Arild Andersen – Shimri (ECM, 1977)

Arild Andersen (b); Juhani Aaltonen (ts, ss, fl, perc); Lars Jansson (p); Pål Thowsen (d, perc)

Recorded in October 1976

Reissued as part of Blue in Green: Early Quartets (ECM, 2010)

Persuasive European jazz led by Norweigan bassist Arild Andersen his group of fellow Scandinavians.  

The sound and their music is characteristically "ECM" -- in the best sense of the word.

Anthony Braxton – Dortmund (Quartet) 1976 (hatART, 1991)

Anthony Braxton (sss, as, cbsx, cl, e-flat cl, cb cl); George Lewis (tb); Dave Holland (b); Barry Altschul (d, perc)

Recorded on October 31, 1976

Recorded shortly after George Lewis joined Braxton's group, this music captures the band performing an incredible concert.  

For a many reasons, Braxton's protean music can present formidable barriers to those who are unfamiliar with it.  Braxton and his music are truly singular.  But his music can also be incredibly rewarding as you make your way "inside" it. 

For anyone who's looking for more insight into Braxton's musical goals and intentions, I would also strongly recommend Graham Lock's book Forces in Motion: Anthony Braxton and the Meta-reality of Creative Music, recently re-published by Dover.  It's an extremely persuasive work of advocacy, providing insights into both the man and his music.  Honestly, I would even recommend it to listeners who aren't even particularly drawn to Braxton's music.  It's a fascinating portrait of a musical artist at work.

More Anthony Braxton

Since Braxton recorded so prolifically during the 1970s, I've only heard a fraction of his records.  Regardless, here are a few more that I've particularly enjoyed:

- New York, Fall 1974 (Arista)

- The Montreux/Berlin Concerts (Arista)

- Five Pieces 1975 (Arista)

- Creative Orchestra Music 1976 (Arista)

- Creative Orchestra (Köln) 1978 (hatART)

There's more Braxton to come later in my survey -- as a co-leader -- as well.

Don Pullen – Healing Force (Black Saint, 1976)

Don Pullen (p)

Recorded on October 23, 1976

Reissued as part of Don Pullen: The Complete Remastered Recordings on Black Saint & Soul Note (2012).

From this listener's point of view, among Don Pullen's most impressive recordings are the two solo piano discs he made for Black Saint, Healing Force and Evidence of Things Unseen (1984). 

The music on the Healing Force is vital, soulful, and personal.  It ranges from quietly inward to pounding, Taylor-esque dissonances.

Jim McNeely Quintet – Rain's Dance (SteepleChase, 1978)

Jim McNeely (p, el p); Larry Schneider (ts, ss); Mike Richmond (b); Bob Merigliano (d); Sam Jacobs (perc)

Recorded on October 4 & 6, 1976

Over the years, McNeely has become most well-known for his big band work, leading various European ensembles.  But this set is an outstanding example of his work with a small unit.  Strong playing and strong compositions.

Cal Tjader – Guarabe (Fantasy, 1977)

Cal Tjader (vib, mar); Bob Redfield (g); Clare Fischer (p, el p); Bob Fisher (b, el b); Pete Riso (d); Poncho Sanchez (cga, perc); Carmelo Garcia (tim)

Recorded in September 1976

Reissued as part of the CD Here and There (Fantasy, 1996)

Contributions from band members Clare Fischer and Poncho Sanchez make this Cal Tjader set one of his strongest of the decade.

More Cal Tjader

Listeners may associate Tjader with his earlier records from the 1950s and 60s, but his music from the 1970s represents an incredibly strong body of work.  Along with Guarabe, I have enjoyed every one of these:

• Tjader (Fantasy, 1970)
• Agua Dulce (Fantasy, 1971)
• Descarga (Fantasy, 1971)
• Live at the Funky Quarters (Fantasy, 1972)
• Primo (Fantasy, 1973) - with Tito Puente and Charlie Palmieri 
• Puttin' It Together (Fantasy, 1973)
• Amazonas (Fantasy, 1975)
• Last Night When We Were Young (Fantasy, 1975) - with strings arranged by Frank Strazzeri
• Grace Cathedral Concert (Fantasy, 1976)
• Here (Galaxy, 1977)
• Cuban Fantasy (Fantasy, 2003; live recordings from same '77 concert heard on Here)
• Breathe Easy (Galaxy, 1977)
• Huracán (Crystal Clear, 1978; reissued on LaserLight Digital)

Enrico Pieranunzi – The Day After the Silence (Edi-Pan/Alfa Music, 1976)

Enrico Pieranunzi (p)

Recorded on September 8 - 9, 1976

Pieranunzi is one of the most interesting pianists to emerge in Europe during the 1970s.  This early solo set demonstrates many of his strengths.

Al Grey – Struttin' and Shoutin' (Columbia, 1983)

Al Grey (tb); Jimmy Forrest (ts); Cecil Payne (bs);  Ernie Wilkins (ss, 1 track only); Waymon Reed (tr); Danny Moore (tr); Jack Jeffers (b tb); Ray Bryant (p); Milt Hinton (b); Bobby Durham (d)

Recorded on August 30, 1976

This LP sat on the shelf for several years before it was released in 1983.  But the delay is no indication of the quality of the music.  Don't pass this by.  It's powerful stuff!