I got into the Rashied Ali duo joint on Survival together with the leader of this album. Brilliant stuff.

This album, recorded in 1978 in Milano, is free and Leroy Jenkins’ playing is mesmerizing. He is backed by the fantastic duo of Andrew Cyrille on drums and Anthony Davis on piano. I love this stuff. Granted, it’s maybe not for everybody, but the brilliant musicianship of this trio and the interesting compositions could perhaps peek the interest of the avant-garde skeptics?

I think it’s a wonderful recording. Black Saint seems to be a safe bet when it comes to recording quality. Have a few titles now and will continue to explore the label.

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"Give It Up" by The Jimmy Lyons Quintet on Black Saint BSR 0087

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"Give It Up" by The Jimmy Lyons Quintet on Black Saint BSR 0087

The definition of cheap heat.

My first LP with Jimmy Lyons. This session was recorded for the Italian Black Saint label in 1985. A lovely avant-garde excursion where the whole band is on top of their game. The total control in this free environment is magical. The musicianship is stupendous. Lyons on alto, Enrico Rava on trumpet/flugelhorn and Karen Borca (Lyons’ wife) on bassoon are absolutely killing it. These three in the front line are really blending together seamlessly. Borcas’ bassoon is an exciting addition to this session. I dig the sound a lot. Can’t remember if I have any other albums with that instrument present. Can’t be very common. I will definitely check out other stuff that she recorded, cause her performance is great. The rhythm section is also amazing, with Jay Oliver on double bass and Paul Murphy on drums. They are relentless in their approach. So technically gifted. The double bass is very prominent in the mix and the drums are super crisp, which makes for a great overall sound.

Three of the four tunes are of the longer format, which suits this kind of music very well. All numbers are composed by Lyons.

Got this one in today actually. Another blind buy from a local store. Couldn’t be happier with this title. The music is outstanding. Will have to take a deep dive into Lyons’ catalogue after listening to this album. Highly recommended if you enjoy some free stuff. 

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"Black Saint" by the Billy Harper Quintet on Black Saint BSR 0001

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"Black Saint" by the Billy Harper Quintet on Black Saint BSR 0001

Top notch 70’s jazz.

My explorations into the 70’s and beyond is in full motion. Here is a fantastic album by tenor player Billy Harper from 1975 on the Italian Black Saint label. It’s one of those albums that I got familiar with through Instagram when I noticed it was in a top 5 list of favorite albums of a participant in a challenge I presented to the community. I listened to it online and thought it was superb, but it was only released in stereo, which I couldn’t play. And many more examples like that have been weighing on my mind, prompting me to get a second turntable with a stereo cartridge. So I now can enjoy everything under the sun on vinyl.

This title is a real gem, and I’m loving Harper’s style. His sax is front and center and his tone strong and assured. He has some amazing runs with flurries of notes throughout that really draws you into the music, which is beautiful crafted, filled with energy and passion.

The personell on this one are Harper on tenor, Virgil Jones on trumpet, Joe Bonner on piano, David Friesen on bass and Malcom Pinson on drums. Not familiar with any of the sidemen but I’ll be sure to explore what they have put out.

There are only three tunes on this but my favorite has to be the lovely 21 minute long ”Call of the Wild and Peaceful Heart” that occupies the entire second side. I especially love the sax and drums duet at the end of the tune.

Highly recommended stuff.

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