An excellent addition to the Verve By Request vinyl reissue series.
Harold Land Quintet – The Peace-Maker – Cadet Records LPS 813 (1968)/Verve/Universal Music Group B0038186-01 Verve By Request 180-gram stereo vinyl, 35:45 ****1/2:
(Harold Land – tenor saxophone, flute; Bobby Hutcherson – vibes; Joe Sample – piano; Donald Bailey – drums; Buster Williams – bass)
Verve/Universal Music Group has released a 180-gram re-mastered vinyl of the 1968 album, The Peace-Maker (as part of the Verve By Request Series). With Bobby Hutcherson on vibes, Joe Sample on piano, Donald Bailey on drums and Buster Williams on bass, tenor saxophonist Harold Land re-emerges as a strong, innovative composer and band leader. Side 1 opens with the title track. Setting up an easygoing 3/4 tempo, Land and Hutcherson develop the melodic elements. Land’s sax tonality is rich and fluid, and his solo is gossamer, as the rhythm section transitions to gentle swing. Sample, Bailey and Willians maintain a relaxed, locked-in rhythm. Hutcherson is up next with one of his signature percolating runs and the quintet engages in a syncopated finish with a nimble fade. “Stylin’” is bluesy with Land switching to flute. The ensemble swings here and a rare harmonica (uncredited) adds a whimsical texture. Switching gears, “40 Love” develops a Lain-infused, breezy vibe with Land back on tenor. His mellow post-bop sound is articulated with smooth and punctuated notation. Hutcherson is ebullient with dynamic range and instrumental complexity. Williams’ skipping bass is very effective and Sample offers an “out-of-this-world” piano solo before handing it back to Land. “Angel Dance” is more hard bop with a rhythm section that shifts into high gear, especially on Hutcherson’s nimble run. Williams gets a well-deserved solo and Sample soars on his piano. When the quintet reunites, it is magnetic.
Side 2 continues with the edgy hard bop arrangements. “Timetable” features a classic finger-snapping groove that surrounds the improvisational talents of Land. He is commanding on lead and Hutcherson follows with great dexterity. This rhythm section is relentless. Sample’s solo is artistic and flowing. The quintet reprises the dual unison lead. On the lone cover “Imagine”, Land relies on a more subdued lower register delivery. It has a late-night resonance and Hutcherson is equally impressive. This is a mood piece that underscores the versatility of the ensemble. On “The Aquarian”, the group handles complex tempos and key modulation seamlessly. There is a swing break that is hypnotic. The finale (“One For Nini”) is more explosive. Land is muscular, with fierce notation. Williams’ running bass (with a solo) along with Bailey drive the jam. Hutcherson is on fire and Sample matches the intensity.
The Peace – Maker is a seminal album with significant instrumental prowess. The re-mastered sound (Ryan Smith/ Sterling Sound) is vibrant with great attention to tonal detail. The vinyl pressing (Third Man Records) is pristine with very little surface noise, hisses or pops.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
Harold Land Quintet – The Peace-Maker
TrackList:
Side 1:
The Peace-Maker;
Stylin’;
40 Love;
Angel Dance
Side 2:
Timetable;
Imagine;
The Aquarian;
One For Nini
