The Byron Allen Trio

This is a group that I wish had made more records. Alto saxophonist Byron Allen was brought to the ESP label by Ornette Coleman, and he owes a debt to Coleman on a musical level as well, with a sound that is very influenced by him. In fact, this group covers similar territory to Ornette's mid-60s trio with David Izenzon and Charles Moffett. But these guys have their own sound and they have a lot to say.

Throughout the record, Allen playfully explores all routes to the end goal, sometimes stopping briefly along the way to break things apart and then rebuild them again, before heading off down a new path. This might sound very academic, but Allen's playing is firmly rooted in the blues. Maceo Gilchrist (bass) and Ted Robinson (drums) seem to have a telepathic relationship. Their elastic sense of time provides a natural ebb and flow that directs much of the music here. Robinson's drumming is surprising...he plays with the confidence of a seasoned player but brings a newness and freshness to everything he does. And the first time I heard Gilchrist's bass playing on this record it was a revelation, and he continues to inspire me with each listen. How is it possible this is his only recording? His unaccompanied solos are absolutely stunning...he has an earthy, sinewy sound and seems to be able to generate an endless supply of ideas with ease.

This is another entry in the category of great recordings that deserve wider recognition. If you're an Ornette Coleman fan, or you enjoy any of the stuff on the ESP-DISK label, you'll definitely dig this record. It appears to be out of print on CD, but is available for download at the ESP-DISK website.