Dick Griffin - Now Is The Time (1979, 1997)

Here we have a great example of a deep and spiritual jazz album from trombonist Dick Griffin. He is joined by a stunning line-up including Clifford Jordan on tenor sax, Bill Saxton on both tenor & soprano, Hubert Eaves on piano, flute, piano, vocals from Lonnie Liston Smith's brother Donald Smith and then if that's not enough to exhilarate a listening frenzy there’s Calvin Hill on bass, Lawrence Killian on percussion, congas and finally Billy Hart, Freddie Waits sharing drums. The initial LP release on provided six tracks but with the CD reissue another two bonus tracks are added. All compositions are penned by Dick Griffin, a truly an underrated trombonist and composer. A classic of its time, Enjoy! 

Trident Records, TRS-504, 1979
Boplicity Records, CDBOP 021, 1997 

Musicians:
Dick Griffin - Trombone
Clifford Jordan - Tenor Saxophone
Bill Saxton - Tenor & Soprano Saxophones
Donald Smith - Flute, Piano, Vocals
Hubert Eaves - Piano
Calvin Hill - Bass
Billy Hart, Freddie Waits - Drums
Lawrence Killian - Percussion, Congas 

Tracks:
A1. Now Is The Time (6:18)
A2. Madrid (8:20)
A3. Multiphonic Blues (5:10)
B1. Waltz My Son (5:40)
B2. The Queen (7:21)
B3. Peaceful Thinking (6:25) 

CD Bonus Tracks:
7. Darkness Of Duke (4:46)
8. Come Dance With Me aka Come And See (6:26) 

All Compositions by Dick Griffin 

Total Time: 50:20

Billy Parker's Fourth World - Freedom Of Speech (1975)

One of the greatest albums ever on the legendary Strata East label - and that's saying a hell of a lot! Drummer Billy Parker is a player that we don't know much, but he'll always be well-remembered for this album's sublime blend of spiritual jazz styles! The lineup is wonderful - a hip quintet with Ron Bridgewater on tenor and Cecil Bridgewater on trumpet - plus sister Dee Dee on additional vocals at a few points too! Donald Smith (Lonnie Liston's brother) also plays piano, and sings a bit - with his warmly soulful style that makes the album's leadoff track a killer classic - and the rest of the group is rounded out by Cecil McBee on bass and Parker on drums. Tracks have those perfect blends of searching, soaring elements that virtually define the Strata East vision in the 70s - and titles include the sublime "Dance of The Little Children", plus "Gemini's Lullaby", "Home", "Get With It", and "Freedom Of Speech".

Strata-East Records, SES-19754, 1975

Recorded 24^th May, 1974

Musicians:

Billy Parker - Drums

Cecil Bridgewater - Trumpet

Ronald Bridgewater - Tenor Saxophone

Donald Smith - Piano, Vocals

Cecil McBee - Bass

Dee Dee Bridgewater - Vocals

Tracks:

A1. Dance Of The Little Children {Donald Smith, Ronald Bridgewater} (5:06)

A2. Gemini's Lullabye {Cecil Bridgewater} (6:56)

A3. Home {Arr. Cecil McBee, Cecil McBee} (8:19)

B1. Get With It {Arr. Cecil Bridgewater, Ronald Bridgewater} (4:05)

B2. Freedom Of Speech {Billy Parker} (15:29)

Credits:

Producer - Billy Parker

Recording Engineer - Ron Carran

Mixing Engineer - Randy Adler

Design [Inside Cover Design] - Vernon Grant

Photography - Darnell C. Mitchell

Liner Notes - Billy Earl Parker Jr.