THE GEORGE RUSSELL SMALLTET — Jazz Workshop (1957-1987) RM | MONO | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This set, originally cut for RCA, was composer/arranger George Russell's debut as a leader. The original program (which includes such numbers as "Ye Hypocrite, Ye Beelzebub," "Livingstone I Presume," "Ezz-thetic" and "Knights of the Steamtable") has been joined by alternate second versions of "Ballad of Hix Blewitt" and "Concerto for Billy the Kid." Listening to the music, it is hard to believe that Russell only utilized a sextet (comprised of trumpeter Art Farmer, altoist Hal McKusick, guitarist Barry Galbraith, pianist Bill Evans, one of two bassists and one of three drummers). The ensembles are frequently dense, the harmonies quite original and there are often several events occurring at the same time; one would swear there were at least four or five horns being heard in spots. "Fellow Delegates" is particularly intriguing for it finds Russell playing chromatic drums while joined by Osie Johnson on wood drums; the otherwordly effect is worthy of Sun Ra. Even the more conventional pieces such as "Ezz-thetic" (based on the chords of "Love for Sale" but here almost resembling a Lennie Tristano line played backwards) sound quite advanced. Russell was able to utilize some of the more versatile and technically skilled players of the era, several of whom worked regularly in the studios. Recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Ye Hypocrite, Ye Beelzebub    3:53
2    Jack's Blues    3:47
3    Livingstone I Presume    3:28
4    Ezz-Thetic    5:16
5    Night Sound    3:58
6    Round Johnny Rondo    3:31
7    Fellow Delegates    5:42
8    Witch Hunt    3:50
9    The Sad Sergeant    3:27
10    Khights Of The Steamtable    2:36
11    Ballad Of Hix Blewitt    3:18
12    Concerto For Billy The Kid    4:44
13    Ballad Of Hix Blewitt (Alternate Take)    3:45
14    Concerto For Billy The Kid (Alternate Take)    4:46
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Hal McKusick
Composed By – George Russell
Double Bass – Milt Hinton (tracks: 1-6, 8, 12, 14), Teddy Kotick (tracks: 7, 9, 10, 11, 13)
Drums – Joe Harris (tracks: 1-4), Osie Johnson, Paul Motian (tracks: 5, 6, 8, 12, 14)
Guitar – Barry Galbraith
Piano – Bill Evans
Trumpet – Art Farmer
Notes
Recorded at Webster Hall, New York City.
Tracks 1-4 recorded March 31, 1956.
Tracks 5, 6, 8, 12 recorded October 17, 1956.
Tracks 7, 9-11, 13-14 recorded December 21, 1956.