A cursory glance at the personnel might suggest that this was an outstanding record. In Peacock and Williams it has two of the finest of young rhythm men, while Shorter and Rivers are both authoritative voices on the present scene. In fact, the outcome is faintly disappointing and the undoubted quality of the soloists cannot disguise the quintet’s lack of organisation.
I would not suggest that this type of group should have been tightly scored but it would have been beneficial if the writing had been left to the structurally minded Shorter. Williams’ themes are too fleeting and offer little stimulation to his sidemen. Rivers makes best use of them and the devious contours that his solos follow are enhanced by his big, swaggering tone. His timing is very good and his use of rambling, out of tempo runs, for emotive purposes, recalls Eric Dolphy. Shorter continues to establish his own style in the Coltrane mould, although he is more reserved here than on his recent Juju album. Peacock and Williams play brilliantly and Hancock provides his usual imaginative statements.
With more preparation the uniformity inherent in any group using a two tenor front line could have been overcome to some extent. It is a measure of the talent of the five musicians taking part that, despite this reservation, it is a record that is never without interest.
Discography
Extras; Echo; From Before (19½ min) – Love Song; Tee (18¼ min)
Wayne Shorter (ten); Sam Rivers (ten); Herbie Hancock (p); Gary Peacock (bs); Anthony Williams (d). 12/8/65.
(Blue Note 4216 45s. 3d.)
