This is a true classic. Composer/pianist
George Russell gathered together a very versatile group of talents (trumpeter
Don Ellis, trombonist
Dave Baker,
Eric Dolphy on alto and bass clarinet, bassist
Steve Swallow, and drummer
Joe Hunt) to explore three of his originals, "'Round Midnight" (which is given an extraordinary treatment by
Dolphy),
Miles Davis' "Nardis," and David Baker's "Honesty." The music is post-bop and although using ideas from avant-garde jazz, it does not fall into any simple category. The improvising is at a very high level and the frameworks (which include free and stop-time sections) really inspire the players. Highly recommended. [Riverside's 2007 reissue included two bonus tracks.] ~ Scott Yanow