Don Pullen - The Best Of Don Pullen: The Blue Note Years (1998)

The Best of Don Pullen collects nine highlights from Don Pullen's 11 years with Blue Note. Spanning the late '80s and early '90s, the compilation includes tracks culled from the pianist's time with the George Adams Quartet, his trio albums (one with Gary Peacock, one with Tony Williams) and cuts he recorded with his group the African-Brazilian Connection. While his original recordings remain the best way to understand his achievements, this collection is a good introduction to his style for the curious, featuring such titles as "Song from the Old Country," "New Beginnings," "Jana's Delight," "Indio Gitano," "Reservation Blues," "El Matador" and "Andre's Ups and Downs." © Stephen Thomas Erlewine