John Hicks - 1980 - Hells Bells

John Hicks

1980

Hells Bells

01. Hell's Bells 9:50
02. Avojca 8:17
03. Yemenja 10:53
04. Angie's Tune 9:50

Bass – Clint Houston
Drums – Cliff Barbaro
Piano – John Hicks

Recorded: May 21, 1975, London, England.

John Hicks (1941-2006) gave much to jazz over several decades but never really received the appreciation he so richly deserved. As a pianist, he proved himself in the Art Blakey and Betty Carter universities. He was also the prototypical musician's musician, a first-call pianist for many jazz greats and a magnificent accompanist to the art's best saxists, including Pharoah Sanders, Arthur Blythe, Chico Freeman, Archie Shepp, and David Murray. He was often accused of hovering in McCoy Tyner's shadow, which is unfair and untrue. But he evinced a great fondness for Coltrane's music and was often heard on many a Coltrane tribute, showing affection for the saxophonist and his appreciation for Tyner's contribution to Coltrane's finest music. Another facet of John Hicks' career, which gets even less attention than his wondrous playing, is his ability to craft identifiable compositions that are wandering and melodic, suggestive and malleable yet memorable all at once

John Hicks's amazing jazz trio album 'Hells Bells’ showcases his personal style which harmoniously blended a melodious romanticism with buoyant, inventive, dramatic flair incorporating elements of swing, bop and avant-garde. Part of the strength of the record is bassist Clint Houston who's completely sublime throughout, and has a way of shaping his notes with this depth that seems to set Hicks free to fly across the keys of the piano on these very long original tunes which would test the mettle of any pianist. Hicks and his cohorts are undaunted, and approach the compositions filled with fascination and motivation..

One of the first albums as a leader from pianist John Hicks – a record that really set the tone for countless great sides to come – and which follows on years of great work with Art Blakey, Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Charles Tolliver, and other soulful jazz giants! This set was Hicks' only date for the Strata East label – and has an open, flowing vibe that's very much in keeping with the imprint – and which is maybe a bit different than his later, more familiar material! Part of the strength of the record is bassist Clint Houston – who's completely sublime throughout, and has a way of shaping his notes with this depth that seems to set Hicks free to fly across the keys of the piano on these very long original tunes. Drummer Cliff Barbaro is also part of the trio – and can wind things up when needed, but also lay back and allow some great interplay between Houston and Hicks