



Sam Rivers - A New Conception
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute – Sam Rivers
Bass – Herbie Lewis
Drums – Steve Ellington
Piano – Hal Galper
1 LP, Gatefold jacket
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 33RPM
Size : 12”
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : Record Technology Incorporated
Label : Blue Note Tone Poet
Original Label : Blue Note
Recorded October 11, 1966 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ
Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder
Original session produced by Alfred Lion
Reissued produced by Joe Harley
Mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio
Liner Notes by Nat Hentoff
Cover by Reid Miles
Originally Released in 1966
Reissued in 2025
Tracks :
Side A:
- When I Fall In Love
- I'll Never Smile Again
- Detour Ahead
- That's All
Side B:
- What A Difference A Day Makes
- Temptation
- Secret Love
Review :
« The title of A New Conception refers to Sam Rivers' ingenious interpretations of standards on this record. Rivers treats the songs -- such familiar items as "When I Fall in Love," "I'll Never Smile Again," "That's All," "What a Difference a Day Makes," and "Secret Love" -- with respect, but he doesn't treat them as museum pieces. He knows that if the songs are to remain fresh, they need to be heard in different ways, and he skillfully opens up each composition to contemporary avant-garde techniques. Rivers and his supporting trio of pianist Hal Galper, bassist Herbert Lewis, and drummer Steve Ellington gradually ease each number into more adventurous territory, slowly shifting into exploratory instrumental sections, slyly varying the melodic themes, or adding shaded dissonant textures. It's challenging music that remains accessible, since it reconfigures familiar items in new, intriguing ways. The sheer skill in Rivers' arrangements once again confirms his large, unfortunately underappreciated, talent.» AllMusic Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Rating:
AllMusic : 4 / 5 ; Discogs 4.29 / 5