Jaki is a favorite as I’ve mentioned before. He was quite unique. He incorporated many different styles into his playing which makes his albums very interesting, and it lends itself to wanting to explore them over and over again. This album was recorded in May of 1964 except one track which was recorded in 1961. A few tunes have horns, with Booker Ervin and Richard Williams joining in on tenor and trumpet. Jaki also plays alto on the last tune and it sounds great. Very cool. It’s a diverse set for sure.
Favorite pick on this album is ”European Episode” which is a 12 minute dance suite in 6 parts (Jaki was apparently a dancer himself according to the liner notes), which he hoped to choreograph and present in concert with 12 dancers and a 17-piece orchestra. Don’t know if he ever did get to do that. Now, to have been able to attend such a concert would have been some experience I’m sure.
Jaki was a terrific pianist and composer and was always full of surprises and that’s why I love him.