Search - Curtis Counce :: Exploring the Future

Precious and few.

Samuel Chell | Kenosha,, WI United States | 03/27/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The fourth and final album by this remarkable group whose moment, though brief, is a Joycean epiphany among the countless moments recorded by the same instrumentation of trumpet and tenor sax plus rhythmn section. The difference was in the buoyant sound, inspired note choices, and propulsive swing of bassist Counce and in the vibrant tone and superior melodic logic of tenor saxophonist Land.This album suffers somewhat from comparison to the previous three sessions by the group. First, there is some distracting distortion, especially in the recording of the trumpet; second, pianist Elmo Hope. though adequate, is but a shadow of his predecessor, the sublime Carl Perkins. The latter's rich, romantic concept was a key ingredient in the group's chemistry, serving as a lyric complement to Land's lean and linear style.The attention-getting title of the album and the accompanying photos of Counce in space suit and helmut (!) should dispell any sentimental recollections of this period as being much more hospitable to creative music than the present.A solid but unremarkable album, this is worth owning if you're a Counce or Land fan (and once again Frank Butler demonstrates why he may have been the most underrated, if not best, drummer in the history of jazz). Come to think of it, if you're not a Land fan, you will be after hearing him on this album. The man's playing is simply awesome, remaining inexhaustibly fresh after many hearings."

Seriously Swinging West Coast Jazz

L. Topper | 01/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Curtis Counce Group was my overall favorite band on the West Coast in the 1950's. The disc jacket is the same that was on the lp. I have both of them.



This record really benefits from having Elmo Hope as the pianist. Hope was a very good composer. This album features some of his tunes and they are some of the best on the record. I am not going to drone on that Hope was a forgotten genius like you will hear from some fans. He often misses the mark on many performances. I cannot remember a performance that I thought he was bad, but he rarely stands out. He certainly had the talent, but perhaps he lacked the confidence. Maybe he had personal problems that got in his way like so many other jazz musicians. What ever the ongoing issues were, he shines on this recording. His trio recording on OJC which is a reissue of his one trio album on the old Contemporary label is also a gem.



Rolf Ericson is really a very good trumpet player. He is Swedish. I have read that the Swedes really loved Bebop and a lot of good American jazz musicians toured in Sweden during the 1940's and 1950's including Charlie Parker and Stan Getz. His playing is lyric, inventive, and joyous. The downside is that the trumpet was not miked properly. There is an annoying distortion, but the record is so good, it is worth putting up with.



Harold Land is one of my favorite tenor players. This is one of his best records. If you like his playing, check out the earlier Clifford Brown/Max Roach Quintet records. He was the tenor player before Sonny Rollins. I think Land's sound fit the band better than Rollins. Also, check out Land's quintet record, "The Fox" on OJC. It is Land at his very best.



Frank Butler is a very talented drummer. There are times that he can sound abit "busy," but he really was very talented and under-appreciated. He is as good an any of the drummers you would normally hear in the 1950's bebop scene.



This record was produced on the old Dootone label by Dootsie Williams. I am so glad that Boplicity brought it out. It is just plain fun and the sound problems are just not serious enough to not want to hear this record often. Give it a shot while it is still available at a reasonable price.



By the way, Curtis Counce other records sound wonderful. The records that came out on the Contemporary label were recorded by Roy DuNann. He was an astounding talent that was every good as the legendary Rudy Van Gelder. But I would say that this record on Boplicity might be the Curtis Counce Group's funnest record."