Fantastic spiritual excursion by another Sun Ra sideman, Brooklyn-born trumpeter Eddie Gale. His debut as a leader. Seems this title is quite scarce and in demand. Been looking for it for a while and was very happy to have found a copy online recently.
The first tune ”The Rain” features some lovely lead vocals by Eddie’s sister Joann Gale. The theme is a beautiful one. But the highlight is Gale’s trumpet. His playing is searching and wailing. Superb notes are chosen, displaying a wonderful tone and virtuoso technique. This continues in even more extravagant fashion on the whirlwind second tune ”Fulton Street”. High energy stuff played with intent. Gale’s solo is outstanding. A fiery statement. The whole group is on fire. Russell Lyle’s tenor is fantastic. Got to mention the drums as well. There are two drummers (two bassists as well). Actually, the drums might be the highlight overall on this tune. The thunderous intensity is impressive, and they are very well recorded, as you would expect from Van Gelder.
It gets calmer on the third tune ”A Understanding”, which is spiritual jazz in a nutshell. Expansive and deep, sombre and reflective in nature.
The second side opens with a marching rhythm and chanting vocals. The trumpet solo that follows is sublime in it’s oriental and virtuosic brilliance. Gale’s approach is flamboyant and expressive. Love the tenor solo as well on this. It follows the oriental flavors that Gale led with. It’s called ”A Walk With Thee” and is perhaps my favorite tune on the album.
The album concludes with ”The Coming of Gwilu”, a 13 minute exploration in spiritual moods that sums up the whole approach of this album in a beautiful way. A defined bass line, lively percussion/drums and chanting vocals leads the way into musical nirvana.
I would go as far as to say this is probably in my top 5 list of favorite Blue Notes, and that’s saying a lot.
