Al Williams - Sandance (1976) [2012 Deep Jazz Reality] CD-Rip

A gem of a record from the Cali scene of the 70s – a set that brings together all the best soulful elements of the LA indie scene of the time – but with an edge that's a lot more forceful than any bigger label jazz of the time! There's a solid punch to the record right from the start – wicked drums from leader Al Williams, and massive bass from Leroy Vinnegar – who's at his funky best, and really gets the session going right from the start! Dwight Dickerson brings in some spiritual undercurrents on piano, as does Charles Owens on tenor – playing here in some of his most open, spiritual styles ever. Trumpeter Nolan Smith adds a nice bite to the set – and the album's filled with some original numbers that have kept us digging this one for years! Titles include "Eternal Question", "Desert Song", "Sandance", "This Masquerade", "Erik's Tune", and a version of "Impressions".


Tracks:

01. Sandance (Williams) - 2:39
02. Eternal Question (Dickerson) - 8:10
03. Love Spring (Smith) - 6:16
04. Erik's Tune (Owens) - 7:36
05. Desert Song (Dickerson) - 5:48
06. Good-Bye Centennial (Owens) - 4:26
07. This Masquerade (Russell) - 4:03
08. Impressions (Coltrane) - 10:45

Personnel:

Al Williams - drums
Nolan Smith - trumpet
Charles Owens - tenor saxophone, flute
Dwight Dickerson - piano
Leroy Vinnegar - bass
Victor Cardenas - percussion