Grachan Moncur III - Evolution (1964)

Blue Note session recorded 57 years and a couple of days ago, at a time when the label's most ambitious players and composers were reaching beyond hard bop for something spacier and more cerebral, but still hugely enjoyable and durable over the years.  This was the first album as leader for trombonist Grachan Moncur III (b. 1937, NYC); he wouldn't record many more with his name at the top, which is a shame, as this is a great record.

Four lengthy tracks allow everyone to stretch out on these imaginative pieces all penned by Moncur, who is supported by Lee Morgan on trumpet, Jackie McLean on alto sax, Bobby Hutcherson on vibes, Bob Crenshaw on bass and Tony Williams on drums.  Album opener Air Raid is a multi-section mid-tempo tune where Hutcherson is particularly good at supplying the atmospherics, then the title track is an eerie, pedal-point dronepiece.  The album's second half contains the more upbeat selections: the aptly named The Coaster has twists and turns aplenty around a great melodic theme, then Monk In Wonderland is a fun tribute to the jerky rhythms favoured by its titular figure.

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Lee Konitz, Miles Davis et al - Conception (1956 compilation, rec. 1949-51)

R.I.P. Lee Konitz, 13 October 1927 - 15 April 2020

The legendary saxophonist Lee Konitz has died at the age of 92, from Covid-related pneumonia.  He was the last surviving member of Miles Davis' Birth Of The Cool band, and had a storied career in his own right as a distinctive, melodic player and improviser.

This great collection was issued by Prestige in 1956 to bring together some 78rpm sides and material from 10" LPs.  The first six tracks in fact are the entirety of "The New Sounds" by "Lee Konitz featuring Miles Davis", a 10" released in 1951.  All of it essential early cool jazz and bop.

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