I well remember when Off Centre was first released back in 1969. At the time I thought that this was about as far as they could go. Now, some 56 years later, listening to the album's first ever vinyl reissue, I realise that, in many ways, it had as much relevance to the past as it did to the future. In other words taking the best of both worlds and adding a generous measure of Cameron's own vision and the forward thinking of his colleagues.
Off Centre: The original liner notes point out that it's based on the minor 10th chord and the flatted 5th interval (pause whilst readers nod their head sagely and adopt a wise, I knew that, smirky smile). McNair blows an amazing alto solo, exploring all of the instrument's nooks and crannies. I'd forgotten just how good a sax player he was. The leader too stretches out and Carr crash bangs and wallop effectively.
Go Away, Come Back Another Day: Inspired by a poem, incorrectly attributed to Elizabeth 1, it features McNair on flute - the instrument to which he was most frequently related to - is a quite beautiful depiction of the mood swings of love. If it was written by ER1 then perhaps it referred to her relationship with the Earl of Essex. Whatever, methinks McNair's flute playing would surely have seduced the lady.
Dafina Querida: Bassist Thompson joined forces with Cameron to compose this compelling track. Above a variety of exotic rhythms from Carr, Thompson has most of the solo space although McNair too has his moments growling ferociously.
Omah Cheyenne: Described as 'musically the most ambitious track on the album' by sleeve note writer Wayne Bickerton it's an exciting track that veers off in many directions whilst still retaining a degree of sanity - even during the free sections. McNair blows tenor. We're in the eye of the storm but feel protected.
Wenceslas Square: Slow and ponderous, mellow and thoughtful. Flute, piano and bass float as if on a low-flying cloud that isn't sure whether or not to rain. Another delight that sends out a tingling feeling.
Splat: Cameron all the way with Carr adding an extra dimension when they exchange dialogue.
Troublemaker: Flautists of the world unite and listen to McNair give a lesson in the art of double-tonguing at speed. Prepare to practice for the next 100 years and a bit. It's a summit meeting of genres and cultures with some amazing percussion ethnicity going on behind the theme and the soloists.
To accompany the reissue there's also a recent conversation between Cameron and Tony Higgins. Four glossy 12" x 12" pages (three text one photo) that is an added bonus - unlike CD booklets where you need 20-20 vision and a magnifying glass to read what it's all about.
Off Centre is on course to being my reissue/archival album of the year. Lance
1 comment :
I have the CD reissue of this session which Vocalion issued and quickly deleted. It's a record that should have propelled Harold McNair's career, but he died less than two years after the Deram LP was issued, in March 1971.
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