The Five Spot Café in New York hosted some great groups and this is no exception. Alto player Charles McPherson is another one of those cats I haven’t explored much. I’ve listened to “Con Alma” which is great, but other than that not much more. So this title is a nice addition and a good starting point in my explorations into his work.
All is revealed live and McPherson is a great player for sure. He has got a great band backing him, consisting of Lonnie Hillyer on trumpet, Barry Harris on piano, Ray McKinney on double bass and the great Billy Higgins on drums.
Live jazz albums are always interesting to me, cause they capture much of the core of what jazz is about. The spontaneous improvisation in front of a live audience. There are no retakes. What you do there and then is the final expression. It is what it is, there on the spot, and that nerve is very appealing to me.
One of the highlights of the album is Barry Harris’ solo on “Shaw ‘Nuff”. The fast paced waltz ”Suddenly” is a favorite with it’s dark undertones. Another great one is the mellow and calming 11 minute long ballad ”Never Let Me Go”.
This live recording could be a lot better for sure. Not the same quality as the Dolphy albums from the same club, far from it, but it’s ok. I’ve heard worse. That can be the drawback with live recordings from this era. Also, it’s not recorded by Van Gelder who recorded the Dolphy albums. I have the second volume and it sounds unbelievable.
Enjoyable album which you should check out if you enjoy live jazz captured on tape from the era.