Charles Tolliver, Music Inc - Live In Tokyo
ORDER LIMITED TO ONE ITEM PER CUSTOMER
Charles Tolliver, trumpet [click here to see more vinyl featuring Charles Tolliver]
Stanley Cowell – piano [click here to see more vinyl featuring Stanley Cowell]
Clint Houston – bass
Clifford Barbaro – drums
1 LP, gatefold jacket
Limited edition
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Live
Record Press : Pallas
Label : Pure Pleasure Records
Original Label : Strata East Records
Recorded on December 7, 1973, at Yubinchokin Hall, Tokyo
Produced by Charles Tolliver
Remastered by Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London
Tracks :
Side A:
- Drought
- Stretch
Side B:
- Truth
- Effi
- 'Round Midnight
Reviews :
“Strata-East Records was founded in 1971 by trumpeter Charles Tolliver and pianist Stanley Cowell. With a creed of artistic integrity and musician-oriented policies, the label became a beacon for independent jazz. In the initial decade, Strata-East released close to 60 albums. Operating on a minimal budget, the musicians were part of the unique business model. Perhaps, their most commercial act was Gil Scot-Heron and Brian Jackson, who released Winter In America. “The Bottle” became a solitary hit, landing at #20 on the r & b charts. Audiophile vinyl label Pure Pleasure Records has been integral in the resurgence of Strata-East Records.
One of the label’s current releases is Charles Tolliver’s Music Inc: Live In Tokyo. Recorded in 1973 at Youbinchokin Hall in Tokyo, the live quartet (Music Inc.) features Tolliver and Cowell with a rhythm section of Clint Houston (double bass) and Clifford Barbaro (drums). The performance captures the essence of the trumpeter and this label. It is a quintessential glimpse into Strata-East’s idiomatic hard bop. Side A opens (“Drought”) with the swirling crescendos and crystalline trumpet of Tolliver. The extended “free” opening is passionate and allows Tolliver to take command. At the 2:30 mark, it transitions to frenetic swing as Houston and Barbaro propel the furious jam. Cowell’s thunderous chords keeps up the urgency. His piano solo is incendiary and has some deft tempo shifts. Barbaro executes a complex breathless solo. The combo maintains the urgency for the entire 12 minutes. “Stretch” utilizes a different arrangement. Houston kicks it off with a finger-snapping, walking double bass. His energetic play is countered by Cowell’s feathery touch. When Tolliver joins in with his bluesy run, there is a shift to a jaunty, classic hard bop grooves. The overall chemistry is palpable.
The mood shifts considerably on the third original Tolliver composition (“Truth”). This gossamer ballad, exudes a melancholy resonance. Tolliver’s instrumental versatility is on full display as he injects delicate nuances with slight vibrato. Cowell contributes an original (“Effi”), too. His technique is extraordinary in this bluesy 3/4 time signature. His unique style distills lyrical, soulful ambiance and swing dynamics. The overall sound is familiar, but not derivative. Tolliver engages with an interesting run that includes trills. However it’s Houston that gets the demure crowd going with a lengthy solo. What better way to close out a great concert than a cover of Monk’s “‘Round Midnight”. The first half of the track is a hauntingly beautiful, late-night reverie. There is a mid-number explosion that approximates bebop frenzy. Tolliver showcases his masterful flexibility with poignant intonation and then forceful staccato accents. Cowell matches the intensity and instrumental gravitas in leading the rhythm section. A ultimate flourish stamps a lasting imprint on this terrific set.
Pure Pleasure Records had done its customary superior job in re-mastering Charles Tolliver’s Music Inc: – Live In Tokyo to 180-gram vinyl. The overall sound mix is very good, despite occasional source-recording inconsistencies. There is good stereo separation.” Robbie Gerson, Audiophile Audition, March 8, 2022
“CDs led by the great and vastly underrated trumpeter Charles Tolliver are few and far between. This live set (originally released by the Japanese Trio label) finds Tolliver leading his Music Inc. group, a quartet with pianist Stanley Cowell, bassist Clint Houston and drummer Clifford Barbaro. Unfortunately the live set does have a bit of distortion in spots (particularly on some of the trumpet notes); otherwise this strong postbop set would have received a higher rating. Tolliver plays quite well, stretching out on three of his originals and Cowell's "Effi," plus an adventurous rendition of "'Round Midnight."” AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow
Ratings :
llMusic : 3 / 5 ; Discogs : 4,46 / 5 ; Audiophile Audition : 4.5 / 5