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Sam Rivers Quartet: Undulation
ByThe album comprises thirteen tracks with a total running time of seventy-one-minutes. However, in reality, the music is continuous from start to finish, without any distinguishable gaps. The track titles describe the contents of the tracks themselves and will probably be most useful to listeners who are seeking out particular parts, Looking for the drum solo? Then play the fourth track. While such cherry-picking may suit some listeners, hearing the entire album from start to finish will prove to be a more rewarding experience.
As a cursory glance at the track listing reveals, the album is full of variety, with all four players having ample time to solo, their solos being integrated into the overall flow of the music, so never sounding bolted-on or routine. Inevitably, Rivers himself is featured extensively on tenor saxophone, flute and piano (but not, as Bill Shoemaker's sleeve notes highlight, on his customary soprano saxophone.) On all his instruments, he gives impassioned performances which showcase his prodigious talents; in amongst his flute section, he even slipped in some vocal interjections.
To date, all volumes of this series have been so impressive that the notion of selecting a "best" one has been laughable. Undulations maintains that run and re- emphasises the quality of them all.
Track Listing
Tenor saxophone section I; Tenor saxophone solo; Tenor saxophone section II; Drum solo; Piano solo; Piano section I; Piano section II; Guitar solo; Flute section I; Flute solo; Flute section II; Bass solo; Flute section III.
Personnel
Additional Instrumentation
Sam Rivers: flute, piano.
Album information
Title: Undulation | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: NoBusiness Records
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