Russell's book, The Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization,made him famous in the jazz world - profoundly influencing the modal ideas of Miles Davis and John Coltrane. This fine post-bop record sees the pianist-composer nudging the avant-garde. Trumpeter Don Ellis and Eric Dolphy on clarinet & alto weave some improvisational magic.
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Waltz for Debby Bill Evans Trio 1961 [Riverside]
Evans wears his heart on his sleeve on this beautiful record, the second culled from a date at the Village Vanguard in 1961. His bass player, Scott LaFaro, would die in a car accident ten days later - leaving only a handful of albums made with the trio. A good overview highlighting the maturation of Evans' modal style of piano playing.
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Night Train The Oscar Peterson Trio 1962 [Verve]
Peterson's most famous record is a lively tribute to his father - a Canadian Pacific Railway night car attendant. A technically brilliant pianist, Night Train's exuberance ensures his playing doesn't get too overly complicated or out of hand. The moving 'Hymn to Freedom' caps off the original record, with six bonus tracks on the CD reissue.
The CD reissue of this exciting record has bassist Charles Mingus sounding more a part of things than on the original LP. Drummer Max Roach obviously relished every moment with the Duke. With Ellington out of contract at the time, it was a stroke of luck that United Artists was able to put together this combination. Gets better with age.
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Song For My Father The Horace Silver Quintet 1964 [Blue Note]
This is the best known of pianist Silver's many fine albums. Although dubbed a Quintet record, it also features tracks played by Silver's new lineup featuring tenor Joe Henderson. Made up mostly of original Silver compositions, there are hints of exotic rhythms - with the outstanding title track grooving to a subtle bossa nova beat.
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Maiden Voyage Herbie Hancock 1965 [Blue Note]
Miles Davis disciple Hancock shows he learned his lessons well on this outstanding set of original tracks. With Davis' band in support it is no surprise that the album's modal hard bop is played with faultless precision and efficiency. The added bonus of Freddie Hubbard on trumpet allows the record to hum with a true spirit of adventure.
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The Far East Suite Duke Ellington 1966 [Bluebird]
An official 1963 goodwill tour spanning the Asian sub-continent and the Middle East inspired this outstanding set from Ellington's later years. Johnny Hodges' legendary alto solo on 'Isfahan' is one of the most memorable moments in jazz - and tenor Paul Gonsalves' contribution to 'Mount Harissa' isn't too far behind. One of the Duke's best.
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The Real McCoy McCoy Tyner 1967 [Blue Note]
Tyner's time with John Coltrane's quartet established him as one of the most influential pianists of the post-bop era. Despite struggling for commercial success throughout much of his solo career, he managed to produce a clutch of topnotch Blue Note recordings that helped cement his reputation as one of the greats. Recommended.
