Yusef Lateef - Last Savoy Sessions (2000) [repost]

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These pivotal sessions for Lateef and his Detroit-based groups comprise some of his most important music recorded for the Savoy label. This double CD set consists of complete albums The Dreamer and The Fabric of Jazz. (1959) and Jazz & The Sounds of Nature and Prayer to the East (1957) as well as a bonus cut. CD one is from the 1959 date, and contains some true Lateef classics like the slow swing of "Oboe Blues" and the bright, uppity waltz of "Valse Bouk." The 1957 dates on Disc Two show Lateef and Harden more focused and together or contrary and conversational. "8540 12th St." showcases the two horns mostly listening and spontaneously responding with some unison added on this classic hard bopper, Harden's poignant one note preludes on his solo are unique as an organist might play it. The Prayer to the East session includes the easy blues swing of the title cut, with Lateef's flute invoking Arabic inflections. Others from The Sounds of Nature are the Afro-Cuban to swing-beated "Check Blues" with unusual harmonics from overblown flute or stabbing flugelhorn notes, and the 6/8 one-note bass (or rabat) foundation for "Gypsy Arab," a flute/percussion processional with gong coda. This is a welcome reissue, as it puts the final stripe on Lateef's prolific music for Savoy prior to his more commercialized outings for Atlantic proper. It's some of his more profound, definitve work and is easily worthy of a hearty and universal high recommendation, especially a must buy for those new to Lateef's musings. ~ Michael G. Nastos, CD Universe

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Digitally remastered by Paul Reid III.
Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey on October 9 & 10, 1957 and June 11, 1959.

Personnel:
Yusef Lateef (tenor saxophone, flute, oboe, percussion);
Wilbur Harden (flugelhorn, balloon, percussion);
Bernard McKinney (euphonium); Hugh Lawson (piano, percussion);
Terry Pollard (piano); Ernie Farrow (bass, rabat, percussion);
Bill Austin (bass, rabat);
Oliver Jackson, Frank Gant (drums, percussion).

DISC 1:
1. Oboe Blues 5:48
2. Angel Blues 5:12
3. The Dreamer 6:52
4. Arjuna 7:37
5. Can't Help Lovin' That Man 8:01
6. Moon Tree 5:46
7. Stella by Starlight 5:50
8. Valse Bouk 4:19
9. Half Breed 8:36
10. Poor Butterfly 6:37

DISC 2:
1. 8540 12th Street 4:25
2. Check Blues 6:39
3. Prayer To The East 8:19
4. A Night In Tunisia 9:55
5. Lover Man 6:39
6. Endura 13:12
7. Love Dance 6:45
8. Gypsy Arab 3:25
9. Sram 5:38