Joseph Jarman - Song For (1966)

This was one of the early classics of the AACM. Altoist Joseph Jarman, who would become a permanent member of the Art Ensemble of Chicago shortly after this recording, is heard in a sextet with trumpeter William Brimfield, the legendary tenor Fred Anderson, pianist Christopher Gaddy, bassist Charles Clark, and either Steve McCall or Thurman Barker on drums. The four very diverse improvisations include one that showcases a Jarman recitation, a dirge, the intense "Little Fox Run," and the title cut, which contrasts sounds and a creative use of silence. Overall, this music was the next step in jazz after the high-energy passions of the earlier wave of the avant-garde started to run out of fresh ideas. It's recommended for open-eared listeners.

By Scott Yanow in All Music Guide

Styles:
Avant-Garde
Free-Jazz

Tracks:
01 - Little Fox Run (07:05)
02 - Non-Cognitive Aspects of the City (14:01)
03 - Adam's Rib (05:58)
04 - Song For (13:30)

Line-up:
Joseph Jarman - alto saxophone, recitation
Fred Anderson - tenor saxophone
Bill Brimfield - trumpet
Christopher Gaddy - piano, marimba
Charles Clark - bass
Thurman Baker - drums
Steve McCall - drums

Marion Brown - Sweet Earth Flying (1974)

The second installment of his "Georgia" trilogy, Sweet Earth Flying is arguably Marion Brown's finest work and certainly one of the underappreciated treasures of '70s jazz. Again, the words and ideas of poet Jean Toomer underlie Brown's conception (hence the album's title), though this time (unlike the appearance of Karintha on Geechee Recollections) none of Toomer's actually poetry is utilized. Instead, he calls into service the remarkable keyboard paring of Muhal Richard Abrams and Paul Bley, an inspiration that pays off in spades. The two pianists alternate acoustic and electric keyboards, bringing a slight tinge of the propulsiveness of Miles Davis' late-'60s bands, but with a grace, soul, and sense of freedom rarely achieved by Corea and Jarrett. In fact, Abrams' feature on Part Five of the title suite is one of the single most beautiful and cogent statements he ever created. Brown's sound on both soprano and alto has a unique quality; he tends to sound tentative and innocently hesitant when first entering, only to gather strength as he goes, reaching utter conviction along the way. Special mention must be made of vocalist Bill Hasson. He's featured on only one piece, but his deep-voiced recitation in a language of his own construction (drawing from West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, and North American down-home English) is a very special treat indeed. Very highly recommended to open-eared jazz fans of all tastes.

by Brian Olewnick in All Music Guide

Styles:
Free-Jazz
Avant-Garde
Post-Bop

Tracks:
01 - Sweet Earth Flying, part 1 (03:41)
02 - Sweet Earth Flying, part 3 (05:58)
03 - Sweet Earth Flying, part 4 (05:57)
04 - Sweet Earth Flying, part 5 (04:48)
05 - Eleven Light City, part 1 (07:17)
06 - Eleven Light City, part 2 (02:11)
07 - Eleven Light City, part 3 (05:52)
08 - Eleven Light City, part 4 (03:05)

Line-up:
Marion Brown - Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxofone
Paul Bley - Electric Piano
Muhal Richard Abrams - Piano, Organ
Bill Hasson - Narration, Percussion
James Jefferson - Bass, Electric Bass
Steve Mccall - Drums