Harold Land

Despite Leonard Feather's raves in the liner note of this CD reissue (which adds two additional selections to the original five-song LP), the music on this post-bop set by tenor saxophonist Harold Land is good but not great. The original five songs (four Land originals plus one by drummer Ndugu) have some dated electronics by keyboardist Bill Henderson and electric bassist Buster Williams (who does play his customary acoustic on some numbers) but also some fiery trumpeter from Oscar Brashear. None of the five originals are all that memorable, but there are some cooking moments, and Land takes a rare turn on oboe during "Pakistan." A similar group (with vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson in Brashear's place) performs the two extra tracks. The modal music, which clearly shows the influences of early fusion and funk, is interesting but very much of its period.

The Red Mitchell & Harold Land Quintet - Hear Ye!!!! Hear Ye!!!! (1961) {2012 Japan Jazz Best Collection 1000 Series WPCR-27070}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 264 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 94 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 15 Mb | 5% repair rar | 24bit remaster
© 1961, 2012 Warner Japan / Atlantic / Rhino | WPCR-27070 | Jazz Best Collection 1000 Series
Jazz / Hard Bop / Saxophone / Bass

Features 24 bit digital remastering. Comes with a description. In the early '60s, bassist Red Mitchell and tenor saxophonist Harold Land co-led a quintet in Los Angeles. The group did not catch on but they did record one Atlantic set that has been reissued on CD. In addition to the co-leaders, the quintet included trumpeter Carmell Jones, pianist Frank Strazzeri, and drummer Leon Pettis, and, although their original program of six songs was comprised entirely of group originals, the music falls easily into the hard bop area with plenty of fine solos and swinging ensembles. This is a fine effort from a group that deserved greater recognition at the time.

Hampton Hawes, “For Real!” was recorded in 1958 but not released on the Contemporary Records label until 1961. Featuring Hawes (piano) alongside Harold Land (tenor sax), Scott LaFaro (bass) and Frank Butler (drums) the album incudes a mixture of both jazz standards and originals. This new edition features remastered hi-res audio from the original tapes.

Bobby Hutcherson & Harold Land - Blow Up (1969) {Jazz Music Yesterday JMY1005-2 rel 1990}
XLD rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 299 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 135 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 13 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1969, 1990 Jazz Music Yesterday | JMY 1005-2
Jazz / Post Bop / Modal Music / Vibes / Saxophone

The Hutcherson-Land Quintet has long been one of my favorite jazz groups. Great compositions, excellent soloing with everyone interacting as a cohesive unit. Always lots of sparks & fire in an open, relaxed feel. Never over-bearing or pretentious. This live date from 1969 is a great addition to their discography. Joe Chambers, the usual drummer, is here in even greater than usual form, one of the most outstanding (and under-recognized) drummers ever. Reggie Johnson contributes solidly on bass and the always stimulating Stanley Cowell on piano make this an especially interesting configuration. Four tunes well over 10 min. ea., exploring these pieces in a way much like Miles' '65-'68 quintet (and doing Hancock's "Maiden Voyage").