Search - Andrew Hill :: Nefertiti

Sparsely Arranged Avant Treasure

Dale Chapman | San Ramon, CA USA | 12/13/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As with all Andrew Hill recordings, "Nefertiti" embodies enough traditionalism to make his avant leanings accessible. The leading cut, "Blue Black" begins with a marvelous, extended solo piano introduction (about 8 minutes) after which the drums and bass make their first appearance. The drums are adequate enough, but Richard Davis's bass is Hill's star companion here. His playing is sinewy and percussive, and received very favorable positioning in the overall sound of the recording. Up front enough to hear Davis's fingers sliding on the strings, but not too overwhelming to detract from the cumulative ensemble sound. The tune "Nefertiti" (not Miles Davis's tune) is a spacious, lyrical number featuring bowed-bass. The set also alternates longer pieces with others as short as 3 minutes. This is not Hill's masterpiece, but is one I keep coming back to. And the album's cover is one of the most beautiful ever. Spending 45 minutes in a comfortable chair judiciously placed at optimal listening distance from your stereo while gazing deeply into the humanastic yet mysterious cover graphics is 45 minutes of your life well-spent. This is worth the import price (and why haven't US manufacturer's undertaken to produce less wasteful packaging such as the Japanese produce?)."