egroj world: Andrew Hill • Invitation

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Andrew Hill • Invitation

Review by Ken Dryden
After a flurry of recordings for Blue Note during the 1960s, Andrew Hill didn't make another album as a leader until this Steeplechase studio session in 1974. Not that the pianist was inactive during this five-year stretch; he was performing concerts, teaching at Colgate University, and also writing for string quartets and symphony orchestras. This trio date with bassist Chris White and drummer Art Lewis features five original compositions, beginning with the turbulent but enticing "Catfish," which alternates between post-bop and avant-garde. "Lost No More" is far more intense, rarely giving the listener a time to focus before Hill switches his attack in another direction. The one standard of the date, Bronislaw Kaper's "Invitation," finds the pianist in an adventurous mood as the members of his rhythm section seem to be playing with a mind of their own. The CD reissue adds an alternate take of "Catfish," omitted from the original LP. Such fascinating music will be of great interest to fans of Andrew Hill.
https://www.allmusic.com/album/invitation-mw0000436631

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Reseña de Ken Dryden
Tras un aluvión de grabaciones para Blue Note durante la década de 1960, Andrew Hill no volvió a grabar un álbum como líder hasta esta sesión de estudio de Steeplechase en 1974. No es que el pianista estuviera inactivo durante este periodo de cinco años; estaba dando conciertos, enseñando en la Universidad Colgate, y también escribiendo para cuartetos de cuerda y orquestas sinfónicas. Esta cita a trío con el bajista Chris White y el batería Art Lewis presenta cinco composiciones originales, empezando por la turbulenta pero tentadora "Catfish", que alterna entre el post-bop y la vanguardia. "Lost No More" es mucho más intensa, rara vez dando al oyente un tiempo para concentrarse antes de que Hill cambie su ataque en otra dirección. El único estándar de la fecha, "Invitation" de Bronislaw Kaper, encuentra al pianista en un estado de ánimo aventurero mientras los miembros de su sección rítmica parecen tocar con mente propia. La reedición en CD añade una toma alternativa de "Catfish", omitida en el LP original. Esta música fascinante será de gran interés para los fans de Andrew Hill.
https://www.allmusic.com/album/invitation-mw0000436631

Tracks:
1 - Catfish
2 - Lost No More
3 - Morning Flower
4 - Invitation
5 - Laverne
6 - Little John
7 - Catfish Take 3

Credits:
    Bass – Chris White (3)
    Composed By – Andrew Hill (tracks: 1 to 3, 5 to 7), Bronislaw Kaper (tracks: 4)
    Drums – Art Lewis
    Liner Notes – Ib Skovgaard
    Photography By, Design [Cover Design] – Lissa Winther
    Piano – Andrew Hill
    Producer – Nils Winther
    Recorded By – Ron Carran

Recorded October 17, 1974
Track 7 previously unissued
Total playing time 57:59

Label:    SteepleChase – SCCD 31026
Country:    Denmark
Released:    1992
Genre:    Jazz
Style:    Post Bop
https://www.discogs.com/release/3980339-Andrew-Hill-Trio-Invitation