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Looking Ahead

”Looking Ahead” by Ken McIntyre with Eric Dolphy on New Jazz NJLP 8247

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”Looking Ahead” by Ken McIntyre with Eric Dolphy on New Jazz NJLP 8247

Two cats that make it count.

Superb combo of Dolphy and McIntyre here on this splendid album, recorded in 1960 and released the following year. Both players were multi-instrumentalists and they display their chops on alto sax and flute. Dolphy also plays the bass clarinet. As for the rhythm section; we have Walter Bishop Jr. on piano, Sam Jones on double bass and Art Taylor on drums.

The music is quite unique as you’d expect from these two cats. Fantastic intricate and original soloing from both players and you immediately want to listen to the whole album again to maybe pick up something different.

The New Jazz label is truly one of the great classic labels. So many under the radar albums were released on that label and is seldom talked about. I feel this is one of those. I have managed to get my hands on some great titles on New Jazz through the years, but many still remain on the wish list. Been on a hot streak these past few weeks when it comes to this label and have acquired three titles, so very happy about that.

For all you fans of Dolphy that haven’t heard this one I would recommend you take a listen sooner rather than later. Great stuff.

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"Looking Ahead!" by the Cecil Taylor Quartet on Contemporary M3562

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"Looking Ahead!" by the Cecil Taylor Quartet on Contemporary M3562

Genius at work…

I’m only at the very beginning of my explorations into the body of work of pianist Cecil Taylor. This early album on Contemporary is a good way to start the journey I guess. It’s very much an easily accessible session to me. It has a good dose of adventurous and unique qualities, but never hard to grasp or abrasive in any way. On the contrary, it’s very mellow in it’s own way, with delicately composed tunes highlighted by Taylors imaginative and highly sofisticated playing, and the lyrical vibraphone of Earl Griffith. Never heard of the guy but he plays superbly. There’s a nice contrast and at the same time symbiosis between Taylors piano and the vibraphone..

I really enjoy the drums and double bass work of Dennis Charles and Buell Neidlinger as well. Extremely capable guys who doesn’t shy away from really applying their own distinct flavors to this session. The drumming is very tasteful and interesting, it’s a beautiful sounding kit (the ride cymbal is heavenly) while the double bass work is top tier, with a lovely round and warm tone to the instrument and impressive runs throughout. Got to look up more work by those two cats as well as Earl Griffith. There you have jazz in a nutshell, you always have more to discover and explore.

The sound of this original mono pressing is nothing short of magical. Such clarity and organic splendour. You usually find that Contemporary albums have that. The vinyl and jacket are in archival condition.

Taylor was a genius, there is no doubt about that. I’m excited to dive deeper into his world and it will be interesting to see if I find any other session as enjoyable as I found this one to be.

Do you have a favorite album by Cecil Taylor? Please share. Cheers!

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