This CD may be old news for many of you -- but I was just giving it a listen and was struck by its power. Thought I'd share here.
A few years ago, I went on a Jaki Byard bender. That's what prompted me to track down this CD. It compiles two Eric Kloss Prestige LPs, both featuring Byard, recorded in 1969: Sky Shadows and Land of Giants. Kloss was only 19 (!) when he made this music, but his playing is remarkably assured. While he didn't necessarily break new ground, Kloss was an excellent musician and made some fine music. I've now heard most of Kloss' recordings; I think these two LPs are his strongest. Also, they are required listening if you're a Jaki Byard fan. As usual, he is BRILLIANT.
Along with Byard, both LPs feature sensational bands. Here are the line-ups:
Sky Shadows:
Eric Kloss - alto saxophone, tenor saxophone
Jaki Byard - piano
Pat Martino - guitar
Bob Cranshaw - bass
Jack DeJohnette - drums
In the Land of the Giants:
Eric Kloss - alto saxophone
Booker Ervin - tenor saxophone
Jaki Byard - piano
Richard Davis - bass
Alan Dawson - drums
If you like Booker's Space Book and Freedom Book sessions, In the Land of Giants uses the same Byard/Davis/Dawson rhythm section with a Ervin/Kloss two-horn front line.
Have you heard this music? If so, what say you?