James Spaulding on Muse

[Larry Kart]

Yesterday picked up two of the remaining (for me) very good albums that a favorite player James Spaulding recorded for Muse, High Note, et al. from the late ‘80s on. Don Sickler’s production hand is a plus in (probably) the choice of tunes, e.g. Elmo Hope’s “Minor Bertha, “Weston’s “Little Niles,” “Wee.”  Spaulding’s own compositions are strong too: e.g. “Bold Steps.” 

 

 Songs Of Courage, James Spaulding, 1990, Muse 5382

Tracks : Cabu, Minor Bertha, Black Market, Song Of Courage, Judy, Autumn Leaves, Wee, Uhuru Sasa, King

Musicians : James Spaulding, Tyrone Jefferson, Roland Alexander, Kenny Barron, Ray Drummond, Louis Hayes

 

Gotstabe A Better Way, James Spaulding, 1991, Muse 5413

Tracks : Bold Steps, Blue Hue, Ginger Flower Song, Remember There's Hope, Little Niles, Gotstabe, In Flight Out

Musicians : James Spaulding, Mulgrew Miller, Monte Croft, Ron Carter, Ralph Peterson, Ray Mantilla

 

[alankin]

Yes, two very good albums.

[Joe]

on all of these dates. Spaulding's tone by this time is not quite what it was as documented by RVG in the 60's; more grit and growl, and there are fewer ventures into Dolphy-inspired intervallic risk. But he's never less than solid and subtly adventurous in his playing.

[felser]

I have both titles on my sale/trade list.  Contact me if interested.