There's a lot about this album to make it special... not the least of which is that it features Alice Coltrane in a rare role as a sideman, on harp and piano. What else? Henderson's tenor is in the finest of forms (as it always is, including on Pete LaRoca's superb album Basra, featured here), trafficking in the kind of free-skronky, spiritually wild, high inspiration that Pharoah Sanders found on Alice Coltrane's Journey In Satchidananda (my favorite jazz record, probably).
Each track is named after and based thematically on one of the four elements, and for once a basic and often mediocre idea is executed in such a universal and inspired way that it really clicks, not just musically but also conceptually. The track "Water," an obvious highlight, finds Henderson treating his sax with a thrillingly mercurial effect, resulting in the aural impression of a saxophone being played under, through, or with water. It's delightful, but also fiercely experimental in the spiritual vein. This is one of the arguments for the incredible value of this period in time for spiritual jazz. This is one of the best records of its ilk. This is Jazz happening to the Universe! Brothers, this is the sound of Jazz Mattering.
ELEMENTS (320)
8 comments:
fine yob on this one strap, it is indeed a masterpiece as you so eloquently point out. 'journey' is my prolly my fav jazz lp too, or at least the slab that's seen the most play, & i'm certain we are not alone. we have multiple copies of this one in the family too. anyhu, you were linked from my spot owlready, but i wanted you to know in case ya mighta missed it. i am in yer corner. have a pleasant evening
Much appreciation for the link, and for the avocation of Corner Inning. Having just finished scouring the entirety of your work at Holy Warbles, I can say: truly you have offered some of the finest droppings and crafted among the worthiest of all blogs throughout this Grand Ole Internet. May all Warbles be Holy, and may the heavens ring with praises for your generosity.
Everyone, Check out Holy Warbles!
You've got a very nice place as well here...i've added you to my feeds.
Thanks!
Hhaven't heard this in ages, so thanks for the reminder. Charlie Haden sounds great here, too. And on the gossip tip, I've also heard that Joe and Alice were an item before she hooked up with Coltrane. Yow. Do you know Henderson's Black is the Color? That's another mindmelter.
To Feq'wah: Your spot is a dragon's cave worth visiting, and I do. Added to my own feeds, you are.
To Nick: Thanks for the hott gossippy fluid. This is a thing I like knowing, regardless of the truth of it.
I've actually been looking for a link to Black is the Color, as well as In Pursuit of Blackness... a link that is, "alive." Any clues? Hot tips? Handouts?
Thanks for coming here, all.
Great Album! Thanks!
...wonderful, thank you....nice to see owl perched at the top...
waaaah.
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