Crystals

Album Description

"Crystals," released on January 1, 1974, by the legendary Sam Rivers, is a captivating journey through the realms of free jazz, hard bop, and avant-garde. This album, a quadraphonic issue, showcases Rivers' mastery and innovative spirit, making it a standout in his discography. The six-track album, spanning 40 minutes, features a stellar lineup including Gregory Maker, Andrew Cyrille, and Anthony Braxton, among others.

The album opens with "Exultation," setting the tone for the exploratory journey that follows. "Tranquility" offers a moment of respite, while "Postlude" and "Bursts" push the boundaries of traditional jazz structures. "Orb" and the closing track "Earth Song" round out the album, each track contributing to the album's cohesive and immersive experience.

"Crystals" is a testament to Sam Rivers' genius, blending complex compositions with spontaneous improvisation. The album's intensity and innovation make it a quintessential work for both longtime fans and newcomers to Rivers' music. Recorded under the Verve label, this album is a pivotal work in the jazz canon, highlighting Rivers' unique voice and enduring influence.

1 januari 1974

℗ 1974 UMG Recordings, Inc.

About Sam Rivers

Sam Rivers, a titan of the jazz world, was an American multi-instrumentalist and composer whose career spanned over seven decades. Born in Oklahoma in 1923, Rivers was a key figure in the development of free jazz and avant-garde music, known for his virtuosic skills on tenor and soprano saxophones, bass clarinet, flute, harmonica, piano, and even viola. His innovative approach to composition and performance made him a standout among his peers, collaborating with legends like Miles Davis and Cecil Taylor. Rivers' work was marked by its intensity and communicative power, making even the most complex free-form music accessible to a wide audience. In the 1970s, he pioneered the New York loft-jazz scene, opening the iconic Studio Rivbea, a cultural arts center that became a hub for jazz artists. His prolific career includes numerous albums as a leader and sideman, showcasing his unique musical vision and enduring influence on the jazz landscape.