A batch of jazz records! Aretha Franklin starts this off and David Friesen ends it. Aretha Franklin rules. Actually, this whole album, and especially Jerry Jemmott rules. I love the tunes on Aretha’s Gold, and man, it’s totally a must own for all.
I arrived at the music of Chico Freeman with biases that are totally silly and come from the negative opinions of some of my elders and friends here in the Boston area. So when I first heard Destiny’s Dance, I was rather unimpressed. Wynton Marsalis is also on this record, and I had just finished many years at NEC, where a cult of anti-Wynton had been prominently in power. Mr. Marsalis had also given a master class at NEC during that time – I didn’t attend because I had a gig in NYC that night (at CBGBs! I think) – and that particular master class is the stuff of legends, complete with a near fist fight at the end. The only redeeming quality (from my point of view, back in the day): Cecil McBee. So, when I put this on the turntable, I expected to think mean thoughts. But I didn’t! Cecil is amazing on this record and starting with his joyous, loving bass lines, I listened outward, and now I’m hearing the sound of adventure! What a nice album! I want to play a bunch of these tunes, especially “Destiny’s Dance” and Cecil’s tune “Wilpan’s Walk.” It has been on the turntable for about 2 weeks now, and I’m reluctantly moving on…
And as for David Friesen, I love his music. I have been a fan since about 1990, and have yet to find a David Friesen album I don’t like at least most of. He’s also super nice, and was quite encouraging to me about a decade ago when I met him (for the second time!). I think his bass playing is fantastic, and love the open-ness of his music.
Star Dance – So many great, bass-centric things to check out on this record, but my favorite moments are “1 Rue Brey,” a duet between Friesen and drummer Steve Gadd, and “Fields of Joy,” which is just a full-on fusion extravaganza. Paul McCandles sounds fantastic as always, too.
Waterfall Rainbow – I was thrilled to get this record when I did; I was studying with the drummer, Bob Moses, at the time. I love the Friesen/Moses combo platter – amazing together. Ralph Towner is also on this record, so it’s loaded up with beauty. This record was significant for Friesen, as I understand things, because it was the outgrowth of a major philosophical/religious shift in his thinking and way of life. Sounds joyous to me.
Paths Beyond Tracing – And here it is, a solo bass album! I love these records, and have quite a few – Ron Carter, Dave Holland, Gary Peacock have all released solo bass records. What’s lovely about this album is how patiently he listens to the sound of his instrument; it’s like a whole LP of “listen to how beautiful that sound is!”
Storyteller – This record reminds me, along with the past couple, of how much I like Paul McCandless’ oboe playing! A really great record, too. Tons of reverb on Friesen’s bass sound, which I totally love, of course.
Inner Voices – This is the most sonic landscape-ish of the set. It reminds me of the many Eberhard Weber records I love. Don’t get this album if you are looking for bebop!
And that’s it for this batch of records…on to the next!
Rick