Lo and behold, I’m posting an original Blue Note again. It’s been a while. This is a lovely title featuring a favorite format of mine, the pianoless sax trio (some flute is also present). Elvin, Jimmy Garrison and Joe Farrell performs a raw and organic set of tunes which appeals to me with it’s stripped down feel and natural sound. This album was Elvin’s first on Blue Note as a leader. Recorded and released in 1968 which makes it my latest Blue Note thus far in terms of the release date. Never owned a Liberty Blue Note before. Hopefully there will be some more landing on my shelves in the years to come. Will keep my eyes peeled for the second album by this great trio as well, also on Blue Note.
Elvin is a favorite drummer of mine and you immediately hear it’s him. The earthy and natural sound of his kit is truly a signature sound. Garrison is a cat I’ve loved for a long time. His solos are always great, his choice of notes are always special, and the sound he extracts from his double bass is big, warm and round. In this setting the bass gets quite pronounced, which is always a plus. Joe Farrell is brilliant on tenor, soprano, flute and piccolo. On the tenor he’s Coltrane-esque to me, but his own man nonetheless. Will have to explore his catalogue in depth.
Highly recommended.