Anderson, Fred - The Milwaukee Tapes, Volume 1
SKU
21-Atavistic 204
"This session, recorded live in 1980, could not sound more current or modern. Tenor saxophonist Anderson is a formidable soloist and trumpeter Brimfield is a sympathetic partner in this rhythmically and harmonically adventuresome quartet. Throughout the session, Hayrod lays down solid bass lines behind the horns; his occasional, relatively short solos are interesting if not memorable. The two giants in this group are Anderson and drummer-percussionist Hamid Drake. Anderson has the ability to sound eminently modern while also being approachable --I'd love to hear him record with David Murray or Hamiett Bluiett, two other modernist giants with an equally strong feeling for rhythm and sound. Anderson's six minute solo on "A Ballad for Rita" has to be heard to be believed; Drake's drumming behind him (the trumpet lays out) is exceptional. Drake could move a band of zombies, he is so strong! Drake's sound is crisp and strong; his use of and varying of simple rhythm patterns is masterful. It's difficult to pick a favorite cut on this exceptionally strong CD, but I lean toward the trio on "A Ballad for Rita" and the twenty-some minute long quartet session, "The Bull." There is, regretably, one weak cut on the CD. On "Bombay Woman," the riff melody is repeated behind the horn soloists by bassist Hayrod: it is melodically and rhythmically limiting, and the piece quickly grows boring. Drake plays tablas on this cut and it doesn't make it. In short, "woman" is an interesting attempt but no cigar. But this is a minor flaw in a record that every lover of contemporary jazz should own."-David Keymer