This is a good album that I expected to be very much better. The compositions are pleasing but far from memorable and the arrangements come over as strangely dated when one considers those responsible.
Most club and festival goers will have heard Sutherland play with more invention than he manages on Jigsaw and Bad Means Beautiful here, while Robinson, unquestionably a creative soloist, continues to suggest that he is not a natural swinger. His busy lines are cleverly wrought but, as he shows in live performance, they do cling somewhat obviously to the pulse.
Bashorun is a tower of strength, powerful in ensemble or solo support and assertive in his own excellent solo outings. Jegede’s kora is delightfully presented if a trifle cutesy and the rhythm section functions well in the staid fusion manner. There is much more talent in this group than is apparent here.
Discography
All At Sixes And Sevens; The Bass Of Bad Intentions; Jigsaw; Let’s See What Tomorrow Brings; Back To First Bass; Bad Means Beautiful; Jigsaw (Reprise) (59.10)
Roland Sutherland; (f/pic); Orphy Robinson (vib/m/pc); Tunde Jegede (kora/cio); Joe Bashorun (p/key); Dudley Phillips (b/elb); Winston Clifford (d/pc). Oslo, October 11, 12 & 13, 1991.
(Blue Note CDP 7985812)
