Customer Reviews

Music Matador

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The sessions on this CD were recorded by producer Alan Douglas in the spring of 1963. Eric died in 6/29/64. So this is mature Eric, and in my opinion, as good as he ever played. His solo on "Alone Together" sends chills up my spine every time I hear it, and is reason enough to get this recording. This is a duet with bassist Richard Davis. Another equally stirring duet with Richard is "Come Sunday."
Another highlight is a searing alto solo by Eric on "Love Me."
The other numbers are played by various groupings including jazz greats Woody Shaw, Clifford Jordan, Prince Lasha, Sonny Simmons, Bobby Hutcherson, and more. This is great company.
The CD I own is on the "Le Jazz" label. These sessions have been released under various labels and various titles. Additional selections from these sessions have appeared on CDs titled "Conversations" and "Iron Man." Some repeat titles on this CD, others have titles not included on this CD. You may find these recordings in the bargain bin, or for sale for exorbitant amounts on the internet. They may be worth any price.
I have read that the sound quality on these recordings is less than good. I have not found this to be the case. Get any of these titles, and you won't be disappointed by the sound or music.
While I'm at it, let me name my selection of the best 3 solos by Eric. By definition, they would also be among the best solos in jazz history: 1) "Alone Together" in this session. 2)"Round Midnight" on George Russel's "Ezzthetic" and 3)"All the Things You Could Be By Now If Sigmund Freud's Wife Was Your Mother" on Charles Mingus' "Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus." These are a few of my favorite things.