"Some of the most exciting jazz albums to listen to are those that try to strike a middle ground between 'mainstream' and 'avant-garde'. One such example is this often-fascinating album, rich in compositional and improvisational prowess. Employing a sextet including drummer Joe Chambers and alto saxophonist Marion Brown, Shepp puts together a record that is both challenging and accessible to most listeners. "Fire Music"s masterpiece is undoubtedly Hambone. This multi-part composition's highlights are the opening theme, Ted Cursons complex trumpet musings and a bluesy section featuring a tough and funky solo by Brown. The tracks momentum is maintained with the thematically dense Los Olvidados which features another sterling contribution by Curson. Then there's a spoken word tribute to Malcolm X, featuring bassist David Izenzon and drummer J.C. Moses. Concluding the album is a bizarre version of The Girl from Ipanema. An album that belongs in any serious jazz collection." (Robert Gilbert, AllAboutJazz)
"This is the fifth and final release by the George Robert/Tom Harrell Quintet, taped during a pair of Swiss concerts in 1992. As in previous outings, the alto saxophonist and trumpeter/flüegelhornist are in top form and each musician also contributed strong originals as well; the potent rhythm section includes the underrated pianist Dado Moroni, bassist Reggie Johnson, and drummer Byron Landham. Harrell's snappy post-bop strut "Streets" features his flüegelhorn, plus fines solos by Robert and Johnson. An extended version of "Sail Away," an emotional driving samba that is also one of Harrell's best known compositions, is another highlight. Robert's rich ballad "Softly" also has a Latin feel to it, while his hard bop "Cape Verde" is clearly inspired by Horace Silver. The only work not composed by either co-leader is "Morning Star," by Rodgers Grant; this highly enjoyable work features an extensive solo by Moroni. The Robert/Harrell Quintet knew how to go out on top!" (Allmusic)
"I'm Confessin' finds adventurous Chi-town tenor man Steve Grossman pairing up with journeyman jazz legend Harold Land on a muscular set of standards and originals. This a no nonsense but eminently cerebral outing that makes the most of the two leads' knack for inventive, angular, and energetic improvisation. To these ends they dive headlong into the midtempo blues swinger "Vierd Blues," race each other to the finish line on the burning Grossman original "Sandrow," and play it cool on Thelonious Monk's "Let's Cool One"." Individually, they both get a chance to shine with Grossman nailing down the title track and Land holding down the afterglow hours on the ballad "Born to Be Blue"." Joining in the fun are pianist Fred Henke, bassist Reggie Johnson, and drummer Jimmy Cobb." (Matt Collar, Allmusic)
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