A Blazing Box Set Of Blue Note Postbop Brilliance !!
4-Legged Defender | ATL. GA. | 03/26/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This Mosaic edition of Tony`s later Blue Note years w/ his postbop band (1985 - 1992) compiles 5 cd`s - 'Foreign Intrigue','Civilization','Angel Street','Native Heart' and 'The Story Of Neptune', and while it may seem pricey, it`s now cheaper to buy this box than to purchase the titles individually, as they have risen since his passing (2/23/1997). This was a great band and showcased Tony`s skills as a composer as well as reaffirming his status as the most defining drummer in Jazz. It clearly indicates how strong an influence Art Blakey`s band was to Tony`s early development (he used to sit in w/ Art`s band when he was only 15 years old when Blakey`s group played in Boston, Tony`s hometown). This set also includes a booklet with a fine interview w/ Tony conducted by his friend and fellow musician Ben Sidran, taken from his superb 'Talking Jazz' book/cd box set, both of which are near impossible to find but belong in every serious collector`s library/cd collection. Unfortunately, the only cd from this period not represented here is the fabulous 'Live From Tokyo' 2-cd set, which was his last recording made for Blue Note, featuring some brilliant drum solo intro`s to several pieces. Still, this is a fine compilation highlighting one of the most influential drummers who ever graced God`s earth, and it`s great listening by a great man, musician and composer. He`ll always be with us..."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1