Yes, this is a career breakthrough in a sense, for the Don Pullen/George Adams Quartet finally got a chance to record for a major American label after several Europe-only opuses. They seemed genuinely thrilled about it, for the supercharged leadoff track "Mr. Smoothie" sure sounds like a breakthrough with its ebullient mood. While grounded in hard-swinging post-bop, soul-jazz, and the blues, Adams and Pullen use the mainstream as a base for taking off into free regions at times, Adams with his gritty, combustible tenor, Pullen his trademark piano clusters. They can also groove in a melodic yet highly charged fashion on "Song From the Old Country" and reflect yearningly in the opening bars of "A Time for Sobriety." Drummer Dannie Richmond adds his Mingus-trained flexibility and drive, fluidly teamed with bassist Cameron Brown. Throughout the record, the band's creativity burns at white heat, making this disc a good first choice for newcomers to Pullen. - Richard S. Ginell
Tracks
1. Mr. Smoothie (George Adams)
2. Just Foolin' Around (Don Pullen)
3. Song From The Old Country (Don Pullen)
4. We've Been Here All The Time (Don Pullen)
5. A Time For Sobriety (George Adams)
6. The Necessary Blues (Or Thank You Very Much, Mr. Monk) (Don Pullen)
DON PULLEN piano
CAMERON BROWN bass
DANNIE RICHMOND drums
GEORGE ADAMS tenor saxophone
Recorded on April 30, 1986 in RCA Studio A, New York City.
Blue Note – CDP 7 46314 2