This post is by Dan
Recorded October 22, 1981
Harold Land was already a legend when these sides were recorded in 1981, having played in the Clifford Brown-Max Roach quintet in the 1950s. For Xocia's Dance, Land reunited with his former regular partner, vibes man Bobby Hutcherson, and included trumpet player Oscar Brashear along with the outstanding rhythm section to complete the group. Such veteran players share enough history and common experiences to mesh together seamlessly when called upon.
The title tune (pronounced Sue-sha) was written by Land's son, Harold Land, Jr., who played piano along with Oscar Brashear and Harold Land, Sr. in Gerald Wilson's Orchestra of the 80's. (Welcome to the small world of west coast 1980s jazz). "Xocia's Dance" is the shortest tune on the date, and it contains three concise solos from Land, Brashear, and George Cables. The pianist shines on "Dark Mood," driving the rhythm forward and soloing in complete command.
The three tracks with Hutcherson make this album stand out even further. "Daisy Forever" includes Brashear's best solo on the album, quickly followed by a great lyrical vibes solo. "Ah, I See" includes excellent solos from Land and Hutcherson, while the lengthy "To Lydia with Love" closes the date with another set of outstanding solos. My emphasis on solos should not diminish the compositions themselves, which set the loping pace of the longer tunes and provide substantive progressions to solo over.
Overall, Xocia's Dance is an exceptional album from a veteran team showing that jazz in America was certainly alive and well in 1981.
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