According to Moncur, “Gnostic”, a free jazz piece “which eliminates a pulsating meter”, should represent the achievement of salvation through the expression of knowledge and wisdom. ”Thandiwa” means “beloved one” in the Zulu language, and it is the least experimental track of the album.With “The Twins”, built off only one chord, he wanted to portrait his twin brothers; he considered the rhythm the focal point of the composition.”Nomadic” is centered on a drum solo by Tony Williams. [source]
Graham Moncur III was one of the top trombonists of the jazz avant-garde in the 1960s although he had only a few chances to lead his own record sessions. This 1964 set (which has been reissued on CD) was one of his finest, a quintet outing with bassist Cecil McBee, two of the members of the Miles Davis Quintet (pianist Herbie Hancock and drummer Tony Williams), and tenor saxophonist Wayne Shorter just a brief time before he joined Miles. The group performs four of Moncur´s challenging originals, including “Nomadic” (which is largely a drum solo) and “The Twins,” which is built off of one chord. None of the compositions caught on but the strong and very individual improvising of the young musicians is enough of a reason to acquire the advanced music. [source]
Tracks: Gnostic (11:46) / Thandiwa (8:21) / The Twins (12:55) / Nomadic ( 7:43)
Line up:
Cecil McBee – Bass
Anthony Williams – Drums
Herbie Hancock – Piano
Wayne Shorter – Tenor Saxophone
Grachan Moncur III – Trombone
