This group was absolutely stunning. One of the best from the 70’s and 80’s. Hell, one of the best of all time perhaps. Cherry, Redman, Haden and Blackwell played together as New And Old Dreams between 1976 and 1987. They released two studio albums and two live albums on two labels, which were Black Saint and ECM. All members had previously played with Ornette and they played a mix of his stuff as well as original compositions.
This album opens with an amazing version of Ornette’s ”Lonely Woman” which of course is also the first track on ”The Shape Of Jazz To Come”. ”Togo” by Blackwell follows, which is based on a Ghanese traditional. Superb percussive work here by Blackwell. Has a great theme as well. Cherry’s ”Guinea” is next and it opens with some lovely solo playing by Cherry. He plays so beautiful here. Very lyrical. What follows when the band comes in is bliss. Great tune.
Second side starts off with Ornette’s ”Open or Close” and it’s fire. Haden’s double bass work here is out of this world. Classic Blackwell drumming as well which really propels everything to a different level. This is musicianship on a whole different plane. Then we get a Dewey Redman (who I need to explore a lot more) original which is called ”Orbit of La-Ba”. We have oriental vibes supreme on this which I really love. Lovely rhythms going on. Top stuff from Cherry and Redman. The last tune by Haden, which is called ”Song for the Whales”, is according to the back sleeve, ”written with respect for all spieces of whales, in the hope that they will soon be protected by international law”. Haden mimics the sound of whales here with his bow. Terrific stuff when the band comes in later in the tune as well.
Fantastic album.
