George Adams & Don Pullen - Melodic Excursions (1982) [2015 Timeless Jazz Master Collection] CD-Rip

Reissue with the latest remastering. Features original cover artwork. Comes with a descripton in Japanese. One of the most beautiful albums ever cut by the team of reedman George Adams and pianist Don Pullen – a spare set of duets that really lets both players open up in their most soulful styles! The set begins with a pretty freewheeling vibe – one that might almost make you doubt the "melodic" in the title – but soon settles into that gently spiritual style that both players brought to their work at the time – almost lyrical at points, but always with deeper ideas at play – and perfectly balanced out between the solo passages of Adams and Pullen!
This is the George Adams-Don Pullen group pared to the bone – just the two of them. It works well, not only because of the great talent involved, but because there are no vocals or commercial concessions, and, more importantly, because there's a certain intuitive feel between Pullen and Adams that is the result of numerous performances together. From the opening "The Calling," there is something special in the air. The two dig in without distraction, playing hard and fast. Elsewhere, these mostly original tunes (the exception is the gorgeous spiritual "God Has Smiled on Me") are true to the title, exuding oodles of melody. Both Pullen and Adams fans should be satisfied with this effort, as each performer shines. While the recording may sometimes lack the seriousness that some might prefer from these giants of the genre, it's clearly one of their best group efforts.

Tracks:

01 - The Calling
02 - God Has Smiled On Me
03 - Kahji
04 - Playground Uptown And Downtown
05 - Decisions
06 - Reflexions Inward
07 - Resolution Of Conflicts

Personnel:

George Adams - tenor saxophone, flute
Don Pullen - piano