This 1973 album features the legendary jazz drummer Elvin Jones in a rather unique musical setting. Joined by a large band (not to be mistaken with what is known in jazz as a "big band"), Jones knocks down the walls that separate jazz from rock, jazz from avant garde, and jazz from the generic "jam band" music that blossomed in the 1960's. That said, Jones' group consists of three saxophonists, a guitarist, pianist/keyboardist, bass, and four percussionists in addition to himself on drum set.
AT THIS POINT IN TIME is essentially jazz fusion. This music is an expansion of Jones' post-1966 groups using typically modal material. The music is strongly groove oriented, and attempts to use early drums machines (called rhythm boxes) and Moog synthesizers to augment the group's already huge sound. Percussionist Omar Clay's composition "Pauke Tanz" is memorable because of the vast array of electronically created sound effects. Also, Frank Foster's "The Unknighted Nations" is interesting because of its funky beat and electrifying keyboard solo by Jan Hammer. However, the highlight is definitely the lengthy (and virtuosic) drum solo that Jones takes on his wife's composition "Don't Cry." - AllMusic
Tracks
1. At This Point In Time (Frank Foster)
2. Currents/Pollen (D. Garcia/G. Perla)
3. The Prime Element (Omar Clay)
4. Whims Of Bal (Omar Clay)
5. Pauke Tanz (Omar
6. The Unknighted Nations (Frank Foster)
7. Don't Cry (Keiko Jones)
ELVIN JONES drums
PEPPER ADAMS baritone saxophone
GENE PERLA electric bass
CANDIDO CAMERO congas
CORNELL DUPREE guitar
JAN HAMMER piano, electric piano, synthesizer
FRANK FOSTER soprano saxophone
STEVE GROSSMAN soprano saxophone
WARREN SMITH timpani
RICHIE 'PABLO' LANDRUM percussion
OMAR CLAY percussion, drum machine,
Recorded on July 24 (#3-4), July 25 (#5-7) and July 26 (#1-2), 1973 at A&R Recording Studios, New York City.
#1-4 previously issued as part of the double album The Prime Element (BN LA 506-2).
#5-7 previously unissued.
Blue Note – 7243 4 93385 2 4