I think this is a wonderful album with Anthony Braxton playing standards. In Braxtons’ own words: ”This particular record date came about by chance, it was supposed to be a quartet date with Dexter Gordon.” Gordon apparently needed to rest on doctor’s orders and Braxton was called up as he was in Paris.
I’m really diggin’ his playing on this. For example, the rendition of Mingus’ ”Goodbye Pork Pie Hat”, when he plays the contrabass clarinet, is a highlight. Love that instrument and the way he plays it. He also uses it on Bird’s ”Ornithology” in a fast tempo, which is quite an odd but very special experience. The peculiar sound that the instrument produces is seldom heard in this kind of bop tune. Maybe this is the only time, who knows? It’s unique and fun. Braxton also plays alto on this date. It’s always a plus to have Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen on double bass and together with Tete Montoliu on piano and Albert ”Tootie” Heath on drums this group really does the material justice.