JohnS Posted February 24, 2005 Report Posted February 24, 2005 (edited) Prince Lasha featuring Sonny Simmons, OJCCD 1945 (Contemporary S 7610) Lasha(flute) Simmons (as) Gary Peacock and/or Mark Proctor(bass) Gene Stone (d) Recorded 21 November 1962. Congo Call Bojangles Green and Gold Ghost of the Past Red's Mood Juanita Lost generation A.Y. This one got a recommendation in another thread recently. Some interesting music here. Edited February 24, 2005 by JohnS Quote
sidewinder Posted February 24, 2005 Report Posted February 24, 2005 (edited) I'll be interested to hear the comments on this one John - don't have a copy and will look out for one. I really like the later Contemporary follow-up 'Firebirds' and am curious as to how they compare. Edited February 24, 2005 by sidewinder Quote
Late Posted February 24, 2005 Report Posted February 24, 2005 The Cry! is just as strong to my ears as Firebirds. The latter adds the density of Bobby Hutcherson's vibes, and the former (without vibes) has a somewhat stronger focus on the horn soloists. Simmons' feature on "Bojangles" is the highlight of the album for me. Great playing. Around this time, Simmons gigged briefly with Charles Mingus, and his improvising on "Bojangles" seems at times Mingus-esque to me. The album's also beautifully recorded, with Gary Peacock's bass especially prominent in the mix. A big . Quote
JohnS Posted February 26, 2005 Author Report Posted February 26, 2005 The shadow of Ornette looms large here in both the compositions and some of Simmons' solos. But because or despite of that it's a delight from start to finish. Although Lasha is the leader he doesn't play on two tracks and doesn't solo on another where he plays alto in the theme statements. Simmons is the star but Lasha's flute makes for a fine contrasting second voice. The two basses don't get in each others way and provide some very nice interplay. Drummer Stone keeps time and swings nicely without being too extrovert. Fine cd, highly recommended Quote
mikeweil Posted February 26, 2005 Report Posted February 26, 2005 The album's also beautifully recorded, with Gary Peacock's bass especially prominent in the mix. A big . Indeed! I regret I sold my LP when I needed some dough ... I liked the opening track, Congo Call, a lot. Nice vibe with the two bassists. Quote
Alexander Hawkins Posted March 17, 2005 Report Posted March 17, 2005 I very much enjoy this album. Simmons and Lasha are both really interesting. The playing on this album brings Joe Harriott to mind, although I don't know the work of any of the three well enough to know if this is a fair comparison. The solo horn introduction to Lost Generation (is this correct? I'm going from memory) is enthralling. I like the compositions here a lot as well; I've always thought that Congo Call would be a nice one to take down and play. Quote
Adam Posted December 8, 2006 Report Posted December 8, 2006 I just bought this for 60% off yesterday at Tower. I'll try to post my thoughts soon. Quote
Guy Berger Posted February 2, 2007 Report Posted February 2, 2007 (edited) Nice album, I picked it up a while back and am finally spinning it. I think Firebirds is better, but both are worth hearing. The solo introduction to "Lost Generation" is indeed fantastic. Guy Edited February 2, 2007 by Guy Quote
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