Though "Crisis" recorded previously with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers is a hard bop classic, this version featuring McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones is more satisfying. Hubbard had recently collaborated with Jones and Tyner via John Coltrane (check out the Africa/Brass sessions), so he was used to working with them. As I have said in the past, the strength of the Coltrane Quartet rested in the foundation set by Tyner and Jones, who provided complex rhythmic and harmonic backing while also taking adventurous solos. Hubbard is really trying to outdo his previous recording with Blakey, but Jones and Tyner steal the show here (and, well, Wayne Shorter). Jones applies his characteristic quasi-Latin swing, Tyner comps, and Shorter blows away contemplatively in a state of restrained crisis (hey, just like the title of the song!). Now, if we could only get rid of McKinney's euphonium, then this great song could be even greater. Hard bop like this with the some of the best musicians of 1960s jazz is a truly rare delight.
No comments:
Post a Comment