This post is by Dan
Recorded December 22, 1985
I consider Moon Alley to be one of the most outstanding albums in Tom Harrell's long career, which continues apace 37 years after its recording. I base this on the caliber of the compositions and the contributions of the blue-ribbon rhythm section. While still relatively early in their respective careers, Kenny Barron, Ray Drummond, and Ralph Peterson exhibit great maturity on this session. They bring out the best in Harrell's wonderful compositions.
Kenny Garrett's debut recording, Introducing Kenny Garrett, was recorded the year before his appearance as a side man on Moon Alley. It was a wise move to pair Harrell with the 25-year-old alto player and flautist. Harrell's own recording career began about 10 years earlier. Garrett's recent albums on the Mack Avenue label attest to his own longevity in the business.
Two editions of the Tom Harrell Quintet appeared on European labels in 1986: Moon Alley was followed closely by Open Air on SteepleChase. Curiously, the tune "Open Air" appears on both albums.
Contrary to Criss Cross's normal practice of recording in Holland, Moon Alley was recorded in Rudy Van Gelder's studio in New Jersey, the locus of hundreds of jazz albums since the 1950s. I infer that the original recording was analogue, given the recording date and the ADD SPAR code. I only have the digital version, and I have no complaints about the sound.
Digital gives you two tracks not on the LP, "Scrapple from the Apple" and a first take of "Rapture." I'm not a record producer, but if I were, I would scrap "Scrapple" because it's the only song not composed by Harrell. It might have been fun to play in the studio, but it doesn't belong on the album (IMHO). "Rapture," on the other hand, might be worthy of two versions because it's such a great piece.
Formatting quibbles aside, there is no disputing the excellence of the group and the album. Clearly one of my favorites of the decade!
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