Search - Prince Lasha, Sonny Simmons :: Firebirds

Firebirds
Prince Lasha, Sonny Simmons
Firebirds
Genres: Jazz, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (5) - Disc #1

One of the West Coast's less-heralded but ceaselessly innovative units, the double-reed team of Prince Lasha and Sonny Simmons put their own spin on post-Ornette Coleman jazz during the '60s. The unique team paired Simmons...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Prince Lasha, Sonny Simmons
Title: Firebirds
Members Wishing: 4
Total Copies: 0
Label: Ojc
Release Date: 8/20/1993
Album Type: Limited Edition
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Style: Avant Garde & Free Jazz
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 025218182225, 0090204100064, 025218761741

Synopsis

Amazon.com
One of the West Coast's less-heralded but ceaselessly innovative units, the double-reed team of Prince Lasha and Sonny Simmons put their own spin on post-Ornette Coleman jazz during the '60s. The unique team paired Simmons, an Oakland native, with Texan Prince Lasha, the latter a childhood chum and early bandmate of Coleman. By using a unique battery of reed instruments that focused on the upper and middle registers (alto saxes, English horn, flutes, and alto clarinet) while spurning the tenor, the band defined its own tonal turf--a choice made all the more obvious on this recording by the decision to employ vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson instead of a pianist. The result is an unusually delicate sound applied to robust and challenging compositions, suggesting a fusion of Eric Dolphy and Ornette Coleman, and paving the way for the kind of ensembles often heard during the loft movement of the '70s and '80s. Standouts include the Charlie Parker tribute "Prelude to Bird," the lilting "Island Song," and the incandescent title track. --Fred Goodman

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CD Reviews

Passionate, Intense, Yet Beautiful
Stephen Silberman | SF, CA USA | 02/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"A stunning album. Yes, it's "free" and "out," but it's also very lyrical and emotional music. One of Hutcherson's best performances, by the way. Tip: If Dave Holland's "Conference of the Birds" is one of your favorite albums, you have to hear this."
A Great surprise
nadav haber | jerusalem Israel | 07/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Listening to the music here made me feel like I discovered an unknown traesure. I mean, the music is so fresh and exciting, and yet I came across it by pure chance ! The fact that this CD is not more celebrated is injustice to its creators. Please note that vibist Bobby Hutcherson is also here, as on Out TO Lunch, and his own amazing albums. So, maybe he is the added ingredient that makes this an indispensible CD. The CD is heaven for wind instrumentalists, as you can hear the Saxophones, flute and bass clarinet played superbly. No flaws."
Essential Modern Jazz
Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 07/18/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

""Firebirds" is essential modern jazz. This album should be mentioned in the same breath as modern jazz classics like Andrew Hill's "Point of Departure," Bobby Hutcherson's "Dialogue," and Eric Dolphy's "Out to Lunch." Prince Lasha and Sonny Simmons have appeared together on record before -- Jimmy Garrison/Elvin Jones' "Illumination," and Eric Dolphy's "Conversations" and "Iron Man" -- and they are one of the dynamic duos of the 60s avant-garde. Any fan of the outward thinking jazz of the 60s will be remiss at not buying this album sooner. And since it's a limited edition, you'll be kicking yourself if you don't get it."