One of pianist/composer Muhal Richard Abrams' strongest big-band dates, this set has eight of his compositions interpreted by a most unusual group. Abrams is joined by four saxophonists (including altoist John Purcell and baritonist Patience Higgins), a five-piece rhythm section (with Warren Smith on vibes and timpani), trumpeter Jack Walrath, trombonist Alfred Patterson, Mark Taylor on French horn, Joe Daley on tuba, and Joel Brandon, who whistles. Brandon's otherworldly whistling (which is often quite eerie) certainly adds personality to some of the ensembles. Among the songs that are performed are "Plus Equal Minus Balance,""One for the Whistler,""Stretch Time," and a fairly straight-ahead blues ("Blu Blu Blu") that is dedicated to Muddy Waters. The music occasionally glances back at the past but mostly looks forward in its own unique way. Recommended. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
1. Plus Equal Minus Balance
2. Cycles Five
3. Bloodline
4. Septone
5. Blu Blu Blu
6. Petsrof
7. One For The Whistler
8. Stretch Time
ROBERT DE BELLIS alto sax, clarinet, bass clarinet
JOHN PURCELL alto sax, flute
PATIENCE HIGGINS baritone sax, flute, clarinet
BRAD JONES bass
LINDSEY HORNER bass (2, 3, 6)
THURMAN BARKER drums
MARK TAYLOR French horn
DAVID FIUCZYNSKI guitar
EUGENE GHEE tenor sax, clarinet, bass clarinet
ALFRED PATTERSON trombone
JACK WALRATH trumpet
JOE DALEY tuba
JOEL BRANDON whistler, wind
WARREN SMITH vibraphone, timpani
MUHAL RICHARD ABRAMS piano, synthesizer, bells
Music composed and conducted by Muhal Richard Abrams
Recorded November 9-10, 1990 at RPM Sound Studios, Inc., New York
Black Saint - 120 117-2