Rahsied Ali & Hayes Greenfield - Duo + One (2007)

Tracklist

01. I Do
02. Secret Love
03. Ask Me Now
04. Blues
05. Evidence
06. Well You Needn't
07. Ugly Beauty
08. Epistrophy
09. Giant Steps
10. Free

In 2007, legendary free jazz drummer Rashied Ali cut an album called Duo + One with seasoned New York alto and sopranino saxophonist Hayes Greenfield. This dynamic duo became a trio with the inclusion of bassist Don Pate, who it should be noted joined Ali in working extensively with guitarist Tisziji Muñoz. The playlist on Duo + One consists largely of Thelonious Monk compositions, along with a handful of Greenfield originals and a fresh take on John Coltrane's "Giant Steps." Ali, who passed away in August 2009, devoted a lifetime to the pursuit of creative possibilities in collectively improvised music. Permanently transformed by a close working relationship with John Coltrane during the years 1965-1967, Ali was profoundly active during the last years of his life, so that Duo + One may be savored alongside his collaborations with Azar Lawrence, Marilyn Crispell, and Henry Grimes. Greenfield is at his very best on this superb recording, which is strongly recommended for playing in public or private at any time of day or night.