Bobby Hutcherson - San Francisco (1970) [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. Bobby Hutcherson's late-'60s partnership with tenor saxophonist Harold Land had always produced soulful results, but not until San Francisco did that translate into a literal flirtation with funk and rock. After watching several advanced post-bop sessions gather dust in the vaults, Hutcherson decided to experiment with his sound a bit, but San Francisco still doesn't wind up the commercial jazz-funk extravaganza that purists might fear. Instead, Hutcherson and Land stake out a warm and engaging middle ground between muscular funk and Coltrane-style modality; in other words, they have their cake and eat it too.

Joined by pianist/keyboardist Joe Sample (also of the Jazz Crusaders), acoustic/electric bassist John Williams, and drummer Mickey Roker, Hutcherson and Land cook up a series of spacious, breezy grooves that sound unlike any other record in the vibist's discography (even his more commercial fusion sessions). The selections – all group-member originals – often skirt the edges of fusion, but rarely play it as expected; they might float some spare tradeoffs over a loping, heavy bass groove, throw in an oboe solo by Land, or – as on the slowest piece – keep time only with intermittently spaced piano chords. It's all done with enough imagination and harmonic sophistication to achieve the rare feat of holding appeal for traditional jazz and rare-groove fans alike. It's a shame Hutcherson didn't explore this direction more, because San Francisco is not only one of his best albums, but also one of his most appealing and accessible.

Tracks:

01 - Goin' Down South
02 - Prints Tie
03 - Jazz
04 - Ummh
05 - Procession
06 - A Night In Barcelona

Personnel:

Bobby Hutcherson - vibes, marimba, percussion
Harold Land - tenor sax, flute, oboe
Joe Sample - acoustic & electric piano
John Williams - acoustic & electric bass
Mickey Roker - drums