Billy Higgins - Bridgework (1980/86) [vinyl 24/48]

An mp3 rip of this was posted at the old Crypt, this is from my own LP.

One of the few times drummer, Billy Higgins recorded as a leader. This 1986 Contemporary release is comprised of two sessions: one from 1980, and another from 1986. Billy Higgins is arguably the most recorded drummer in the history of jazz. Having the ability to float between hard bop and free jazz, Higgins was the perfect drummer for the modern world. Never in your face, Billy was always there, subtly conducting his business in amazing ways ~ eat.sleep.vinyl

Review by Scott Yanow:
This LP features drummer Billy Higgins in a rare leadership role at two unrelated sessions separated by six years. The three titles from 1980 match Higgins with the underrated (and generally underrecorded) but talented tenor James Clay, pianist Cedar Walton and bassist Tony Dumas; they perform Thelonious Monk's "Evidence," a standard, and a Walton tune. The equally rewarding later set (cut in 1986) has Higgins, Walton, tenor saxophonist Harold Land, and bassist Buster Williams playing three group originals and a nearly 11-minute rendition of "I Hear a Rhapsody." The music overall is excellent hard bop with some strong moments but no major surprises.

Harold Land (tenor saxophone) Cedar Walton (piano) Buster Williams (bass) Billy Higgins (drums)
Los Angeles, CA, April 23, 1986
1. Deception
2. I Hear A Rhapsody
3. Plexus

James Clay (tenor saxophone) Cedar Walton (piano) Tony Dumas (bass) Billy Higgins (drums)
Los Angeles, CA, January 4-5, 1980
4. Evidence
5. Bridgework
6. Old Folks
7. The Theme