This Danish release follows hot on the heels of last year’s issue on Timeless of the fourth album in the Eastern Rebellion series (reviewed in JJI, November 1984). Third Set was actually recorded six years earlier than Eastern Rebellion 4, and it is instructive to note certain changes during that time.
The most obvious is in the playing of Bob Berg. On Third Set he has barely subjugated the Coltrane influence, whereas ER4 gives notice of considerable maturation and the development of a broader range of expression. Two notable qualities are already present on the earlier recording – a distinctively emotive sound and easy familiarity with tonal manipulation of the tenor horn. And since Berg is the only horn soloist, he is given plenty of room to stretch out.
Walton’s approach owes much to the bebop and post-bop period. His compositions and arrangements are largely unsurprising, but his particular mélange of bebop and classical strains gives him a recognisable identity and he is a completely reliable player.
Sam Jones was with Walton for a number of years and his work here, if unremarkable and a little over-recorded, is a solidly professional example of its kind. Higgins, likewise, offers the usual goods with no reduction in quality and takes a substantial solo in the breakneck Rhythm-A-Ning.
Third Set may come as a revelation to few, but it’s very serviceable and convincing hard bop.
Discography
Angel In The Night; Bolivia (25.54) – Fantasy In D; Blue Monk; Rhythm-A-Ning (25.06)
Bob Berg (ts); Cedar Walton (p); Sam Jones (b); Billy Higgins Id). Recorded live at the Montmartre, Copenhagen, 1/10/77.(SteepleChase SCS-1179)
