SAM RIVERS' RIVBEA ALL-STAR ORCHESTRA - Inspiration (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Prior to Inspiration, Sam Rivers hadn't recorded for a major label in nearly 20 years, and he hadn't cut a studio session in two decades. That doesn't mean he was inactive; he was teaching, playing, and giving concerts but never recording. Aware that many of Rivers' big-band compositions -- not only his recent material, but some earlier works as well -- had never been given the proper treatment, saxophonist Steve Coleman helped arrange a recording contract with BMG, with the end result being the astonishing Inspiration album. The compositions on Inspiration are as old as 1968's "Beatrice" and as new as 1995's "Solace" (incidentally, both of those pieces are tributes to his wife Beatrice, who also provides half of the name of the featured big band, the Rivbea All-Star Orchestra). Remarkably, all of the compositions not only sound fresh, they sound visionary -- still ahead of their time. It's not only because the stellar musicians give vibrant, unpredictable performances, although that undeniably helps; Rivers' writing is the real key. His writing for big band is utterly original, blending big-band, bop, and avant-garde traditions together in unique, surprising ways. The dissonance never sounds irritating -- it sounds melodic -- and the complex themes are strangely inviting. Similarly, Rivers' playing is robust, swinging between intense bursts of sound and beautiful lyricism, and sometimes combining it all at once. His 16 colleagues -- including such luminaries as Steve Coleman, Greg Osby, Chico Freeman, and Ray Anderson -- follow suit, delivering wonderfully shaded, invigorating performances. Inspiration truly is a revelation, proving not only that Rivers retains all his creative power at the age of 75, but that avant-garde jazz can be as inviting as any other style without sacrificing any of its depth or daring. Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracklist :
1    Vines    13:36
2    Nebula    11:18
3    Beatrice    10:36
4    Inspiration    9:41
5    Solace    11:01
6    Whirlwind    5:43
7    Rejuvenation    8:32
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Greg Osby, Steve Coleman
Baritone Horn – Joseph Daley
Baritone Saxophone – Hamiet Bluiett
Bass – Doug Mathews
Drums – Anthony Cole
Producer – Steve Coleman
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Written-By – Sam Rivers
Tenor Saxophone – Chico Freeman, Gary Thomas
Trombone – Art Baron, Joseph Bowie, Ray Anderson
Trumpet – Baikida Carroll, James Zollar, Ralph Alessi, Ravi Best
Tuba – Bob Stewart

SAM RIVERS' RIVBEA ALL-STAR ORCHESTRA - Culmination (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Sam Rivers' second recording with his Rivbea All-Star Orchestra for RCA is similar to his first one in that he uses an impressive 17-piece band full of top avant-gardists to interpret the dense arrangements of his originals. The music, which is frequently atonal, has so much going on at times that it will take several listens to comprehend everything; it certainly does not lose one's interest! The only fault to this stimulating set is that the soloists are not identified. Although one may recognize the various saxophonists (Steve Coleman, Greg Osby, Chico Freeman, Gary Thomas, and Hamiet Blueitt) and trombonist Ray Anderson, most of the brass players will be more difficult to determine. This very adventurous music is remarkable in ways and well worth acquiring by free jazz collectors. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Spectrum    7:22
2    Bubbles    8:27
3    Revelation    10:36
4    Culmination    8:12
5    Ripples    13:38
6    Neptune    5:53
7    Riffin'    6:26
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Greg Osby, Steve Coleman
Baritone Horn – Joseph Daley
Baritone Saxophone – Hamiet Bluiett
Bass – Doug Mathews
Drums – Anthony Cole
Painting – Scramble Campbell
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Written-By – Sam Rivers
Tenor Saxophone – Chico Freeman, Gary Thomas
Trombone – Art Baron, Joseph Bowie, Ray Anderson
Trumpet – Baikida Carroll, James Zollar, Ralph Alessi, Ravi Best
Tuba – Bob Stewart