Blue Note
1973
Live at Montreux
About This Album
Although the music from this concert performance was released in part on recordings previously only available in Japan and Europe, this is the full set from the 1973 Montreux Jazz Festival teaming the extraordinary talents of vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson and trumpeter Woody Shaw, both in their prime. Where Hutch was a laid-back person and Shaw a firebrand, their styles somehow mesh beautifully as they split compositional duties and coalesce into a mighty force that expands the sum of their parts on these four lengthy tracks. Lesser-known pianist Hotep Cecil Bernard was on loan from John Handy at this time; drummer Larry Hancock proves quite worthy to be in this esteemed company; and Ray Drummond's bass playing is sharp as a tack and fluid, serving up substantial portions of lightness and darkness when called upon. The Hutcherson compositions "Anton's Bail" and "Farallone" are only available on this CD, and they are true gems, the former a pretty, easy swinger that is unforced, a bit bluesy and angular, conversely hip-heavy and subtly carefree, while the latter is an occasionally quickened waltz that is harmonically loaded, as Shaw attempts to match the vibraphonist's bright tones.
Track List

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