Recorded on March 22, 1978
Embarkation is McNeil's debut recording, but there's nothing tentative about this effort. The music is completely assured. Hearing it, one would never guess that this is McNeil's first outing.
Of course, it doesn't hurt that McNeil supported by a stellar band.
More John McNeil
McNeil's second effort for SteepleChase, Faun (1979), is also excellent.
Talking about your neglected artists... This is a great session on the Danish SteepleChase label. Discogs lists 11 albums for this 72-year old trumpeter (I know there are more, but not many). It goes to show that talent is only part of the equation in the music business. I've always felt that really good albums like this one should at least be known critically. But what we see are endless re-releases of the same artists and albums. People coming into jazz need to be made aware of just how deep and wide the recorded legacy is.
ReplyDeleteThanks to Scott for including this obscure gem.