Bobby Hutcherson - Head On (1971) [2014 SHM-CD Blue Note 24-192 Remaster] CD-Rip

Features the high-fidelity SHM-CD format (compatible with standard CD player) and 24 bit remastering. Featuring the work of obscure composer/pianist Todd Cochrane, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson's 1971 album Head On is a highly cerebral and atmospheric affair that is somewhat different than his other equally experimental '70s work. Although the album does feature more of the avant-garde jazz that Hutcherson was exploring during this period, Cochrane's material is heavily influenced by contemporary classical music, and accordingly Head On is more of an exercise in reflective, layered jazz than rambunctious freebop – though it does offer some of that, too.

Suitably, Hutcherson brought together a large ensemble that featured a bevy of journeyman jazz artists, including the vastly underappreciated trumpeter/flugelhornist Oscar Brashear, saxophonist Harold Land, electric pianist William Henderson, drummer Stix Hooper, and bassist Reggie Johnson, among many others. Beginning with Cochrane's three-part suite "At the Source," Head On moves from similar Stravinsky-esque ensemble pieces to the "West Coast cool meets free jazz" big-band sounds of tracks like Hutcherson's "Mtume." In that sense, the album is reminiscent of work by such similar-minded artists of the period as Detroit trumpeter Marcus Belgrave (Gemini II) and his Motown Tribe contemporary Phil Ranelin (Vibes from the Tribe). Fans of expansive, searching '70s jazz will definitely want to seek Head On out.

Tracks:

01 - At The Source
02 - Many Thousands Gone
03 - Mtume
04 - Clockwork Of THe Spirits
05 - Togo Land (bonus track)
06 - Jonathan (bonus track)
07 - Hey Harold (bonus track)

Personnel:

Bobby Hutcherson - vib, mba
Oscar Brashear - tp, flgn
Willie Ruff - frhn
George Bohanon, Louis Spears - tb
Fred Jackson - pic
Harold Land - ts, fl
Delbert Hill, Charles Owens, Herman Riley, Ernie Watts - reeds
Todd Cochran - p
William Henderson - el-p
Reggie Johnson or James Leary III - b
Leon "Ndugu" Chancler, Nesbert "Stix" Hooper, Woody Theus - d
Warren Bryant - cga
Donald Smith - vo