Hmm. Bass (and drums) are more prominent in the mix than what you'd normally hear -- but I assumed that was a deliberate decision. Like they were making a "rhythm record" rather than a "sax plus rhythm record" -- if that makes any sense.
Of course, de gustibus . . .
NP:
Ravi Coltrane - From the Round Box (RCA Victor)
I really like this one. There's something floating and elusive about it. Everyone plays beautifully, but Geri Allen brings something extra to the table.
You're in for a treat with Cold Mountain.
If you enjoy it, I'd recommend tracking down one of Garrick's recordings with Norma Winstone next. I'd start with either The Heart is a Lotus or Troppo. Both are five-star records, IMO -- with Home Stretch Blues just a half-step behind them.
Marty Ehrlich's Traveler's Tales - Malinke's Dance (OmniTone, 2000)
with Tony Malaby, Jerome Harris, and Bobby Previte
Jazz versions of Bob Dylan songs usually don't appeal to me. That said, this group's take on "Tears of Rage" is gorgeous.
It's a shame that so many people have missed the boat on Garrick's music. I only discovered it a couple years ago, but he's quickly become one of my favorite musicians.
And I love how Garrick makes jazz that is unmistakably English. It's one of the things that makes his music so distinctive.
John Surman sometimes plows a similar furrow -- but Garrick's focus on words and the voice makes his English-ness even more pronounced (pun fully intended!).
Some recent buys:
This disc is on sale now on the Dutton/Vocalion site for £1.99 -- just $7.50 USD postpaid to the US. (Garrick's outstanding Cold Mountain is also available at the same bargain price, but I already own that one.)
Looking forward to hearing this one.
I've been digging into and really enjoying Marty Ehrlich's music lately.