Music Inc – Live At Slugs' Volume 1

Tolliver ('Drought'), McBee ('Felicite') and Cowell ('Orientale') each contribute a track to the set; although very different, each is equally strong. 'Drought' is the kind of dark-toned, well-crafted tearjerker that Tolliver routinely produced in his fruitful years. 'Felicite' is a more contemplative affair, a deeply felt and sensitively delivered piece; the band are in particularly sublime form here, combining considerable skill with an astonishing depth of emotion. 'Orientale' lies somewhere between the two pieces, with Cowell's Eastern scales creating an austere, plodding tone throughout its seventeen and a half minute duration.

The music on 'Live At Slugs'' is often riveting and immediately compelling throughout its entire length. Hopps is widely known, but the other three players featured here are among the most underrated figures in the jazz pantheon, and they play nothing less than masterfully. Tolliver, ever present on his recordings, demonstrates tremendous range, flair and mastery as a trumpeter and leader. Had he not emerged at a time when pure jazz was falling out of favor, his name (along with Woody Shaw's) would surely be as well known as Freddie Hubbard's or Lee Morgan's; the same goes for the always brilliant and expressive McBee on bass. I'm sad that Music Inc. was so far from "reaching every soul" - but I'm happy that mine was reached. RYM