Muhal Richard Abrams - Afrisong

[felser]

It's been a great listening day at work. In addition to the Elling CD, also listened to a really special Muhal Richard Abrams solo piano set from 1975, 'Afrisong". Stunning, beautiful stuff. His conception here and on the solo side on 'Young at Heart/Wise In Time' is so different than what I am used to in his group work, and is the Abrams I will almost always go to. Very lyrical, in places beautifully melodic. Rhythmically alive. This may well be my favorite solo piano album. Maybe the closest reference I can think of is McCoy Tyner's 'Echoes of a Friend' album, which would be my other nomination for favorite solo piano album. 'Afrisong' has been reissued on Whynot/Candid at a very reasonable price, and is not to be missed.

[B. Goren.]

This is one of the best solo piano recordings have recently listened to.

Thanks for the recommendation, John.