George Russell Sextet: Ezz-Thetics (1961, reissue 1992)

Format: FLAC (244 Mb)/ MP3 320 kb/s (98,5 Mb);  Scans

Recorded: 8 May 1961; Genre: Avant-garde, free jazz, post-bop; Lengh: 42"29; Label: Riverside Records.

This is a true classic. Composer/pianist George Russell gathered together a very versatile group of talents (trumpeterDon Ellis, trombonist Dave Baker, Eric Dolphy on alto and bass clarinet, bassist Steve Swallow, and drummer Joe Hunt) to explore three of his originals, "'Round Midnight" (which is given an extraordinary treatment by Dolphy), Miles Davis' "Nardis," and David Baker's "Honesty." The music is post-bop and although using ideas from avant-garde jazz, it does not fall into any simple category. The improvising is at a very high level and the frameworks (which include free and stop-time sections) really inspire the players. Highly recommended.

Scott Yanow (Allmusic)

Personnel

George Russell - piano, arranger

Don Ellis - trumpet

Dave Baker - trombone

Eric Dolphy - alto sax and bass clarinet

Steve Swallow - bass

Joe Hunt - drums

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