Ahead of his time
Troy Collins | Lancaster, PA United States | 08/10/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This Koch reissue, originally released as "Jazz Workshop" on RCA, features George Russell's debut recording as a leader. This program opens a window into the formative theories of Russell's then seminal concepts of Jazz composition and improvisation based on scales rather than chords. Having published his Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization in 1953, Russell's smalltet, as he called it, made their first recordings for Bluebird in 1958. This set collects their initial recordings, both masters and alternate takes and is an ear opening insight to the thought process behind one of creative improvised music's finest composers. Featuring astoundingly inventive writing, incredibly dense harmonies and tricky arrangements for sextet, only the ensembles of contemporaries like Don Ellis, Oliver Nelson, Lennie Tristano and Mal Waldron can compare.
With delicious harmonies that conjure the sound of a band twice its size, Russell leads his ensemble on a program of innovative Post-Bop. Flirting with dissonance and polyphonic linearity well ahead of mainstream acceptance, the group acquits themselves marvelously and with utter conviction. Snappy rhythms, interweaving harmonies and short, but effective solos lend an inescapable air of tunefulness to Russell's quirky and idiomatic writing. More than just mere head melodies, Russell's tunes embody the finest elements of advanced jazz composition. A thoroughly gifted writer, Russell was capable of enriching the most angular, knotty line with a hearty dose of melody. Despite his erudite theories and esoteric concepts, Russell's rich song forms are never lost under the weight of his abilities.
As an indication of Russell's own visionary status, "Fellow Delegates" even features Russell playing tuned drums ala Sun Ra's late 1950's recordings, invoking an air of exoticism previously unheard in Russell's music. Featuring early versions of such later standards as "Ezz-Thetic" and "Jack's Blues" these sessions will be invaluable to the Russell completist."
Ever wonder where the expression "far out" came from?
Schuyler M. Hupp | 06/05/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"By chance I caught the tail end of a Russell arranged piece the other day on a public radio station and thought it sounded like some really great Bebop I'd somehow missed my whole life. It was more than I expected, much more. Brilliant players rendering arrangements that are nothing short of genius. Amazing and a joy to listen to. :-)"
Incredibly ahead!
Speedy | Fl, MO USA | 12/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Some of the writting in this cd is way, and i mean WAY ahead of what was going on in the fifties in jazz. Many of the arangements actually sound as if they were written a couple of days ago. You can find the seed for many of todays more 'avant' jazz artists in today's scene in NY and west coast (and europe). A real nice surprise! highly recommended to lovers of be bop with that extra creativity in the writting."
Track Listings (18) - Disc #1