Tristano (piano); Sonny Dallas (bass); Nick Stabulas (drums); + (on one tk.) Konitz (alto sax); Zoot Sms (tenor sax). 1962. The Half Note NY C.
The 1948 set, recorded at Lennie's house in Flushing, NY and subtitled Free Session, does what it says on the tin and whilst in no way resembling Ornette Coleman's definition of free it is probably freer than anything else being played at the time with Konitz and Marsh's interweaving lines creating a contrapuntal feeling with Tristano and Bauer doing similar. In many ways, it typifies the pianist's conception of improvisation which was so different from the prevalent bebop jazz of the day.
The set from the Half Note is primarily a trio set with Konitz and Zoot Sims rounding it off with a fairly orthodox take on How Deep is the Ocean.
To sum up the six disc boxed set. For the Tristano aficionado - of which I am now most heartedly one - it is absolutely essential. An opportunity to hear the maestro away from the pressures of the recording studio.
However, the less-committed or the newcomer may find the poor recording quality off-putting and prefer to try before they buy. Lance
No comments :
Post a Comment