Search - Roscoe Mitchell :: In Walked Buckner

It's simply remarkable how Roscoe Mitchell's name shows up on so many truly significant jazz recordings. On this date, which the liner notes refer to as a "sibling" piece to Roscoe's 1994 album, Hey Donald, the multi-instrumentalist's formidable quartet consists of pianist Jodie Christian, drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath, and bassist Reggie Workman. But far from the hard-charging date one could expect, Roscoe sets out to explore more contemplative territory, as he did on his gorgeously understated Nine to Get Ready. Opening with the pensive and searching flute of "Off Shore," the recording jumps into the straight-ahead title cut before returning to smaller, quieter pieces such as "Squeaky," with its noodley soprano, and "The Le Dreher Suite," which again features flute. And even though this is an album of quieter moods and simpler textures, Mitchell's remarkable dexterity and deep well of ideas demand engaged listening. Yet another must-have from the fertile mind of Mitchell. --S. Duda