”Mutima” by Cecil McBee on Strata-East SES-7417

April 12, 2025

Another beautiful title on this wonderful label.

Another brilliant Strata-East title has landed on my shelves. This time we have the debut by master double bassist Cecil McBee as a leader, fronting a large ensemble.

It starts off with a 11 minute double bass bowing extravaganza, on which McBee is playing two basses. Beautiful tune. You know you’re in for a treat after that one. As for the rest of the tunes, we get beautiful spiritual passages and avant-garde statements, post-bop goodness and some funky excursions. Completely outstanding music, all penned by McBee.

I’m also seeking high and low for his India Navigation-led session called ”Alternate Spaces”. Got his outing ”Turning Point” on that label secured some months ago.

The search for more stuff on one of the best jazz labels of all time continues…

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”Capra Black” by Billy Harper on Strata-East SES-19739

April 3, 2025

I’m building my collection of Strata-East titles brick by brick. Already got a handful now. This one is a gem. My first Billy Harper joint was on Black Saint and that’s an amazing album, and so is this one. Spiritual and deep to the core. It’s so well composed, the arrangements are lovely and the solos are absolute fire. I even like the voices added on side Black. Side Capra’s opener, which is the title track, is probably my favorite on the album. An 11 minute excursion in top level post-bop, way up there on my list of favorite tunes recorded in the 70’s.

The band backing Harper is top notch and consists of Jimmy Owens on trumpet, George Cables on piano, Reggie Workman on double bass, Julian Priester and Dick Griffin on trombone, Billy Cobham, Warren Smith, Elvin Jones on drums and a handful of voice talents.

Found this original, with the 463 West Street address on the back slick, at a local shop for a reasonable price. Have been on the lookout for this for quite a while so happy to have found it locally.

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"Sense of Values" by Keno Duke/Contemporaries on Strata-East SES-7416

January 31, 2025

Never listened to drummer Keno Duke. No wonder perhaps, as he only released three albums, two for Strata-East and one for Trident Records. Hadn’t heard of him previously at all. Glad I stumbled upon this title which features Keno playing with George Coleman on tenor, Harold Mabern on piano, Lisle Atkinson on double bass and Frank Strozier on alto sax and flute.

A straight-ahead set which is very enjoyable and not one you see every day. Strata-East was such a great label and I’ve got a handful now on the shelf. Hoping to find some more.

Just secured a couple of lovely avant-garde titles with Rashied Ali. Really looking forward to receiving those soon. Stay tuned…

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"Live at Slugs' Volume II" by Charles Tolliver Music Inc on Strata-East SES-19720

January 19, 2025

Another Music Inc album with Charles Tolliver at the helm. This one was recorded live at Slugs’ Saloon situated in the East Village, Manhattan, New York on May 1, 1970. Fantastic music from Tolliver and company as usual. This is the second volume and I’m also looking for Vol.1.

Love the ferocious ”Out Second Father”, penned by Tolliver, dedicated to the memory of John Coltrane. Tolliver plays absolutely brilliant on this tune. It’s also featured live on the ”Live at Loosdrecht” album, also on Strata-East, which I posted back in October of last year.

The personell on this date is Tolliver on trumpet, Stanley Cowell on piano, Cecil McBee on double bass and Jimmy Hopps on drums.

This original LP came in a beautiful gatefold cover, which features a lovely photograph of the band inside.

Essential.

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"Compassion" by Charles Tolliver Music Inc on Strata-East SES 8001

January 11, 2025

Anything with Tolliver on it is worth getting.

Another find from that previously unknown (to me) local store. Tolliver is always dope and I’m aiming to collect much more of his stuff. Got another one by him on it’s way as well. This album is a real treat. Post bop at is finest. An unusual combination of only trumpet and guitar besides the bass and drums creates a wonderful sound. It’s delicate and detailed. The musicians are Tolliver on trumpet, Nathan Page on guitar, Steve Novosel on double bass and Alvin Queen on drums.

We have four cuts, three of them are of the longer format which is always a plus for me. Favorite pick is the title track, which clocks in at almost 11 minutes. The closing ballad ”Truth” is amazing as well. The session was recorded in 1977. All compositions are by Tolliver.

Have some packages on their way to me next week with some very good stuff, so stay tuned.

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"Glass Bead Games" by the Clifford Jordan Quartet on Strata-East (SES-19737/8)

November 13, 2024

For me, this Cliff Jordan album, recorded in 1973, is his best. Historically I’ve listened to his stuff from the 50’s and early 60’s. That stuff is undoubtedly great, but I prefer this approach for sure. The music is amazing and very varied. You get plenty of the things that makes jazz such a wonderful art form. The musicianship is outstanding, and no wonder with the cast of players on this one. We have Jordan on tenor sax, Stanley Cowell or Cedar Walton on piano, Bill Lee or Sam Jones on double bass and Billy Higgins on drums. They just breeze through these tunes like it was the easiest thing on earth, but this is quite intricate music performed with such a delicate touch.

A lovely recording and this original pressing sounds sublime. Top notch quality pressing. The condition of the vinyl is great, and although the cover has some flaws I’m very happy with this copy. Seems quite difficult to find. It’s very desirable. This was one of the top titles on my wish list since acquiring the stereo setup.

Favorite picks right now are “Powerful Paul Robeson”, “Prayer to the People”, “John Coltrane” and “Shoulders”.

I suppose most cats have heard this one, but if you haven’t, remedy that posthaste. Highly, highly recommended.

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Charles Tolliver's Music Inc Live at the Loosdrecht Jazz Festival on Strata-East SES-19740/1

October 10, 2024

Fantastic live album by Charles Tolliver’s Music Inc, consisting of 2 LP’s, recorded on the 9th of August 1972 at The Loosdrecht Jazz Festival in the Netherlands.

I’m definitely after more of Tolliver’s stuff. He was a brilliant trumpeter and composer. He totally smokes on this one. Before acquiring this LP the only other album in my collection that featured Tolliver was Jackie Macs’ ”It’s Time”. So the hunt is one for more of his stuff as a leader. This album is a great first catch for sure. It’s also my first Strata-East title. Plenty of great stuff on this label to try and find. The label was founded in 1971 by Tolliver and pianist Stanley Cowell.

The first tune on record 1 sets the tone from the get-go. It’s high energy and fiery stuff. You just know this is gonna be great. The sound is brilliant, a great live recording. It’s a natural and very detailed sound with an edge. Love it! The band consists of Tolliver on trumpet and fluegelhorn, John Hicks on piano, Reggie Workman on double bass and Alvin Queen on drums. Wonderful group of musicians. They sound very tight and on it.

If you haven’t heard this amazing album it’s about time you get familiar with it.

I’m really enjoying exploring 70’s jazz. I feel that this is the most fun I’ve ever had listening to and collecting jazz.

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