George Coleman: Amsterdam After Dark

[Late]

George Coleman: tenor saxophone
Hilton Ruiz: piano
Sam Jones: bass
Billy Higgins: drums
recorded December 29, 1978, NYC

Is this Coleman's masterwork? While probably best known for his contributions to Maiden Voyage, Miles Davis records circa 1964, and the Eastern Rebellion collective, this record made for Timeless shows off Coleman's command of the horn in a way that his sideman appearances don't always do. What do you think?

[mhatta]

32 minutes ago, Late said:

Is this Coleman's masterwork? While probably best known for his contributions to Maiden Voyage, Miles Davis records circa 1964, and the Eastern Rebellion collective, this record made for Timeless shows off Coleman's command of the horn in a way that his sideman appearances don't always do. What do you think?

I, too, consider this one of Coleman's masterpieces. Around 1978 to 1979 was Coleman's peak period, and this rhythm section was a perfect fit for him (personally, I preferred Hilton Ruiz over Harold Mabern, whom he often worked with, as I found Ruiz more modern). However, I think this unit sounds better live, so I prefer the live recording from Ronnie Scott's in London.  It's a shame it's not available on CD or for digital download.

 

[JSngry]

4 hours ago, mhatta said:

I, too, consider this one of Coleman's masterpieces. Around 1978 to 1979 was Coleman's peak period, and this rhythm section was a perfect fit for him (personally, I preferred Hilton Ruiz over Harold Mabern, whom he often worked with, as I found Ruiz more modern). However, I think this unit sounds better live, so I prefer the live recording from Ronnie Scott's in London.  It's a shame it's not available on CD or for digital download.

 

Same. Although Ruiz v. Mabern is not a contest, it's just a difference 

[BFrank]

Agree 100% - GREAT album!

[sidewinder]

I saw Coleman with this group in late 79 or early 1980 at Ronnie's and they played much of the material from 'Amsterdam After Dark'. He - and the group - were phenomenal. From memory it was Herbie Lewis on bass but I did see the group with Ruiz and Higgins several times over the 79-83 period and tried to catch at least one gig during each of their 'seasons' at the club. I think Ronnie Scott Club must have had an agreement with Wim Wigt during that period.

I have a copy of that Coleman at Ronnie Scotts LP on Pye somewhere in the racks. Around that time, Coleman also brought his Octet over to the club (with Idris Muhammad on drums plus Sal Nistico, Danny Moore and Mario Rivera - with Mabern on piano).

Edited 22 hours ago by sidewinder

[Kevin Bresnahan]

12 hours ago, mhatta said:

I, too, consider this one of Coleman's masterpieces. Around 1978 to 1979 was Coleman's peak period, and this rhythm section was a perfect fit for him (personally, I preferred Hilton Ruiz over Harold Mabern, whom he often worked with, as I found Ruiz more modern). However, I think this unit sounds better live, so I prefer the live recording from Ronnie Scott's in London.  It's a shame it's not available on CD or for digital download.

 

While "Live" on Pye has not been reissued on CD, the Ronnie Scott's Jazz House label did release 3 additional tracks from that live date on a CD titled, "Playing Changes".

[Gheorghe]

I saw George Coleman live shortly after he had recorded „Amsterdam after Dark”, but on bass was Ray Drummond instead of Sam Jones. 

[John Tapscott]

23 hours ago, Late said:

George Coleman: tenor saxophone
Hilton Ruiz: piano
Sam Jones: bass
Billy Higgins: drums
recorded December 29, 1978, NYC

Is this Coleman's masterwork? While probably best known for his contributions to Maiden Voyage, Miles Davis records circa 1964, and the Eastern Rebellion collective, this record made for Timeless shows off Coleman's command of the horn in a way that his sideman appearances don't always do. What do you think?

Probably so, but I've never heard a recording on which he appears where his command of the horn was less than stellar. 

Take this set for example. George is magnificent!

  

[BFrank]

I saw him 8 months after "Amsterdam" at the Keystone Korner w/Hilton Ruiz, Eddie Moore, Herbie Lewis. And again in '81 with the same group except for Billy Higgins on drums.

Unfortunately my memory of those shows is pretty vague