Andrew Hill - Smokestack

I don't know what Andrew had in mind when he was making this album in terms of ideas but to me this is one of the most hard hitting and heavy albums that I have heard in jazz. The main factor why I find this to be so is the presence of two bassists. With that in mind I think you can envision what I mean by saying heavy. With only drums and a piano accompanying the duo this album is very dominant in lower notes. It's brooding, strangely depressing, towering and somewhat manic at times.

The music itself was recorded in 1963 but the album was released three years later. I think it's up to par with every other major release that was relevant at the time despite not being that known or popular. Since free jazz and more free explorations were in the spotlight when this was being made this album as well has very dissonant structures but it's still bound by rhythm for the most part. Andrew showcases us a lot of his musical prowess with plenty of solos and his sound is actually a quite good contrast to the bassists and drums. It's one of his best albums in my opinion and it's certainly my biggest favorite from his discography.

Download.

How it sounds.

McCoy Tyner - Sahara

McCoy Tyner was perhaps most known for his collaboration with John Coltrane. He played on many of his records (I guess most famous "session" would be My Favorite Things) but he also had a really vast and diverse career of his own.

Sahara was recorded in 1972 during his second period (after he left his bebop roots and started to explore what Coltrane popularized). It was also the first album he did for Milestones after he left Blue Note and it never hurts to mention this is his best selling album plus it was nominated for a Grammy. So yeah, aside from the hype this really is some great jazz which is pretty much essential stuff in my book.

Aside from playing the piano, Tyner also plays koto and percussion on this album which gives it an oriental/middle east feel that Coltrane would always strive for during his late period. Although being a multi-instrumentalist he shines the most on his main instrument which is the piano. I especially enjoy the solo second track, A Prayer For My Family, that features only him doing what he does best. As the album goes it sort of goes more free and free but it does not divulge into free jazz wankery all that much, it stays in the boundaries of post-bob melodies and solos. The album ends with an exceptional +20 minute track called Sahara that starts practically formless but as it develops it gradually gets its epic form and structure featuring solos from practically every instrument that's present on the track (dat bass solo in the middle rips my face off every time I hear it).

All in all, this is really great stuff. If you like jazz I warmly recommend it.

Download.