CHARLES McPHERSON - Beautiful!
Xanadu Masters Edition 906083
Charles McPherson (alt) Duke Jordan (pno) Sam Jones (bs) Leroy Williams (drs)
This is a superb re-issue of a 1975 release from the Missouri born alto saxophonist, who has somewhat passed under the radar of many jazz fans in recent decades. Charles McPherson's most fruitful period was in the mid sixties with Charles Mingus groups. His first influence was Johnny Hodges, but as soon as he heard Parker on 52nd Street in '49 he was sold on Be-Bop, tried to emulate the great master but sadly failed. The sax man then suffered somewhat of a career breakdown that lasted a good number of years. Re-launching himself and creating his own personal sound, but still with overtones of Hodges and Bird, he became by the mid seventies one of the foremost, and most distinctive improvisers on the instrument, as this recording surely proves.
Produced and directed by Don Schlitten, the album overflows with fluid melodic extensions to great standards with "It Could Happen To You", This Can't Be Love" and "They Say It's Wonderful" being among the best. The alto sound is a mature mid-western one with influences of both east coast bop and west coast cool in equal measure. Duke Jordan's piano is the most adventurous instrument, well supported by ex Oscar Peterson bass man Sam Jones alongside the subtle drum skills of Leroy Williams.
The album is a " must have" item for anyone without the original vinyl, comes well packaged with a 16 page booklet and gives more with each listen.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
Xanadu Masters Edition 906083
Charles McPherson (alt) Duke Jordan (pno) Sam Jones (bs) Leroy Williams (drs)
This is a superb re-issue of a 1975 release from the Missouri born alto saxophonist, who has somewhat passed under the radar of many jazz fans in recent decades. Charles McPherson's most fruitful period was in the mid sixties with Charles Mingus groups. His first influence was Johnny Hodges, but as soon as he heard Parker on 52nd Street in '49 he was sold on Be-Bop, tried to emulate the great master but sadly failed. The sax man then suffered somewhat of a career breakdown that lasted a good number of years. Re-launching himself and creating his own personal sound, but still with overtones of Hodges and Bird, he became by the mid seventies one of the foremost, and most distinctive improvisers on the instrument, as this recording surely proves.
Produced and directed by Don Schlitten, the album overflows with fluid melodic extensions to great standards with "It Could Happen To You", This Can't Be Love" and "They Say It's Wonderful" being among the best. The alto sound is a mature mid-western one with influences of both east coast bop and west coast cool in equal measure. Duke Jordan's piano is the most adventurous instrument, well supported by ex Oscar Peterson bass man Sam Jones alongside the subtle drum skills of Leroy Williams.
The album is a " must have" item for anyone without the original vinyl, comes well packaged with a 16 page booklet and gives more with each listen.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
