Recorded in L.A. in September 1986, Doherty's compositions were originally conceived as the music for a modern jazz ballet. Unfortunately the ballet partner came up short with the Jimmy O'Goblins so it was decided to go ahead with the project as a stand alone jazz album.
Initially released on cassette in 1986 and ten years later on CD. This re-release is more than welcome - in fact it's an essential addition to anyone's jazz library.
Of course with Louis Stewart* on board excellence is guaranteed. After the recording session Louis was playing in a local jazz club. When Warne Marsh arrived and heard Louis he remarked "He's the best guitarist in the world." I doubt if anyone disagreed.
However, Louis isn't the only star shining in this particular firmament. All eight are at the top of their game and perhaps the most fluorescent of them all is Jim Doherty on the strength and originality of his compositions and arrangements. They are so cleverly conceived and laid out for the soloists who don't hold back but go for it every time.
It may seem like sacrilege to some, but I have the feeling that I'll be playing this album more often than, say Birth of the Cool or Kind of Blue or a kind of anything, it's that good.
If the original project had gone ahead this would have been the one ballet I'd have been queueing up to see.
Available on Livia Records on CD and download from Feb. 28. Lance
*Livia are doing a fantastic job in making so many of Louis Stewart's long lost recordings available again.
Nordic Maiden; When Two People Meet; Bertha D. Blooze; El Sponzo; Sergeant Bones; Maybe it's You
No comments :
Post a Comment