Though much of altoist Gary Bartz's seventies output has been reissued, this live date from the 1973 Montreux festival has remained as rare as rocking horse droppings until now.
Still probably best known as Wayne Shorter's replacement in Miles Davis' early 70's band, Bartz's fruity tone and generous, emotional approach provided a perfect foil to the leaders oblique trumpet stylings. Though initially inspired by Charlie Parker, Bartz eventually proved himself to be one of the few alto saxophonists to successfully draw on John Coltrane's legacy.
This was never more apparent than in the output of Ntu Troop, who mixed the questing improvisations of Coltrane's late period with funk and soul influences and no-nonsense political messages, delivered in short, snappy songs by vocalist Andy Bey. For this date, Bey was replaced by pianist Hubert Eaves and Bartz takes up vocal duties. Though he's not much of a singer, if you're like me you might prefer his unadorned, slightly breathless style to Bey's more mannered delivery. Click here for complete story.
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