This category is just me revisiting some recordings that meant a lot. It’s an idea I toyed with last year,…
9. Pan-American rhythm
Panamonk, Danilo Perez, 1996. This isn’t purely a study in rhythm but rhythm is at the heart of the project.…
8. An avant-gardist in the tradition
Go Down, Moses. Archie Shepp and Horace Parlan, 1977. Shepp and Parlan’s first duo album seems less of a departure…
7. An inspired take on the windy city
Mama Chicago (1). Mike Westbrook, 1979 Mike Westbrook, an unarguable national treasure, has such an extraordinary back catalogue it’s easy…
6. A Monk meditation
Round About Midnight. From Martial Solal – Bluesine, 1983 Here’s a track that reminds me why the word for making…
5. Celebration or lament?
Magwaza. From Johnny Dyani – Witchdoctor’s Son (1978) Some things you hear for the first time and think: “where has…
4. Gary Burton at his best
Olhos de Gato. From Gary Burton – The New Quartet (1973) Burton’s virtuosity is widely admired, but his ability to…
3. Scaling the summit
3. The Highest Mountain Clifford Jordan & The Magic Triangle – On Stage, Vol. 1. (1975) This is all about…
2. Dave Holland – alone with the bass
Cashel From Dave Holland – Ones All. (1995) Has Dave Holland ever made a bad recording? If so, I haven’t…
1. Carla Bley gets into her stride
Indonesian Dock Sucking Supreme from Carla Bley: Tropic Appetites. (1974) https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/369qCnrIrNhQCVzGEYWatw The title gives a flavour of this recording –…
