Evolution

About

There aren’t a great many classic Blue Note albums with vibraphone, rather than piano, as the sole chordal instrument. <i>Evolution</i>, the 1964 debut of trombone enigma Grachan Moncur III, features the great Bobby Hutcherson in such a role, painting on a different kind of harmonic canvas alongside the formidable horns of Moncur, trumpeter Lee Morgan, and alto saxophonist Jackie McLean. Moncur’s side-player work with McLean on the 1964 releases <i>One Step Beyond</i> and <i>Destination... Out!</i> showcased this core instrumentation as well, with a variety of rhythm section. On <i>Evolution</i>, we hear Blue Note mainstay and lifelong Sonny Rollins bassist Bob Cranshaw (whose surname is misspelled on the cover). On drums is a young Tony William, who in the previous year recorded <i>Seven Steps to Heaven</i> with Miles Davi, <i>My Point of View</i> with Herbie Hancock, <i>One Step Beyond</i> with McLean, and <i>Una Mas</i> with trumpet legend Kenny Dorham. The dynamism and imagination in Williams’ playing is a major asset on this groundbreaking set of four Moncur original. The <i>Evolution</i> lineup somewhat resembles the Dave Holland Quintet of the late 1990s and early 2000, which used vibes and trombone in a unique combination. It’s also one of a number of classic Blue Note titles that together form a mini-canon of the avant-garde, including entries by the likes of Andrew Hill, Sam River, Eric Dolphy, Cecil Taylor, Don Cherry, and Ornette Coleman. .

via Apple Music

The Clerk says

Start your shelf to read the full take →