1976 Archive

Ronnie Cuber – Cuber Libre / Sam Jones – Changes and Things – both Elemental/Xanadu

by Audiophile Audition | Aug 9, 2016 | Jazz CD Reviews

Two more Xanadu reissues of note. Ronnie Cuber – Cuber Libre – Elemental/Xanadu 90607, 52:48  (1976) ****: (Ronnie Cuber – baritone sax) Sam Jones – Changes and Things – Elemental/Xanadu 906088, 41:58 (1977) ****:) (Sam Jones – bass; Blue Mitchell – trumpet; Slide Hampton – trombone; Bob Berg – tenor sax; Barry Harris – piano; Louis Hayes – drums) At the time that Cuber Libre was issued, Ronnie Cuber was 34 years old, and this was his debut as a leader. He was a sideman, and cut his teeth playing baritone sax for pop legends such as Aretha, Clapton, Steely Dan, and Dr. John. He continues to go strong today and his rock solid baritone anchors the tribute Mingus Big Band. Ronnie is noted for his big throaty baritone timbre and it is put to good use on an extended “Star Eyes.” It’s off to the races on”Rifftide” with Barry Harris quoting “Lady Be Good.” “Sudwest Funk” is a double-time 12 bar blues. Donald Byrd wrote this track and it’s fun to compare it to Byrd’s recorded version that featured Pepper Adams on baritone. Sam Jones’ Changes and Things from 1977 come highly recommended as it has a dream front […]