The second installment of his
"Georgia" trilogy, Sweet Earth Flying is arguably Marion Brown's
finest work and certainly one of the underappreciated treasures of '70s jazz.
Again, the words and ideas of poet Jean Toomer underlie Brown's conception
(hence the album's title), though this time (unlike the appearance of Karintha
on Geechee Recollections) none of Toomer's actually poetry is utilized.
Instead, he calls into service the remarkable keyboard paring of Muhal Richard
Abrams and Paul Bley, an inspiration that pays off in spades. The two pianists
alternate acoustic and electric keyboards, bringing a slight tinge of the
propulsiveness of Miles Davis' late-'60s bands, but with a grace, soul, and
sense of freedom rarely achieved by Corea and Jarrett. In fact, Abrams' feature
on Part Five of the title suite is one of the single most beautiful and cogent
statements he ever created. Brown's sound on both soprano and alto has a unique
quality; he tends to sound tentative and innocently hesitant when first entering,
only to gather strength as he goes, reaching utter conviction along the way.
Special mention must be made of vocalist Bill Hasson. He's featured on only one
piece, but his deep-voiced recitation in a language of his own construction
(drawing from West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, and North American down-home
English) is a very special treat indeed. Very highly recommended to open-eared
jazz fans of all tastes. ~ Brian Olewnick, AMG.
Impulse! Records, AS-9275, 1974
Recorded 6th & 7th May,
1974 At Intermedia Recording, Boston, Massachusetts
Personnel:
Side One:
Marion Brown - Alto Saxophone
Paul Bley - Fender Rhodes
(#1,2)
Muhal Richard Abrams - Fender
Rhodes (#3), Piano (#4), Organ (#2)
James Jefferson - Bass,
Electric Bass [Fender]
Steve McCall - Drums,
Percussion
Bill Hasson - Percussion,
Narration
Recorded 7th May, 1974 At
Intermedia Recording, Boston, Massachusetts
1. Sweet Earth Flying, Pt. 1
(3:40)
2. Sweet Earth Flying, Pt. 3
(5:58)
3. Sweet Earth Flying, Pt. 4:
Prince Willie (5:57)
4. Sweet Earth Flying, Pt. 5
(4:58)
Note:
Sweet Earth Flying, Part 2 -
Unissued
Side Two:
Marion Brown - Soprano Saxophone
Paul Bley - Piano (#5,7,8),
Fender Rhodes (#6,7), Organ (#5)
Muhal Richard Abrahms -
Fender Rhodes (#5,8), Organ (#6,7)
James Jefferson - Bass,
Electric Bass
Steve McCall - Drums
Bill Hasson - Percussion
Recorded 6th May, 1974 At
Intermedia Recording, Boston, Massachusetts
5. Eleven Light City, Pt. 1
(7:17)
6. Eleven Light City, Pt. 2
(2:10)
7. Eleven Light City, Pt. 3
(5:52)
8. Eleven Light City, Pt. 4
(3:02)
Credits:
Producer - Ed Michel
Recording Engineer - Beered
Ouellette
Mixing Engineer - Baker
Bigsby, Gil Fortis (The Village Recorder)
Album Design - Tim Bryant
Photography [Cover] - Michael
W. Anderson
Photography [Liner] - Gail
Brown
Liner Notes - Acklyn R. Lynch
