After a flurry of recordings for Blue Note during the 1960s, Andrew Hill didn't make another album as a leader until this Steeplechase studio session in 1974. Not that the pianist was inactive during this five-year stretch; he was performing concerts, teaching at Colgate University, and also writing for string quartets and symphony orchestras. This trio date with bassist Chris White and drummer Art Lewis features five original compositions, beginning with the turbulent but enticing "Catfish," which alternates between post-bop and avant-garde. "Lost No More" is far more intense, rarely giving the listener a time to focus before Hill switches his attack in another direction. The one standard of the date, Bronislaw Kaper's "Invitation," finds the pianist in an adventurous mood as the members of his rhythm section seem to be playing with a mind of their own. The CD reissue adds an alternate take of "Catfish," omitted from the original LP. Such fascinating music will be of great interest to fans of Andrew Hill. - Ken Dryden
Tracks
1. Catfish
2. Lost No More
3. Morning Flower
4. Invitation (Andrew Hill/Bronislaw Kaper)
5. Laverne
6. Little John
7. Catfish Take 3
ANDREW HILL piano
ART LEWIS drums
CHRIS WHITE bass
All compositions by Andrew Hill, except as indicated
Recorded October 17, 1974 at Minot Sound Studios, White Plains, New York
SteepleChase – SCCD 31026 (Denmark)