Trying to tick off my most wanted Waldron albums from the 70’s from the wishlist. This one was at the top of that list. Got ”Spanish Bitch” in the spring which was one of the other ones high up on the list.”
Released in Japan in 1973. What makes this one special is of course the two epic side long cuts and Waldrons usual brilliance, but the presence of Japanese trumpet master Terumasa Hino is for me of pivotal importance in making this a standout session.. What a player. Technically dazzling and very lyrical. The rest of the all-Japanese band cooks as well, with Takao Uematsu on tenor sax, Isao Suzuki on double bass, Terumasas brother Motohiko Hino on drums and Uzi Imamura on percussion.
The music is spiritual and dark, longing and searching, groovy and energetic, reflective and meditative. A great variation within the tunes. The title track was written by Waldron and ”Black Forest” by Terumasa Hino.
This copy has the original obi and insert which is very cool. Superb condition on both the vinyl and jacket. Has to be one of my favorite additions of the year, and there has been a lot of great ones. Like I’ve mentioned many times before, Waldron is my favorite pianist and this title was a must have for me.
