Another Shaw title crossed of the list and this is a lovely session, recorded in 1975 and released in 1976. I would say that this is one of the highlights in his discography. We are served some post-bop goodness which is lyrical and elegant, with latin percussion added as icing on the cake. As you take in the first few notes on the first track you know this album is gonna be a treat.
A fantastic ensemble is backing Shaw, with Steve Turre on trombone/bass trombone, Rene McLean on soprano/alto sax, Billy Harper on tenor sax, Joe Bonner on piano, Cecil McBee on bass, Victor Lewis on drums, Guilherme Franco on percussion and Tony Waters in congas. 70’s jazz royalty for sure.
Favorite picks are the 12 minute long title track penned by Joe Bonner, the swinging ”Sunbath” composed by pianist Peggy Stern and Shaw’s own cooker ”Zoltan”, which is also featured on Larry Young’s ”Unity” as the opening track.
I’ve now managed to collect Woody Shaw’s first six titles as a leader. Time to focus on the later releases more in-depth. I already have ”Lotus Flower” from 1982 which is really good, so looking forward to exploring some more of the later stuff.
This one is in wonderful shape. The cover was still in the shrink, but I disposed of that per usual. The vinyl is in great condition as well.