Search - Yusef Lateef :: Other Sounds

A minor masterpiece

Will Flannery | Berkeley, CA | 12/23/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yusef Lateef is one of the largely unheralded great saxophonists of the fifties and sixties. From Detroit, and as deep into the blues as anyone who has ever played, he also incorporated an Eastern harmonic concept into his playing and he also sometimes played oddball instruments like the argol and the oboe. But, forget about the 'other sounds', and listen to Yusef as a straight ahead jazz player, he's one of the best.The disc leads off with a straight treatment of a tin pan alley standard, 'All Alone'. Yusef's big sound, his tendency to play way behind the beat, and his strong articulation, give the tune a languorous swing that is almost palpable. This tune takes you down south, you feel like you should be sipping a mint julep on the veranda. And, as always, Yusef is melodic. You can hum this solo.The CD also features Wilbur Harden on trumpet. My ear is not attuned to the trumpet, but, I do appreciate the melodic players like Lee Morgan and Kenny Dorham. And Wilbur Harden.The second cut is one of Yusef's 'other sounds'. It's a great melody, 'Anastasia', set forth by the trumpet. But the gong, the oboe, etc., date the song to the fifties 'beat' era. Something you might have heard at the Hungry I beat club in the fifties.But no more dallying, let's get down to business. The third cut, 'In a Minor Mood', is a classic. The tune is a very minor, very swinging original by Yusef. Harden leads off with a very stong solo, and then Yusef comes on to play what must be ten choruses. Shouting, whooping, driving tenor sax, each chorus stronger than the last. The minor blues of each chorus is alternated with an Eastern sounding bridge, which provides a harmonic fascination that serves as the springboard for the next blues shout. 'Booting' is a word I've heard to describe some solos, and, while I can't define it, I can assure you that this is one of the bootingest solos ever.All in all, one of Yusef's best."

East plus West brings out the best...

reading man | 04/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A young Detroit saxophonist interested in Eastern music mastered the flute and exotic instruments. He immersed himself in the Moslem faith, and when he formed his own group in 1955, he changed his name to Yusef Lateef. While remaining true to his roots in mainstream jazz, he added a new dimension. Other Sounds is an early showcase for the two styles.

"Anastasia" is haunting and mysterious. The gong opens, an Arabian bridge and complete stop following. Flute carries the intriguing theme back to the bridge and the gong takes it out. A concise drum solo, gong, and the leader's voice open "Taboo"; flute swings in over the vibrant rhythm section. Voice and flute join until the flugelhorn enters, rhythm slowly building intensity until the gong finishes. There is a Latin flavor throughout. "Mahaba"offers two chanting voices and steady plucking. An emphatic "Ya!" ends the set.

The argol (Indian reed flute), rebob (single string member of the violin family), wooden earth board (strung with three wires), and Turkish finger cymbals enhance these moods. The music is accessible. Continuity is strong, the compositions flowing seamlessly from mainstream to Eastern and back. Each pair of songs is close in length, adding further coherence.

Peace, harmony, and serenity carry the day."