Customer Reviews

Leaving the Planet

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ever stumble upon an album that seems to be one idea from start to finish, and any change in sequence would destroy it's power? I own maybe four of these. The Burner was right on with this theme. Leaving this planet is what I put on to burn-n-churn thru over an hour's worth of intense work. If you have to purchase just one Charles Earland album- THIS is the Masterpiece. Thank YOU Charles- R.I.P.

A Jazz masterpiece. Charles, Freddie, Joe, Harvey, Dr patrick Gleason and the rest are well on top of their game. "Brown Eyes, Van Jay, and Leaving this Planet" are all a Piece of work that I'll never hear again. Remember that Charles has a habit of taking charge late in his sets but before that he sets the pace and everyone gets a piece of the action. He is a true Organist. Im waiting to see the release of "Black Drops" Album. You must hear his rendition of "Chicago's, Happy Cause Im coming home" on the "Intensity" Album.

If you enjoy free-blowing sessions and the playing of Freddie Hubbard and Joe Henderson in the 70's then this is a very good disc. The songs tend to the bluesy and modal, with Harvey Mason providing precise, solid drumming. There is a DEFINITIVE rendering of the classic Henderson song "Recordame" (aka "No Me Esqueca"), the VERY BEST VERSION I know of. The rendering of "Red Clay" is energetic and interesting. The evocative Spanish-tinged tune "Brown Eyes" has absolutely stunning solo-work by both Hubbard and Henderson. Naturally Charles Earland's soloing is not quite at the level of those two overall, but he projects as rock solid rhythm player who riffs his way engagingly and with humor during solos. A few weaker tracks, but those are the exceptions on a good to excellent blues/modal jazz session.

After listening to this a few times, you may actually forget what it feels like to be an earthling. Freddie Hubbard and Joe Henderson are in top form, and though they're obviously the big names here, the unsung hero of the session is Harvey Mason. I like Charles Earland, but I honestly bought this because I saw that Harvey was on it, and wanted to hear how he played in this kind of setting. Harvey is THE MAN on the drums, and he never seems to get his due. I like Tony Williams, Steve Gadd, Billy Cobham, Alphonse Mouzon, Lenny White, etc...but there's just something about Harvey's inherent FUNKINESS that appeals in a different way. First of all, with the exception of Steve Gadd, he's so much less flashy than those other cats. And his beats skitter and slither, skirting the rhythm 'til your head spins...check the break at the end of the title cut for an example.
If you dig where I'm comin' from, there are some other Mason masterpieces to seek out...hopefully I don't have to hip anyone who's reading this to Herbie Hancock's HEADHUNTERS, but go there first, if you haven't already. Some more obscure choices...Phil Upchurch's DARKNESS, DARKNESS; Eddie Henderson's SUNBURST; Donald Byrd's STEPPING INTO TOMORROW; The Brother's Johnson's LOOK OUT FOR #1; countless others.
Harvey Mason--the ultimate funky drummer--RECOGNIZE, SUCKAS!!!

A Jazz masterpiece. Charles, Freddie, Joe, Harvey, Dr patrick Gleason and the rest are well on top of their game. "Brown Eyes, Van Jay, and Leaving this Planet" are all a Piece of work that I'll never hear again. Remember that Charles has a habit of taking charge late in his sets but before that he sets the pace and everyone gets a piece of the action. He is a true Organist. Im waiting to see the release of "Black Drops" Album. You must hear his rendition of "Chicago's, Happy Cause Im coming home" on the "Intensity" Album.