Jazz in the Space Age
George Russell's complete original album Jazz in the Space Age (Decca DL-9219).
One of the composer's seminal albums, it extensively features pianist Bill Evans, along with other well known musicians such as Paul Bley, Bob Brookmeyer, Frank Rehak, and Barry Galbraith.
As a bonus, a complete live performance by the George Russell Sextet taped a few months after the culmination of Jazz in the Space Age.
FROM THE LINER NOTES:
Between 1959 and 1960, George Russell would record the album, Jazz in the Space Age, which showcased the talents of Bill Evans. On the original liner notes, Russell is quoted saying: Jazz is changing; the 60s could well be a crucial decade. One thing is certain. A variety of sounds and rhythms, many of which are alien to what audiences are used to, will find their way into jazz. Unaccountably, things we hear around us every day, very human things, have either disappeared or been left out of jazz as we know it. Progress is inevitable. Today's musical palette is just not adequate. All feelings relative to life and beauty cannot be validly expressed with techniques now in vogue. What is more, jazz is an evolving art; it is not meant to be restricted. The very nature of the music and its history indicate this. Fifty years later, here's the album to prove or not his sayings. Russell began leading his own sextets around the New York area and at festivals in 1960; he also toured throughout the Midwest and Europe. As a bonus, this release presents a complete live performance by the George Russell Sextet recorded a few months after the culmination of Jazz in the Space Age.
5 STAR DOWNBEAT - ORIGINAL REVIEW
Russell shows in this album that he is potentially one of the significant talents in jazz. The Space Age album must stand as a major accomplishment by Russell, though I believe that he will surpass it, that he has not fully applied his concept to his pen, and that there is more to the concept than is heard on this album. This, then, is a valuable addition to anyone's collection. A word of caution, though: Russell's music is not assimilable in one hearing. It takes many listenings to get down into it. It's worth the effort. (Don DeMicheal)
All Music Guide Original Review:
George Russell's third release as a leader combines two adventurous sessions. The first features two pianists, Bill Evans and Paul Bley, and a large ensemble. The three-part suite Chromatic Universe is an ambitious work which mixes free improvisation with written passages that have not only stood the test of time but still sound very fresh. It represents some of George Russell's greatest achievements. (Ken Dryden)
Jazz in the Space Age
George Russell's complete original album Jazz in the Space Age (Decca DL-9219).
One of the composer's seminal albums, it extensively features pianist Bill Evans, along with other well known musicians such as Paul Bley, Bob Brookmeyer, Frank Rehak, and Barry Galbraith.
As a bonus, a complete live performance by the George Russell Sextet taped a few months after the culmination of Jazz in the Space Age.
FROM THE LINER NOTES:
Between 1959 and 1960, George Russell would record the album, Jazz in the Space Age, which showcased the talents of Bill Evans. On the original liner notes, Russell is quoted saying: Jazz is changing; the 60s could well be a crucial decade. One thing is certain. A variety of sounds and rhythms, many of which are alien to what audiences are used to, will find their way into jazz. Unaccountably, things we hear around us every day, very human things, have either disappeared or been left out of jazz as we know it. Progress is inevitable. Today's musical palette is just not adequate. All feelings relative to life and beauty cannot be validly expressed with techniques now in vogue. What is more, jazz is an evolving art; it is not meant to be restricted. The very nature of the music and its history indicate this. Fifty years later, here's the album to prove or not his sayings. Russell began leading his own sextets around the New York area and at festivals in 1960; he also toured throughout the Midwest and Europe. As a bonus, this release presents a complete live performance by the George Russell Sextet recorded a few months after the culmination of Jazz in the Space Age.
5 STAR DOWNBEAT - ORIGINAL REVIEW
Russell shows in this album that he is potentially one of the significant talents in jazz. The Space Age album must stand as a major accomplishment by Russell, though I believe that he will surpass it, that he has not fully applied his concept to his pen, and that there is more to the concept than is heard on this album. This, then, is a valuable addition to anyone's collection. A word of caution, though: Russell's music is not assimilable in one hearing. It takes many listenings to get down into it. It's worth the effort. (Don DeMicheal)
All Music Guide Original Review:
George Russell's third release as a leader combines two adventurous sessions. The first features two pianists, Bill Evans and Paul Bley, and a large ensemble. The three-part suite Chromatic Universe is an ambitious work which mixes free improvisation with written passages that have not only stood the test of time but still sound very fresh. It represents some of George Russell's greatest achievements. (Ken Dryden)