Hal Galper has long been an underrated composer and pianist. This Enja release from 1977 finds him at the top of his game in both roles, leading a strong quartet with trumpeter Terumasa Hino, bassist Cecil McBee, and drummer Tony Williams. Opening with his thunderous, inventive post-bop vehicle "Now Hear This," each musician adds something special to this driving piece (which also benefits from an in-tune piano, something not provided to Galper for a rendition heard on the live LP Speak with a Single Voice). The first track sets such high expectations that one would expect a letdown, but that isn't the case. Galper quickly cools things down with "Shadow Waltz," a lush ballad. In addition to his superb originals, Galper offers a jaunty take of Thelonious Monk's "Bemsha Swing." Ken Dryden
Tracks
01. Now Hear This (Hal Galloper)
02. Shadow Waltz (Hal Galper)
03. Mr. Fixit (Hal Galper)
04. First Song in the Day (Hal Galper)
05. Bemsha Swing (Thelonious Monk)
06. Red Eye Special (Hal Galper)
CECIL McBEE bass
TONY WILLIAMS drums
HAL GALPER piano
TERUMASA HINO trumpet
Recorded February 15, 1977 at CI Sound, New York
Enja Records ENJ-2102 2