The remarkable Music, Inc. Big Band remains the apotheosis of trumpeter Charles Tolliver’s singular creative vision. Rarely if ever has a big band exhibited so much freedom or finesse, while at the same time never overwhelming the virtuoso soloists on whom the performances pivot. Built around the core of Tolliver, pianist Stanley Cowell bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Jimmy Hopps the music boasts the kind of give-and-take born equally of talent and telepathy -- each player seems to communicate with his colleagues on a higher plane, delivering performances to rival any in their careers. Tolliver in particular plays like a man possessed, summoning an energy and clarity that slice through the big, bold arrangements like the proverbial hot knife through butter. - Jason Ankeny
Tracks
1. Ruthie's Heart (Charles Tolliver)
2. Brillant Circles (Stanley Cowell)
3. Abscretions (Stanley Cowell)
4. Household Of Saud (Charles Tolliver)
5. On The Nile (Charles Tolliver)
6. Departure (Stanley Cowell)
CHARLES TOLLIVER trumpet
STANLEY COWELL piano
CECIL McBEE bass
JIMMY HOPPS drums
TRUMPETS
Richard Williams
Virgil Jones
Larry Greenwich
Danny Moore
REEDS & FLUTES
Jimmy Heath
Clifford Jordan
Bobby Brown
Wilbur Brown
TUBA & BARITONE SAX
Howard Johnson
TROMBON
Garnet Brown
Recorded November 11, 1970
STRATA-EAST SECD 9010