Sunday Afternoon Jazz

Yesterday I was able to enjoy a couple of really excellent albums while I half-watched (with the TV sound off) the dismal Seahawks season opener.

Jim Hall's Concierto is one of the best the CTI label's releases in the early 70's. One of the things that appeals to me about Hall's playing is his economy of notes - why play two or three notes if one will make the point better? The guitar work on this release is simply sublime.

Hall's band here is rock solid. The great Ron Carter is on bass, with Steve Gadd on drums, Chet Baker on trumpet, Paul Desomd on sax, and Roland Hanna on piano. The mood is melow and relaxed, and arranger Don Sebesky keeps things basic, avoiding the prchestration he would often add to albums of this period.

Certainly the highlight of this album is the 19 minute Concierto de Aranjuez, and achingly beautiful piece that does not feel even one second too long. Simply an amazing piece of music.

Next up was Billy Cobham's 1974 release "Crosswinds". This was Cobham's follow-up to his awesome "Spectrum" album from the previous year, and while there are some similarities Crosswinds stands well on its own. All of the tunes here are Cobham compositions, and range from mellow & reflective to downright funky (no surpise with George Duke in the keyboard seat).

Duke's playing on the Fender Rhodes is very nice indeed, if you're a fan of the "Rhodes sound" then you'll enjoy this release for sure. John Abercrombie's guitar work is immediately recognizable, and the Brecker Brothers both supply some nice solos. The album also features Garnett Brown on trombone, Lee Pastora on percussion, and John Williams on bass.

The album opens with the 17-minute "Spanish Moss - A Sound Portrait', which is essentially four distinct pieces with varying textures and atmospheres. The piece is very solid and enjoyable. The other highlights for me are the uptempo "The Pleasant Pheasant" and the relaxed and mellow "Heather".

Spectrum may be a better know Cobham album, but I find Crosswinds to be its equal musically.