Hampton Hawes - Universe (1972)

Tracklist

1.Little Bird - 1:17
2.Drums for Peace - 8:57
3.Love Is Better - 2:41
4.Josie Black - 8:15
5.Don't Pass Me By - 6:53
6.Universe - 3:05
7.J.B.'s Mind - 9:18

personnel :

Hampton Hawes - piano, electric piano, organ, synthesizer
Oscar Brashear - trumpet
Harold Land - tenor saxophone
Arthur Adams - guitar
Chuck Rainey - electric bass
Ndugu - drums

In 1972, Hampton Hawes began to fully explore electric keyboards. Although his longtime fans were not happy with the temporary move, Hawes' music at the time was actually more creative than it was often rated. There are dated and poppish elements to this out of print Prestige LP, but also some fine solos from tenor saxophonist Harold Land, trumpeter Oscar Brashear, guitarist Arthur Adams, and the leader. Hawes deserves credit for his willingness to take chances, and even if this album (consisting of seven moody originals) is not as significant as most of his boppish trio dates from the 1950s, it deserves to be reevaluated, for it is better than often thought.~Scott Yanow