1979 - Columbia release. One of the coolest album covers of all time. Why important....the most popular year for disco was 1979 - disco was everywhere and at the top of the charts. Discofied theme songs and intros were commonplace on American television. Who would think a jazz masterpiece would be recorded '79?
This might be the last of the jazz classics. This is also the last of the modern classics that didn't have a Marsalis name attached to it (written with tongue in cheek). I've never been a huge fan of the alto saxaphone. Blythe and Bartz are the two exceptions.....the more interesting question is where does the tuba fit into jazz. And when has "Blood" Ulmer sounded so in the groove yet restrained? No doubt that Blythe is impressive but the team of players working together carry the day. Great example of a septet going off in a disciplined way.
Personnel: Arthur Blythe (alto saxophone); James Blood Ulmer, Cecil McBee (guitar); James Newton (flute); Bob Stewart (tuba); Jack DeJohnette (drums); Guilherme Franco (percussion).
Tracklist
Down San Diego Way
Lenox Avenue Breakdown
Slidin' Through
Odessa
There is nothing I can say that can't be better said by listening to this composition. Bass parts carried by a tuba....Steady one drop rhythm....Boom ba boom. And James Newton channeling Roland Kirk. Awesome.
Lenox Avenue Breakdown
I hear Coltrane in the Sax as opposed to Kirk. Definitely some Electric Miles.
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