Dewey Redman - The Struggle Continues (ECM, 1982)

This post is by Scott

Dewey Redman (ts); Charles Eubanks (p); Mark Helias (b); Ed Blackwell (d)

Recorded in January 1982

Dewey Redman summed up his art in a 2003 interview: 

"In my world, that's the first thing I reach for is the sound. Technique is OK, but if you got the technique and I got a good sound, I'll beat you every time. You can play a thousand notes and I can play one note and wipe you out. That's what I reach for is a sound."

Redman's masterful sound is on full display on The Struggle Continues, his sole ECM release.  The album is a classic tenor-plus-rhythm date, so there is plenty of room for Redman to expound.  Long-time associate Ed Blackwell joins pianist Charles Eubanks and bassist Mark Helias to round out the quartet.  Throughout, Redman's authoritative voice is what immediately grabs the ear.  Whether the it's the soulful "Turn Over Baby" or the freebop of "Combinations," Redman shines.

From 1971 to 1976, Redman was a member of Keith Jarrett's "American Quartet."  Of course, before joining Jarrett's group, Redman had already made important recordings as both a leader and sideman.  Notably, Redman recorded with Ornette Coleman on New York Is Now! (Blue Note, 1968) and Love Call (Blue Note, 1968).  The Ornette connection continued in the latter half of the 1970s when Redman played with Old and New Dreams, a quartet made up of Redman, Don Cherry, Charlie Haden, and Ed Blackwell, all former Coleman sidemen.

The Struggle Continues is one of the high points in Redman's extensive discography.  In his allmusic.com review, Thom Jurek referred to it as "one of the gems of the ECM catalog in the 80s."  Another reviewer called it an album that will "stand the test of age."  I completely agree with their assessments.