Charles Tolliver All Stars

Historically important as the first leadership date by trumpet Charles Tolliver, now 84 and also the first release on the independent Strata-East record label he founded with pianist Stanley Cowell (1941-2020), a retrospective listen brings up a conundrum. Truth in packaging, Right Now … And Then, is literally an all-star date with the trumpeter backed by pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Ron Carter, drummer Joe Chambers and on four of the seven tracks alto saxophonist Gary Bartz. Despite some unexplained fades on a couple of tracks, the tracks, all but one composed by Tolliver are well-paced, swinging and varied. They can be defined as Hard Bop at its zenith.

Since that music has become de facto the sound of contemporary Jazz, the All Stars sounds from this 1968 session could fit the bill in any mainstream venue today. A mixture of rhythm, ballad and touch of Latin pieces, the foot-tapping groove is characterized by trumpet triplets or shaded grace notes, paced press rolls, bright reed blowing, harmonized horns and inventive keyboard work encompassing coordinated comping, caressed textures and expanded chord progressions. But like Swing musicians faced with Bop’s arrival, the All Stars seem a little too settled in their way.

Rightly or wrongly at that point their Jazz Messengers-inflected was being challenged by both adventurous Free Jazz on one hand and populist Jazz-Rock on the other. Each of the players had, or would eventually, dabble or immerse themselves in those genres, but little deviation from straight ahead is heard here.

A trumpet-saxophone exchange on “Household of Saud” does segue into short brass bites and note-bending reed split tones, but the up-and-down harmonies still reach linearity. As well Hancock’s prodding comping leads to near-funky struts and stops on “Paper Man” after bouncy tandem horn vamps suggests that fusion was in the offing.

Overall though admiration for the performances is like a so-called classical musicians playing scores by or resembling the work of Bach, Mozart or Beethoven. Gratification lies in the interpretation. Those who revel in the style will be passionate about this well-recorded session. More finicky types may yearn for something additional.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: 1. Earl’s World 2. Peace With Myself  3. Right Now 4. Lil’s Paradise* 5. Paper Man* 6. Household of Saud* 7. Repetition (Take 2)*

Personnel: Charles Tolliver (trumpet); Gary Bartz (alto saxophone)*; Herbie Hancock (piano); Ron Carter (bass) and Joe Chambers (drums)