Lonnie Liston Smith plays piano, electric piano on all tracks accompanied
by The Cosmic Echoes: George Barron, soprano and tenor saxophone
- Joe Beck, guitar - Cecil McBee, bass - David Lee Jr., drums -
Badal Roy, tabla - Sonny Morgan and James Mtume, conga and percussion
- Geeta Vashi, tamboura.
1. Astral Travelling
2. Let Us Go Into The House Of The Lord
3. Rejuvenation
4. I Mani ( Faith )
5. In Search Of Truth
6. Aspirations
Previously unissued alternate takes:
7. Astral Travelling
8. Rejuvenation
9. Imani
10. In Search Of Truth
In more recent years Lonnie Liston Smith has probably become more
widely known for his work on the Hammond organ. However, on this 1973
session he plays piano and electric piano exclusively. The music on this
disc is derivative of the style to be found in John Coltrane's later recordings
and also shows the influence of the work of Gato Barbieri and Pharoah
Sanders from this period. This is hardly surprising as Smith had performed
quite extensively with the latter two artists.
The music here is heavily textured and there is a very strong feeling
of ensemble - in a floating, almost free manner as opposed to the more
orthodox small group style. This session draws on many different cultures
- there is a pronounced Indian influence brought about by the presence
of Badal Roy on tabla.
The title track is a fascinating, "spacey" piece with melodic
soprano playing from Barron and imaginative use of the electric piano
by the leader. This is recorded in the early days of the electric piano
but Smith was obviously very aware of the potential sonic variations
available to the inquisitive player of the instrument. The percussionists
create a wonderful background of exotic sounds - as they do on much
of this record.
" Let Us Go " is very much in the mode of one of Coltrane's
later, more meditative compositions - which is a strong recommendation
to my ears. Once again George Barron plays some highly attractive soprano
saxophone - invoking the feeling of a spiritual. I had not heard of
Barron before and could find no mention of him in any of the normal
reference works, which is a great pity as he has a most individual voice
on both of the instruments featured on this record. His playing is smoother
and rather less ferocious than many of the saxophonists who were contemporary
with him. It is fascinating to hear this type of music played with a
more pensive approach.
"Rejuvenation" is a brighter number with a jazz waltz feeling
a la "My Favourite Things" and once again Barron is to the
fore on soprano. "I Mani " gives us our first opportunity
to hear him on tenor - his playing on this instrument is more forceful
here and he conjures up the spirit to be found in the performances of
Coltrane and Sanders. Even on this more free sounding piece there is
still a strong element of structure and control.
The remainder of the music on this disc is equally good and the alternate
takes are well worthy of their inclusion. This is strongly recommended
to followers of the more thoughtful, probing music from this era and
would make an excellent introduction for anyone new to this style of
Jazz.
Dick Stafford
D.S. is a professional reed player and teacher living
in Coventry.
CD Reviews
RCA Victor
Gold Series 09026638782
