5 star Saga - 4 star total time
John C. Graham | toronto, ontario Canada | 02/17/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I purchased an audiophile rice paper sleeve for Nessa's original LP version of "Saga" when if was first issued in the late seventies. The idea, of course, was to preserve it for as long as possible. Thirty years is a long time and my lp still plays. The sound on this cd version is, however, even better than the vinyl.
The first time I heard this session, I was hooked. From the beginning, John Ore and Ronnie Boykins lay down a tapestry of throbbing bass notes, leading in different directions yet somehow following the same path. Steve Reid's drumming provides the momentum here. He's on top of everything in the right way and his playing never intrudes on the other instruments.
Once the melody is stated, and it does remind me of the old/new west, Tyler strikes out on an alto excursion that explores space afforded to the heavens, never losing the raw and earthy blues appeal so tastefully present in his playing.
The "polyphonic" sonic saga continues with solo space for Earl Cross, a trumpeter who pairs well with Tyler. His well constructed solo draws on elements of the melody as well as some appropriate stratospheric wailing.
The strong rhythmic thrust of the two basses with Reid's drumming never falters and actually swaggers -in cowboy fashion- toward the end of this 36:50 set. The melody is stated again before a conclusion that comes all too soon.
This set was recorded at Sam River's loft in 1976. Part of it was being considered for inclusion in the Wildflowers Sessions, an overview of the New York loft scene of the time. It was, however, seen as too strong a performance for editing and was sold to Chuck Nessa who released it on LP.
Saga Of The Outlaws is an astonishing piece of music that never fails to thrill on a number of levels. Charles Tyler and his band are on form and on fire throughout the disc. It is, without a doubt, as fine a performance that you'll hear from the loft era time period and sits alone as Tyler's most magnificent contribution to the music.
The performance is easily 5 stars. The total time of just 36:70 brings the star rating down to 4, although I can't think of any music that would pair well with it. At any rate, it's well worth obtaining this one. It's far from ordinary."
Track Listings (1) - Disc #1