Sublime avant-garde effort from 1975 by saxophonist Charles Tyler. A private press on his own AK-BA label, which only released a handful of titles from the mid 70’s to the early 80’s. We’re treated to a slice of NYC loft era jazz of the highest order. Quite accessible stuff with the avant mixed with oriental flavors. And it’s one of those oriental tinted tunes that’s a clear favorite, namely ”Return to the East”. I definitely have an affinity for these kind of tunes, which sets an exotic, lusciously dark and moody feel.
Tyler excels on the alto and baritone throughout and the band backing him are expressing themselves at a very high level as well. We have Sun Ra alumni Ronnie Boykins on double bass, Earl Cross on trumpet, Steve Reid on drums and Arthur Blythe on alto.
This is music to really get in deep with. It’s never predictable, but always challenging the listener to get involved. To reflect and to marvel at the creation of this genre of jazz and it’s revolutionary impact on the art form.
I will continue to explore the avant-garde and it’s many treasures.
