Weekly Recap - PLAYING FAVORITES: Reflections on Jazz in the 1970s
Andy LaVerne Trio – Another World (SteepleChase, 1978)
Lou Levy – Tempus Fugue-It (Interplay, 1977)
Sheila Jordan & Arild Andersen – Sheila (SteepleChase, 1978)
Cecil McBee Sextet – Music from the Source (Enja/Inner City, 1978) and Compassion (Enja/Inner City, 1979)
Kenny Wheeler – Deer Wan (ECM, 1978)
Shakti with John McLaughlin – Natural Elements (Columbia, 1977)
Roland Hanna & George Mraz – Sir Elf Plus One (Choice, 1978)
A word about Sir Roland Hanna, one of the faces on my personal MOUNT RUSHMORE of jazz pianists: Check out his entry on my blog. It includes a list of Hanna's recordings from the 1970s, when (from this listener's perspective) he was making his finest music. If you're unfamiliar with his work, I urge you to listen. Hanna never made a splash like McCoy or Chick or Herbie -- in the 1970s or at any time. ... But Sir Roland is a poet! His music is full of warmth and humanity. To me, he's just as "important" as anyone you can name.