RAN BLAKE- Chabrol Noir
Impulse Records
Ran Blake (Piano) Ricky Ford (Tenor) Dominique Eade (vocals)
Born in Springfield (MA) in 1935 Ran Blake is a niche artist, but has dedicated followers all over the world. He was a major part of the so called third stream revolution in the late nineteen fifties and has over forty albums to his credit. Although his output has been diverse he is best known for his interpretations of French art house film scores. Ricky Ford first came to prominence in 1974 on the first ever recording of Mercer Ellington's revival of his father's band. Highly influenced by Sonny Rollins and Dexter Gordon he has been a major player on the US scene for many years and best known for his time with Mingus, and later the Mingus Dynasty bands. Dominique Eade , who appears on one track, hails from the New England Conservatory and has a fine contralto voice.
This is a highly compelling album is based on the scores used by film director Claude Chabrol. There are seventeen tracks, mostly under three minutes long, over half are in a minimalist solo piano mode where time and space are used to the full to produce an absorbing and thought provoking listening experience. Ricky Ford provides the perfect match for the piano with his strong tenor style adding emphasis and atmosphere on six of the themes. There is an extended duo performance on "Love Lament" which along with the introduction of vocalist Dominique Eade on "I'm Going To See My Son" are among the highlights before the mood changes for a final offering, Michael Legrands "Watch What Happens" from The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg.
The music here is of the highest caliber, and in some ways mirrors Miles recording of Louis Malle's "LiftTo The Scaffold". It will make a valuable addition to any serious collection of contemporary jazz.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
Impulse Records
Ran Blake (Piano) Ricky Ford (Tenor) Dominique Eade (vocals)
Born in Springfield (MA) in 1935 Ran Blake is a niche artist, but has dedicated followers all over the world. He was a major part of the so called third stream revolution in the late nineteen fifties and has over forty albums to his credit. Although his output has been diverse he is best known for his interpretations of French art house film scores. Ricky Ford first came to prominence in 1974 on the first ever recording of Mercer Ellington's revival of his father's band. Highly influenced by Sonny Rollins and Dexter Gordon he has been a major player on the US scene for many years and best known for his time with Mingus, and later the Mingus Dynasty bands. Dominique Eade , who appears on one track, hails from the New England Conservatory and has a fine contralto voice.
This is a highly compelling album is based on the scores used by film director Claude Chabrol. There are seventeen tracks, mostly under three minutes long, over half are in a minimalist solo piano mode where time and space are used to the full to produce an absorbing and thought provoking listening experience. Ricky Ford provides the perfect match for the piano with his strong tenor style adding emphasis and atmosphere on six of the themes. There is an extended duo performance on "Love Lament" which along with the introduction of vocalist Dominique Eade on "I'm Going To See My Son" are among the highlights before the mood changes for a final offering, Michael Legrands "Watch What Happens" from The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg.
The music here is of the highest caliber, and in some ways mirrors Miles recording of Louis Malle's "LiftTo The Scaffold". It will make a valuable addition to any serious collection of contemporary jazz.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
