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If Trees Would Fall
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 Whenever We Could |
| Straight Ahead |
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These beautiful bari sax/piano duos were the first encounter between these jazz giants. “Willis complements Bluiett beautifully, supporting him with chiming chords and elaborating on the melodies…31/2 Stars,” according to Down Beat. This recording lights up the gorgeous contrasts between Bluiett’s huge R&B-based sound and Larry’s lush, romantic piano harmonies. They swing from stride and Monk to loft jazz, Coltrane and free improvisation. The Absolute Sound says “…an achingly lovely…often magical session…Sound quality is superb.”
Sometimes, the oddest pairings work out. In the case of these encounters between baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett and pianist Larry Willis, an apparent stylistic contrast contributes to the distinctiveness of the duets. Away from the World Saxophone Quartet, Bluiett can be a single-minded, raucous, potentially overwhelming force. He's determined to probe the outer limits of his horn's range. On tracks like "Ballad For Frederick," he reaches for high notes other baritone saxophonists wouldn't (and shouldn't) attempt. "Whenever We Could" and "Some Other (Schizophrenic) Blues" indulge Bluiett's taste for rowdy blues.
Larry Willis' playing is introspective and even-tempered where Bluiett is impulsive and volatile. Though each man is featured on solo tracks, the baritone horn is clearly the focal point of this session. Willis complements Bluiett beautifully, supporting him with chiming chords and elaborating on the melodies. On "Ask Me Now," the pianist's sensitivity brings out his partner's mellow side. Willis also plays straight man through the saxophonist's swooning, then screaming treatment of "Cherry Pink, Apple blossom White".
Mapleshade's recording of the proceedings is predictably fine. You hear depth and open space surrounding Bluiett's baritone. Without competition from drums and bass, you hear his sonic explorations clearly, from the piercing whistle and clacking of keys at the high end down to the deep grainy tone when Bluiett plumbs the depths. Chronologically, this was Bluiett's first date for Mapleshade, shelved for six years in favor of other projects. Engaging and varied, If Trees Could Talk deserved a better fate. We'll have to resume our wait for a new Larry Willis CD. - Downbeat |
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ARTISTS
Larry Willis (piano); Hamiet Bluiett (baritone sax) |
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