The story of boxing great Jack Johnson, with all its socio-cultural overtones in full view, was all the inspiration Davis needed to make this enthralling soundtrack. The record consists of two extended jams and features the playing of both Herbie Hancock and John McLaughlin. Some say it is Davis' best from his fusion period.
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Escalator Over the Hill Carla Bley & Paul Haines 1968-1971 [JCOA/ECM]
A somewhat pretentious and very long (around two hours) foray into just about every "far out" concept floating around in jazz at the time. Billed as a "chronotransduction", the all-star line-up dishes out plenty of experimental big band music that is impossible to categorise. Linda Ronstadt even puts in a cameo. Certainly not for all tastes.
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Space Is the Place Sun Ra 1972 [Impulse!]
Not to be confused with the original soundtrack of the same name, this is a typically eccentric Sun Ra mix of spaced-out avant-garde exotica and straightahead swing. The Astro Intergalactic Infinity Arkestra (no kidding) is in fine form, with plenty of freeform blowing and cosmic drumbeats to drive things along. A must for all Saturnians.
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Head Hunters Herbie Hancock 1973 [Columbia]
Jazz finds its soul while getting lowdown and funky. The record may sound like it owes more to Sly Stone than Miles Davis - but some groovy jazz is at the core of things. In particular, Hancock's long improvisations on the keyboards are typical of the genre. The biggest selling jazz album of all time in its day and a forerunner of acid jazz.
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Witchi-Tai-To Jan Garbarek/Bobo Stenson Quartet 1973 [ECM]
This album will no doubt come as a bit of a surprise to those only familiar with saxophonist Garbarek's later New Age meanderings. With the occasional hint of funk present, the record is an improvisational blend of European folk elements and contemporary jazz stylings. A defining record in the ECM pantheon of the 1970s.
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The Köln Concert Keith Jarrett 1975 [ECM]
Jarrett's lengthy improvised piano solos - the longest clocking in at over 40 minutes - never seemed to suit the LP format. On CD this lively set comes across as the classic it is. It is still divided into four parts, but the spontaneity of what was in fact a single extended performance shines through. Effortlessly withstanding the test of time.
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Rosewood Woody Shaw 1977 [Columbia/Legacy]
Hampered by failing eyesight and personal problems, trumpeter Shaw never really achieved the notoriety he deserved. Shaw spent a decade playing with some top talent before striking out on his own in the early-70s. Rosewood is a melodically pleasing set made with a sextet and a concert ensemble. Shaw died in 1989 after being hit by a train.
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The Audience With Betty Carter Betty Carter 1979 [Verve] 2CDs
A long road to fame for Carter peaked with this outstanding live record. Carter financed the project herself, eventually selling the rights to Verve. As such, everything was done on the cheap - so the one downfall is the poor sound quality. Made with the John Hicks Trio, Carter's inventive vocals are nothing short of incredible.
