Sony
2005
Stepping Stones: Live At The Village Vanguard
About This Album
Perhaps one of the best documents of trumpeter Woody Shaw live, Stepping Stones: Live at the Village Vanguard is made even better with this 2005 bonus tracks edition. In 1978, just coming off what most Woody Shaw fanatics consider his masterpiece, 1977's Rosewood, Shaw planned on recording another studio album with a similar sound. However, after a disappointing session, Shaw thought better of his initial choice and the band regrouped for a two-night stint at New York's fabled Village Vanguard. The results were nothing short of magic as the band sounds technically and creatively inspired. Interestingly, Shaw is playing cornet here and loses nothing of his rounded, clarion bell tones. Also, given the superb production, Stepping Stones bests some other live Shaw recordings, sounding as good as a studio effort. Joining Shaw is his regular group of the time, including tenor saxophonist Carter Jefferson, pianist Onaje Allan Gumbs, bassist Clint Houston, and drummer Victor Lewis. One would be hard-pressed to find a better hardcore, post-jazz ensemble in the late '70s. To that end, the music here is soulful, cerebral, harmonically complex jazz that is the epitome of post-bop. Added to this bonus tracks edition of Stepping Stones are three tracks -- two previously unissued -- including the gorgeous and searching Gumbs ballad "All Things Being Equal Are Not," which finds Shaw delving into beautiful and epic lines.
Track List (try tracks 1,2,3,5 and 6)

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