Elvin Jones - 1975 - On The Mountain

Elvin Jones

1975

On The Mountain

01. Thorn Of A White Rose 5:07
02. Namuh 7:47
03. On The Mountain 4:37
04. Smoke In The Sun 4:00
05. London Air 5:29
06. Destiny 7:28

Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – Gene Perla
Drums – Elvin Jones
Piano, Synthesizer – Jan Hammer

This 1975 date for the brilliant drummer, with Jan Hammer on keyboards and bassist Gene Perla, is a minor, if somewhat overlooked, classic from the tail-end of the early '70s to the mid-70s' run of great jazz fusion releases. Both Perla and Hammer worked with Elvin Jones between 1971 and 1973, in bands featuring saxophonists Frank Foster, Joe Farrell, Steve Grossman and Dave Liebman. Here, the smaller format allows for a tight group sound with openings for strong solos and fluid interplay throughout. Jones is well up in the mix, giving fans a front-row opportunity to enjoy the drummer, both in all-over-the-kit, rolling-thunder mode and in the subtler moments of his peerless brushwork. The trio perform a half-dozen originals by Perla and Hammer. The impressive writing has a definite jazz sensibility, but Hammer's Moog and electric piano work, Perla's alternating between electric and acoustic basses, and Jones' own fierce eruptions provide a satisfying, rock wallop in several spots.

While Elvin Jones is definitely the name on this date, it's hard to consider him the leader as the other members of the trio did all the writing. I will admit that this marketing ploy worked on me; my estimation of Elvin couldn't be higher and led me to this release. Jan Hammer, recognizable to anyone with a familiarity in Fusion, is possibly at his best on this date. Not having to compete in the clamor of Mahavishnu, his talent is easier to grasp. He seems to be equally at home on piano and synth, and handles both tastefully. Apparently he also was the recording engineer, and the quality of recording demonstrates his skills there as well. Gene Perla is the least known, yet probably the most important for this date. This record was released initially on the PM label: PM standing for Perla Music. How Gene got the money together to fund this is a question better left unanswered, but it does indicate that it was probably his inspiration to work with Jones and Hammer. As a labor of love, this was a short LP run, and as such, is a very rare issue.

An incredible, unique, and sadly underrated album here. These musicians are playing some grade A+ post-bop with heavy fusion stylings- mostly because of Mr. Hammer’s synth choices. Mr. Jones plays as lovely and inspired as ever, and it is a pure joy to hear him in a trio context , with not a horn to be heard anywhere for the 35 minute running time. Really cool music - would love to hear more jazz from this era that stays true to bop forms while keeping it fresh, progressive , and with a tasteful use of the technology of the time.