Hasaan Ibn Ali - Reaching For The Stars: Trios / Duos / Solos

[JSngry]

Well, like any mutation, purity is lost. But what happens as a result, you gotta respect and pay attention to! 

[Rooster_Ties]

I’ve streamed this release twice now (via Pandora), and I can’t help but be amazed at Hasaan’s self confidence and the almost continuous ‘boldness’ of his playing — not just on this release, but also the earlier double-CD of solo-piano recordings.

He was an absolute visionary, far as I’m concerned — maybe ‘visionary’ is a little strong a word, but pretty damn close, in my book.

You all know my love of Andrew Hill’s output (practically everything). But, to be honest, Hasaan could have (maybe) potentially bettered Hill in terms of developing a significant canon of tunes, and a substantial series albums with varied instrumentation — at least based on the recorded evidence we have now.

Hill never did a big ‘statement’ sort of piano trio album during his run on Blue Note (save for the session on the Hill BN Select, which isn’t anywhere near as bold as The Legendary Hasaan).

But Hasaan’s record with Max is one of THE best of its kind, bar none.  But it’s also all there in the trio recordings on this new release too, with Henry Grimes(!) and Kalil Madi — every big as much strength of conviction in every phrase (or damn near).

I’ll be really curious to read the notes of this new one, to find out if these new trio recordings predate the session with Max on Atlantic (or not) — and whether they’re live (no audience can be heard, far as I can tell), or not.

What a treasure!!

I sure hope there’s a little more yet to come. I’ll get ‘em all, I imagine.

Edited November 14, 2023 by Rooster_Ties

[Rooster_Ties]

On 11/3/2023 at 10:32 PM, jlhoots said:

I resisted until I couldn't - ordered.

Just added one to a Dusty Groove order I'd started earlier today.  I couldn't resist either -- not that I even tried. 

[JSngry]

This is really compelling music! 

[colinmce]

Really agree. I didn't feel compelled to rush out & get this, but a quick used copy turned up at my shop so I grabbed it and have had it spinning on repeat. Very strong stuff.

[jazzbo]

Yes, it's as compelling audibly as that famous pair of Johnny Griffin's pants was visually.

[Eric]

The Omnivore web site has the LP and CD at 50% off, albeit through today only.