Don Cherry - 1973 - Relativity Suite

Don Cherry

1973

Relativity Suite

01. Tantra 7:58

02. Mali Doussn'Gouni 5:37

03. Desireless 1:25

04. The Queen Of Tung Ting Lake 4:32

05. Trans-Love Airways 6:48

06. Infinite Gentleness 3:24

07. March Of The Hobbits 3:37

Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Voice – Charles Brackeen

Alto Saxophone, Voice – Carlos Ward

Bass – Charlie Haden

Cello – Jane Robertson, Pat Dixon

Drums – Ed Blackwell

French Horn – Sharon Freeman

Percussion – Paul Motian

Piano – Carla Bley

Tenor Saxophone, Voice – Dewey Redman, Frank Lowe

Trombone – Brian Trentham

Trumpet, Conch, Voice, Percussion, Conductor, Composed By, Producer – Don Cherry

Tuba – Jack Jeffers

Viola – Joan Kalisch, Nan Newton

Violin – Leroy Jenkins

Recorded on February 14, 1973, Blue Rock Studio, New York City.

A reissue of Don Cherry's Relatively Suite, originally released in 1973. Finally, available again on vinyl. Recorded with the Jazz Composer's Orchestra. At this time, Cherry was becoming increasingly interested in Middle Eastern and traditional African and Indian music, having traveled extensively and studied with Indian musician, Vasant Rai. This suite of songs was particularly influenced by the Indian Carnatic singing tradition, as can be heard from the very opening moments of the album. Featuring Carla Bley on piano, Charlie Haden on bass, and Ed Blackwell on drums, as well as an extended horn and string section, Cherry collaborated extensively with the Jazz Composer's Orchestra throughout the early '70s.

I kind of wish it was a little longer but it is dense enough that its short length is welcome. This is some next level spiritual jazz. It draws from the traditions of classical and jazz as well as non western influences divinely. March of the Hobbits kind of throws wrench in this whole spiritual vibe but in a weird almost psychedelic fashion. Definitely reminiscent of his soundtrack work on The Holy Mountain.

Maintains the globe-trotting approach of the "Organic Music Society" album but with far more discipline this time. This is leaner (less than half the length) and far more engaging, pointing the way towards the marvelous "Brown Rice"