Muhal Richard Abrams blended vintage and progressive sensibilities on this outstanding 1984 session. It was a large band outing, and Abrams assembled many of the finest active improvisers. His orchestra did not include just saxophones and trumpets, but also French horns, bass clarinets, cello, guitar, vibes, and timpani. This assured Abrams a varied, rich sound with multiple options. He led the orchestra through pieces that were sometimes introspective and other times jubilant and swinging, but never simple or predictable. This session was a challenging, instructive, and entertaining lesson in modern big band writing, arranging and performing. - Ron Wynn
Tracks
1. The Heart Is Love and "I Am"
2. Blessing Be the Heavens at 12
3. Bloodline
4. Rejoicing With the Light
5. Spiral to Clarity
ABDUL WADUD cello
HOWARD JOHNSON tuba, baritone saxophone, contrabass clarinet
JEAN-PAUL BOURELLY guitar
JOHN PURCELL piccolo flute, flute, alto saxophone, b flat clarinet, bass clarinet
MARTY EHRLICH piccolo, flute, b flat clarinet, bass clarinet, alto sax
MUHAL RICHARD ABRAMS piano, synthesizer
VINCENT CHANCEY french horn
ANDREW CYRILLE drums, percussion
BAIKIDA CARROLL trumpet, flugelhorn
WARREN SMITH percussion, vibes
CRAIG HARRIS trombone
EUGENE GHEE tenor saxophone, b flat clarinet, bass clarinet
JANETTE MOODY soprano voice
PATIENCE HIGGINS b flat clarinet, alto clarinet, baritone saxophone
RICK ROZIE bass
All music composed by Muhal Richard Abrams
Recorded January 8 & 25, 1983 at Greene Street Recording, Inc. Studio, NY
Black Saint - 120071-2 Italy