This was the trio’s first live gig after the impact of the pandemic, an afternoon concert at Summit Rock in what used to be an African American settlement in the 19th century until it was broken up to create what is now Central Park, New York.
The trio play well-integrated collective improvisation on three selections which are just sketchy lines designed for improvising on. Burton’s stark tenor saxophone is heard on a lively solo on Flower which also features bass and drum segments towards the end. Curious takes the tempo down and it begins with an extended drum workout.
After the three long free excursions the group tackle Dameron’s If You Could See Me Now. It’s played at slow tempo and Burton is free to add a number of variations to this well-known piece, faithfully shadowed by bassist and drummer. A similar treatment is given to Mandisa.
Seneca Blues is a headlong, fierce exploration of the blues which will call to mind Coltrane’s Chasin’ The Trane from his 1961 Village Vanguard recording. Not much has changed as Burton adopts a similar approach, tone and tempo as bass and drums tighten up and whisk him along furiously. If nothing else this demonstrates how far ahead of his time Coltrane was in 1961. It was considered way out then by Coltrane detractors, but will no doubt be seen as very much in the mainstream today. That much has changed.
The final Will Never Be Forgotten follows a similar pattern of performance and wraps up the programme in style. Very compatible and competent, the three musicians are on top form throughout a well-received and very well-recorded programme.
Discography
Flower; Curious; Low Bridge; If You Could See Me Now; Dance Little Mandisa; Seneca Blues; Will Never Be Forgotten (57.52)
Abraham Burton (ts); Dezron Douglas (b); Eric McPherson (d). Central Park, NYC, 20 June 2021.
Giant Step Arts 006
