The title of A New Conception refers to Sam Rivers' ingenious interpretations of standards on this record. Rivers treats the songs -- such familiar items as "When I Fall in Love,""I'll Never Smile Again,""That's All,""What a Difference a Day Makes," and "Secret Love" -- with respect, but he doesn't treat them as museum pieces. He knows that if the songs are to remain fresh, they need to be heard in different ways, and he skillfully opens up each composition to contemporary avant-garde techniques. Rivers and his supporting trio of pianist Hal Galper, bassist Herbert Lewis, and drummer Steve Ellington gradually ease each number into more adventurous territory, slowly shifting into exploratory instrumental sections, slyly varying the melodic themes, or adding shaded dissonant textures. It's challenging music that remains accessible, since it reconfigures familiar items in new, intriguing ways. The sheer skill in Rivers' arrangements once again confirms his large, unfortunately underappreciated, talent. - Thomas Erlewine
Tracks
1. When I Fall in Love (Edward Hayman/Victor Young)
2. I'll Smile Again (Ruth Lowe)
3. Detour Ahead (Lou Carter/Herb Ellis/John Frigo)
4. That's All (Alan Brandt/Bob Haymes)
5. What a Difference a Day Makes (María Greves)
6. Temptation (Nacio Herb Brown/Arthur Freed)
7. Secret Love (Sammy Fain/Francis Webster)
SAM RIVERS tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute
HERBIE LEWIS bass
STEVE ELLINGTON drums
HAL GALPER piano
Recorded on October 11, 1966 at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
Blue Note BST-84249