George Cables › Cables' Vision

Personnel: George Cables, Vince Charles, Tony Dumas, Peter Erskine, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Hutcherson, Ernie Watts.

Recorded in December 1979.

Personnel: George Cables (piano, electric piano); Bobby Hutcherson (vocals, vibraphone); Ernie Watts (flute, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Freddie Hubbard (trumpet, flugelhorn); Tony Dumas (electric bass, bass guitar); Peter Erskine (drums); Vince Charles (percussion).

Audio Remasterer: Phil DeLancie.

Recording information: Ocean Way Recording Studios, Hollywood, CA (12/17/1979-12/19/1979).

One of the most satisfying recordings to be released in 1980 (and since reissued on CD in the OJC series), this date by pianist George Cables (who contributed four of the six group originals) features trumpeter Freddie Hubbard (who brought in "Byrdlike") and tenor saxophonist Ernie Watts in fiery form; the two horn players took time off from their much more commercial efforts for other labels. Vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson is also in the sextet/septet with bassist Tony Dumas, drummer Peter Erskine, and sometimes percussionist Vince Charles; the one departure is "The Stroll," which is an adventurous piano-vibes duet by Cables and Hutcherson. The solos overall are concise and make expert use of each note. Cables' tunes (including "Morning Song," "I Told You So," and "Inner Glow") are generally catchy and memorable while "Byrdlike" gives the virtuosos an up-tempo blues to romp through. This logically conceived and well-paced set is a gem that is highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow

Genre:

• Jazz

Music Categories:

• Jazz Instrument: Piano