Track 01: In the Jazz Messengers mold. Modal. That fire makes me think of Woody Shaw. A lot of energy in that band. Billy Higgins on drums. Jackie McLean on alto? No, a little too everywhere, not blues based enough. Wait, is that late Hank Mobley? I’m stumped. But it’s a good’un.
Track 02: The head is a little reminiscent of Ornette, maybe because the piano’s so down in the mix it’s almost not there. A little frantic. Maybe more than a little. I kinda lost interest after awhile. Is this one of those Pete Christlieb - Warne Marsh things?
Track 03: Has to be Abdullah Ibrahim, a personal fav. Sounds like it could be from his South Africa years. 5 stars.
Track 04: Violin and electric guitar to start. The band could be Oregon, but the guitarist is definitely not Ralph Towner. Moody, fun stuff. I’m gonna guess the recording date is mid-70’s, and Jerry Goodman and Jan Hammer are participating.
Track 05: Sounds kinda lo-fi; off a cassette? Didn’t do much for me.
Track 06: “Tenderly.” Trumpeter is taking his time, always a good sign, but it’s the bass that takes the solo. Is it the bassist’s date? The track was OK, but I would have liked it a little sweeter.
Track 07: Track 6, disc 1, from this.
Track 08: Based on the sound quality (the album was recorded on cassette), I’m gonna guess it’s the title track from this.
Track 09: Already identified.
I like Randy's BFTs because I think we're roughly the same age and share many of the same musical touchstones. Thanks for putting it together. I'll be interested in the identity of #1; I have a feeling I own it.
(After reviewing the others' comments, I find I own #1 & 2.)