This post is by Scott
Recorded on August 3 - 5, 1980
This band flies! ...From this listener's perspective, the George Adams-Don Pullen Quartet should be regarded as one of the finest groups of the 1980s.
In the mid-80s, the quartet was signed to Blue Note and released their "major label" debut, Breakthrough (1986). But I think the quartet made their finest recordings earlier in the decade on smaller, European labels like Wim Wigt's Timeless and Giovanni Bonandrini's Soul Note.
Among these, I think their most satisfying release is Earth Beams. It captures everything that I enjoy about this group -- their joyousness, their energy, and their feeling for the blues. ...I also have to remark on George Adams' sound. It's such marvelous, gorgeous tone! This album captures him in peak form.
More from the George Adams-Don Pullen Quartet
I actually prefer this band's studio efforts over their live performances. After Earth Beams, my next recommendations would be two more releases on the Timeless label: City Gates (1983) and Decisions (1984).
I just checked this album out, and I really enjoyed everything on it. I struggled with the Blue Note recordings of this group and with a few of George Adams' solo albums. But Earth Beams makes real sense!
ReplyDeleteAfter George Adams died in 1992, bandmate Don Pullen dedicated his 1993 Blue Note album, Ode to Life, to him. That album includes the heartfelt composition, "Ah George, We Hardly Knew Ya" with Carlos Ward taking an exquisite solo on alto. It's a beautiful tune that has been covered by others. Only a great musician could have inspired such a fitting tribute from his close colleague.