Recorded on October 7, 1975
Astonishingly good. ... Amazing compositions and playing from George Cables. And listen to the interaction with that rhythm section! Burnett, in particular, is on fire. I've never heard him play better than he does here.
Selecting somebody's first recording (made at age 21) is a true compliment. But the best news is that George Cables is still making records at age 75! It's really hard to single out an era or band that is his best because he's been so consistent. Cables is one of a handful of pianists who somehow just "get it" whenever they solo. (Also in the handful are Don Friedman, John Hicks, Kenny Barron, Harold Danko, Tommy Flanagan, Barry Harris, Enrico Pieranunzi, and Renee Rosnes). These artists are not always considered great composers or conceptualists, and they're not the only pianists I love to hear. But Cables and the others always seem to play interesting and meaningful lines in every context. The piano trio is the best context to hear what I hear.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, great selection!