Sam Rivers - R.I.P.

 Well I was hoping to not make a post until after the new year but sadly we have to say goodbye to Sam Rivers.

He played on some of my favorite records like Andrew Hill's Changes, Dave Holland's Conference of the Birds, and Bobby Hutcherson's Dialogue. He recorded that great lp with Don Pullen Capricorn Rising.

This was his first date as a leader. Dig around, there are a couple of Rivers' post on the blog.

R.I.P.

Sam Rivers - Contrasts

I realize this makes an occasional appearance out there in blogland but it's been awhile since I have seen it. And for some reason I never grabbed it, so I was beside myself when my friend Six String sent me a copy. A giant thanks to him for ripping this.

For many many years I avoided ecm because of their reputation for, well, what I considered "pastoral landscapes". I may have been a bit harsh and ecm seems to have found a warm corner in my heart.

This lp definately sounds like an ecm record, and yet it var more brazen than most. I seem to be among a fair group that is mystified at the non cd release of this incredible set.

Seven original Rivers' tunes, all single word titles that typify the recordings themselves. The trombone and bass weave in and about Rivers' almost slinky lines. A fantastic record.

Sam Rivers
Contrasts

1. Circles
2. Zip
3. Solace
4. Verve
5. Dazzle
6. Images
7. Lines

Sam Rivers - soprano & tenor sax, flute
George Lewis - trombone
Dave Holland - bass
Thurman Baker - drums, marimba

recorded 12/79

ecm 1-1162