Recorded on December 29, 1978
In essence, this quartet is three-fourths of the first incarnation of Cedar Walton's band Eastern Rebellion. George Coleman, Sam Jones, and Billy Higgins were in both groups; however, George Coleman takes the leader's role on this album, and Hilton Ruiz takes Walton's place at the piano.
This is superb straight-ahead jazz, executed at the highest level.
More George Coleman
In addition to Meditation [aka Dynamic Duo], Coleman's album of duets with Tete Montoliu (discussed earlier in this survey), listeners who would like to hear more from this brawny tenorist should seek out Big George (Affinity, 1979), a compelling octet date recorded in 1977.
I did not know about this record until reading the entry. I quickly downloaded a CD-quality digital file from Qobuz because, as famous as George Coleman is, he's not served well as a leader on recordings. The octet sessions are a clear exception, and his most recent Smoke Sessions are good too. But someone of his stature should have led more groups and made more recordings.
ReplyDeleteAmsterdam after Dark is a great discovery. The first few notes in which he uses Coltrane-style multiphonics grabs the attention right away. (He does the same thing on one of the recent Smoke Session records). I like this more than the Eastern Rebellion recordings, in part because I think the Cedar Walton pieces are too familiar. The set here is refreshing and extremely well played. Too bad such a great record has been under my radar but discovering now it is a lot of fun. Thanks.