Wadada Leo Smith - Spirit Catcher (1979) [2009]

The dry and often esoteric trumpeter Leo Smith is featured with his quintet (consisting of Dwight Andrews on tenor, clarinet and flute, vibraphonist Bobby Naughton, bassist Wes Brown and drummer Pheeroan akLaff) on the 19-minute "Images" and the colorful "Spirit Catcher." "The Burning of Stones" (dedicated to Anthony Braxton) has Smith's trumpet joined by three harpists for some unusual music. Throughout the LP the performances are unpredictable, and it's frequently difficult to know where the arrangement ends and the improvising begins. This is thought-provoking music that grows in interest with each listen.

Tracks:

01. Images 19:09
02. The Burning Of Stones 9:42
03. Spirit Catcher 9:43
04. The Burning Of Stones - First Version 11:13

Personnel:

1 & 3
Leo Smith: trumpet, flugelhorn
Dwight Andrews: clarinet, tenor saxophone, wooden flute
Bobby Naughton: vibraharp
Wes Brown: bass, wooden flute
Pheeroan ak Laff: drums
2 & 4:
Leo Smith: trumpet
Irene Emanuel: harp
Carol Emanuel: harp
Ruth Emanuel: harp
Dwight Andrews: conductor