Back catalogue: Jazz

Review: Recorded in Los Angeles with an impressive lineup including Bobby Hutcherson, Reggie Johnson, Ndugu, Woody Theus, Bill Henderson, and Harold Land Jr., Chroma captures the essence of the Harold Land-Bobby Hutcherson quintet's signature blend of funky and modal jazz. The album's original gatefold artwork is faithfully reproduced, accompanied by newly remastered audio and insightful liner notes by Kevin Le Gendre. Choma (Burn) features four tracks with the quintet's innovative instrumentation accompanied by the unique addition of two drummers, Ndugu and Woody "Sonship" Theus, playing simultaneously alongside Reggie Johnson's robust double bass and Bill Henderson and Harold Land Jr.'s piano and Fender Rhodes. Harold Land's legacy as a pioneer of the hard bop style shines through in this album, reflecting his influential contributions to the West Coast jazz scene since the 1950s. His collaboration with Bobby Hutcherson in the late 60s and early 70s produced a series of highly acclaimed albums, with Choma (Burn) standing out to the quintet's creative peak.

Review: Originally released in 1960, Harold Land's Fox has not been reissued since 1969; this Craft Recordings reissue is long overdue. The tenor saxophonist delivers six fast-paced hard bop dazzlers here, flaunting an ultra-speedy take on the already high-velocity sound. Aside from the obvious talents of Land, the listener will be equally impressed by the inclusion of St. Elmo Hope in the Land band as pianist, lending an extra-special dimension to this challenging, whimsical, but still breezy album.