Label:Strata-East – SES-19750
Country:US
Used LP 1980 Repress
Disc:VG+ (slight surface noise as quiet sounds record, looks shiny and good shape overall)
Jacket:VG+/VG (tape repaire on bottom, scuffs/small tears on out side of sleeve, check photos)
The second album by The Piano Choir, which brings together pianists from the avant jazz scene such as Harold Mabern and Ron Burton. It's a crossover jazz work with a different approach from the previous work, featuring synthesizers and electric pianos extensively. Starting with the space age like tune "Ballad For The Beast From Bali-Bali" followed by spiritual jazz number typical of Strata-East “The Need To Smile”, one of highlights exhilarating avant-soul jazz “In What Direction Are You Headed”, and the last tune “Prayer For Peace” which unfolds smoothly in a free spirit. Total flawless 5 tunes. Just amazing. 1980 reissue.
Harold MabernやRon Burtonなどアヴァンジャズシーンのピアニストが一堂に会したThe Piano Choirによる二作目。シンセサイザーやエレピをフィーチャーし前作とは異なるアプローチのクロスオーヴァー作品。スペースエイジ的な”Ballad For The Beast From Bali-Bali”に始まり、Strata-Eastらしいスピリチュアル・ジャズ・ナンバー”The Need To Smile”を交えながらハイライトの爽快なアヴァンソウルジャズ”In What Direction Are You Headed”、ラストのフリー感覚の中滑らかに展開していく”Prayer For Peace”まで隙なしの全5曲。素晴らしいの一言。80年の再発版ですがこちらも稀少となっています。
A1 - Ballad For The Beast From Bali-Bali
A2 - The Need To Smile
A3 - Barbara Ann
B1 - In What Direction Are You Headed
B2 - Prayer For Peace
