The many sides of Charlie Rouse…
Charles Rouse – Two is One – Strata-East/Mack Avenue #SES-1946-25 – CD – 40:14 – ****
(Charles Rouse – tenor sax, bass clarinet; George Davis, Paul Metzke – guitars; Calo Scott – cello; Azzedin Weston – conga; Martin Rivera, Stanley Clarke – bass; Airto Moreira – percussion; David Lee – drums)
Tenor saxophonist, Charlie Rouse, is noted primarily for his tenure with jazz icon, Thelonious Monk, between 1960-1970. He then went on to a productive career on his own, as an exponent of hard bop. For one of his first albums as a joint leader and producer, Rouse recorded for the black owned label, Strata-East, in 1974, the album, Two is One. It is now being re-issued as part of a series from the Mack Avenue Music Group, honoring the Strata-East label.
Its theme merges soul jazz with spiritual overtones. What makes it special is that it blends so many jazz genres. With a strong funk feel, there is also early 1970s electric jazz guitar influences. You can hear a bit of what both Miles Davis and Pharaoh Sanders were doing during these years. Uniquely, recorded, without piano or keyboards, Rouse relies on lots of percussion and electric bass to help carry the day, with success.
Opening with “Bitchin’,” the two guitars of George Davis and Paul Metzke, take lead, while bassist, Martin Rivera and cellist, Calo Scott, provide the bottom end in the mix. It has a very catchy melody, with Charlie’s tenor at home with a Blue Note soul jazz vibe. Next is “Hopscotch,” with a beat that could easily be “sampled” now. Later it moves toward something more complex with a yearning post bop feeling. Side One of the album finishes with “In a Funky Way,” and its title says it all. It would be a great dance tune.
Side Two is dramatically different with just two long tracks (12:09 & 10:30). The title track has two sections. A young Stanley Clarke (23) is prominent and the bass, drums, and tenor sax play in different tempos-like a “musical stew” with each in a free form adding to the “recipe.” Calo Scott’s cello stands out. The second section of the title track opens with Airto’s percussion and Clarke’s electric bass. Rouse’s blues driven choruses enter, and Paul Metzke’s guitar prowess is evident.
The closer, “In His Presence Searching”, is a moody spiritual, featuring Charlie on bass clarinet. It’s contemplative with a hint of classical music involvement. Rouse is featured as well as Calo Scott’s bowed cello. The two guitars bring a Middle Eastern flair. The track ends with Clarke and Airto leading a strong group blend finish.
Charlie Rouse shows a mastery of many different jazz idioms on this winning release. His fans, as well as Strata-East label lovers, will find lots to admire here…
—Jeff Krow
Charles Rouse – Two is One
Tracklist:
Bitchin’
Hopscotch
In a Funky Way
Two is One
In His Presence Searching
