This stimulating session (reissued on CD by Enja) features the masterful avant-garde cornetist Manfred Schoof (whose surprising jumps into the upper-register recall Kenny Wheeler), Steve Lacy on soprano, pianist Mal Waldron, bassist Isla Eckinger, and drummer Allen Blairman. They explore four of Waldron's advanced pieces, and it is interesting to hear how Lacy's playing a couple decades ago (with its piercing high notes and very abstract combination of notes) differs from his present-day lyrical approach. Waldron's percussive style is a logical progression from his hard bop playing of the 1950s, and the rhythm section is both alert and tight on these three romps and the ballad "Russian Melody." This is a strong live set that successfully combines together some distinctive musical personalities; Schoof often steals solo honors. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
1. Snake Out
2. Hard Talk
3. Russian Melody
4. Hurray for Herbie
MAL WALDRON piano
MANFRED SCHOOF cornet
STEVE LACY soprano saxophone
ISLA ECKINGER bass
ALLEN BLAIRMAN drums
All compositions by Mal Waldron
Recorded at the East-West Jazz Festival in the Meistersingerhalle in Nürnberg, West Germany on May 4, 1974
Enja Records. Enja CD 2050-2