I didn’t think I would find this one anytime soon. Been looking for a long time. At first I assumed the 1st pressing was the yellow label version. That was not correct of course as this green label version is the 1st issue. So it became even harder to find an original copy, as most versions I’ve seen have sported the yellow labels. The green label version seems very scarce, or is it just me? Anyway, I somehow managed to acquire this one before anyone else at a recent drop. It’s usually gone in no time when it surfaces. No wonder, it’s one of the best jazz titles of the 70’s.
Woody’s debut as a leader, recorded in 1970 and released in 1971. It features a fantastic line-up consisting of Shaw on trumpet, Gary Bartz on alto/soprano, Bennie Maupin on tenor/bass clarinet/flute, George Cables on piano/electric piano, Ron Carter on double bass, Clint Houston on electric bass and Lenny White on drums.
The music is some highly explorative post-bop which is presented through some very long format tunes. Love that. Four of them are penned by Shaw and two by Cables. Very intricate and complex songwriting which warrants repeated listening for sure. Love the whole concept of the album.
This was my top want, no competition. Needless to say I’m very happy to have been able to file this great copy. Both discs are in great shape and sounds awesome, and while the cover has some wear here and there it’s in respectable condition. I’m just relieved to finally sit here and listen to it now, I never thought I would find it. Time to ease into the summer…