Search - Stanley Cowell :: Brilliant Circles

Brilliant Cowell

06/27/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The daring title composition is the best part of this CD (and an alternate take is included.) Cowell has the rhythmic audacity of contemporary Cecil Taylor, and uses the entire keyboard to shape his sound. Bassist Reggie Workman and drummer Joe Chambers provide a supple, changing foundation, while Bobby Hutcherson's vibes comment on the leader's themes. Woody Shaw's wide, burnished tone on trumpet makes him perhaps the most impressive soloist apart from the leader. (Tyrone Washington's tenor sax seems remote in the mix on this cut, but Washington's original "Earthly Heavens" is a fine tune.)Shaw and Hutcherson each contribute a composition with the trumpeter's piece being more accessible. Hutcherson's contribution is fairly abstract, rather like some of his work on his own Blue Note sessions. Cowell, Hutch, Workman, and Chambers had worked together on Hutcherson's "Patterns" in 1968 and their communication is nearly telepathic on this Cowell date. ("Patterns" is also worth hearing.)"