The second recording by Charlie Haden's Quartet West is similar to the music that the group (bassist Haden, tenor saxophonist Ernie Watts, pianist Alan Broadbent, and drummer Larance Marable) would play for the next decade. Among the highlights of this well-rounded set (one of the band's most definitive releases) is "First Song" (Haden's most memorable composition), Miles Davis'"Blue in Green," and a lengthy exploration of Ornette Coleman's "Lonely Woman." An excellent showcase for Haden in a straight-ahead setting and for Watts, whose passionate sound perfectly fits the band. Highly recommended. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
01. Sunday at the Hillcrest (Charlie Haden)
02. First Song (Charlie Haden)
03. The Red Wind (Pat Metheny)
04. Blue In Green (Miles Davis/Bill Evans)
05. Alpha (Ornette Coleman)
06. Live Your Dreams (Ernie Watts)
07. Child's play (Charlie Haden)
08. Fortune's Fame (Vince Mendoza)
09. Tarantella (Alan Broadbent)
10. Lonely Woman (Ornette Coleman)
CHARLIE HADEN bass
LARANCE MARABLE drums
ALEX CLINE drums, percussion (3)
ERNIE WATTS tenor saxophone, shakers (7) Yamaha WX7 (8)
ALAN BROADBENT piano
Recorded in Hollywood, May 30-June 1, 1988 at Producers 1 & 2 Studios, Hollywood, CA, CA
Verve Records - 837 031-2