Morrison, Sam - Dune CD
SKU
URP-UCCJ 9180
Reedman Sam is best known as the last sax player of Miles’ 70s electric bands. This was his first release as a leader and was done in 1977.
“Al Foster is on drums, and as on the Kochi session he is on fantastic form, tuned in to his fellow musicians, versatile and better recorded than on recent Miles LPs such as Get up with it.
Buster Williams on fender and acoustic bass is also on top form, gliding and stretching into space spinning rubbery, abstract shapes as heard on the Mwandishi group LPs. Although Reggie Lucas is absent, his place is more than adequately filled by Ryo Kawasaki. The guitarist provides a perfect co-soloist to Morrison.
Underpinned by Foster their head themes are unhurried and spacious, almost telepathic like Weather Report. In his solos Ryo spins out some effortless sounding angular runs and is adept at shifting tempo and phrasing.
Morrison has some affinities to Wayne Shorter in his tone, melodic, but also angular.
The recording and mix has a crystal clear clarity allowing all the players to shine. Synthesisier effects and squiggles, where they appear are sensibly kept at the back of the mix thus adding some atmosphere without obscuring the action in the foreground (the downfall of many fusion LPs).
The track Song of Landa has a samba rhythm and features nice solos from Kawasaki, Williams and Morrison.
Miles Away is a highlight with a stealthily groove and descending chord progression similar to In a Silent Way.
Wonder is a sprightly acoustic Latin jazz number similar to early Return to Forever.
The final piece, Dune is ambient and atmospheric with no beat. Morrison plays a reflective Wayne Shorter like tone poem over and back drop of electric piano and mysterious electronic shapes and textures that remind me of Patrick Gleason’s work on Crossing by Herbie Hancock.”-T Cullis
- LabelUniversal Music Japan
- UPC4988005870865