This is an absolute great album. I feel it represents the 1960's avant garde really well in the "concentrated chaos" style. By this I mean the group improvisation is focused. You can tell that every one in the band is playing off of each other opposed to a full "freak out" session like an Albert Ayler album, and the conpositions are certainly rehearsed. Moncur writes great tunes, I am a huge fan of "Air Raid" and "Monk in Wonderland." The icing on the cake is the post jazz messenger, pre-Sidewinder Lee Morgan. This was his first record appearance for blue note since his leave from the messengers to overcome his heroin addiction. You can hear that this kind of playing isn't really his bag at the time but he sounds open to what he's hearing and plays remarkably well. I'm sure this session influenced him when he started with the area of style he worked on in the late 60's and early 70's. Jackie Mclean sounds great. Its nice to know that this session led up to his work with Moncur on his album Destination...Out! Bobby Hutch...man that guy makes any album come together. He takes up the chords job of the recording and supports well. Bob Cranshaw was the house bassist for Blue Note at the time and you can't help but think this is the same guy who in like 3 months goes from playing this style, to the funky sidewinder with Morgan and sounds comfortable in both settings.
Go buy this album. Especially if you are trying to get into the jazz avant garde or have mix feelings about it.
Grachan Moncur III- Trombone
Jackie Mclean Alto Sax
Lee Morgan Trumpet
Bobby Hucherson Vibes
Bob Cranshaw Bass
Tony Williams Drums
recorded 1963
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