George Russell Sextet: "Ezz-Thetics"

CiTR -- The Jazz Show

George Russell was one of the foremost composer/arrangers in Modern Jazz and always a forward thinker. He recorded under his own name in the mid-50's but didn't form an actual working band until 1960 when he put together his Sextet. He recorded for Decca and the independent label, Riverside Records and until he left the US for Europe in the mid-60's. it was a golden and productive period for Russell. This is a very special album and the only one where the great Eric Dolphy who is heard here on alto saxophone and bass clarinet, was a member of Russell's Sextet. The album was recorded on May 8,1961 in New York for Riverside and titled "Ezz-Thetics". The personnel of the band includes Don Ellis on trumpet, Dave Baker on trombone, Dolphy, bassist Steve Swallow, drummer Joe Hunt and Russell on piano. George Russell arranged all the tunes and composed 4 of the 7 tunes here. Two unique interpretations are included here and scored by Russell they are: Miles Davis' "Nardis" and Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight". This is a special album as are all of Russell's recordings with the Sextet but the presence of Eric Dolphy makes this one extra special. "Ezz-Thetics" is the Jazz Feature tonight.