Search - John Lindberg, Thigpen, Watson :: Quartet Afterstorm

From a great bassist and leader, deeply satisfying music

Ian Muldoon | Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia | 04/07/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Take the track SOARING HAWK. Lindberg opens dramatically, at high tempo, arco, countered by Ed Thigpen on brushes. One is reminded in part of some of Jimmy Garrison's "flamenco" work. Linberg switches to pizzicato and engages in a four minute dialogue with Thigpen on brushes. Beautifully recorded, Linberg covers a huge range of the bass's possibilities but still makes the music interesting and musically satisfying. Is the bass the heartbeat of jazz? The absence of some of the giants like Israel Crosby, Eugene Wright,Dave Holland, Haden, McBee,Peacock,Workman, William Parker,seems inconceivable to the music. Lindberg is in their company believe me. Charles Mingus must stand as the bassist most influential as writer, leader, and voice in modern jazz, a voice that was often(justifiably) fuelled by anger. Linberg acknowledges the legacy of Mingus in the notes to QUARTET AFTERSTORM which I find a deeply satisfying musical statement. In addition, I think this great music is a testament to the healing power of art where the older generation of Manglesdorff and Thigpen join with the the younger generation of Lindberg and Watson to speak as one. I find Thigpen's contribution revelatory. Whether he's whispering on brushes, talking on sticks or shouting on all skins, the history of jazz drumming seems to be encapsulated in his work. He'll be 70 years of age next year. The man's a world treasure. God bless him. Albert Manglesdorff who contributes two of the compositions on this great album is no less a treasure in terms of the trombone in contemporary music. His control, range, his ability to tell a musical story, his intelligence, his humour, and humanity shine through. Pianist Eric Watson contributes two numbers and his entirely comfortable in this august company. A wonderful pianist. Linberg is an equal too. Some might classify his music as "free" but I prefer "good" even "great". If "free" then he's able to play anyway you damn well want. He can walk the bass, he can talk the bass. He can make it sing if you want. I would go so far as to say, if he puts his name on an album buy it. I have. All of them. I can only say in conclusion, that Mingus would have approved of this musician. I wish him well, and thank him for the joy he is bringing to music lovers."