Efr?n del Valle<efrendv@yahoo.es> wrote:
I made my monthly Tzadik order this morning and, among them, there's Leo Smith's "The Kabell Years". Does anyone know what this 4-cd box include? I know "Reflectability" was originally issued through Kabell and then reissued by Tzadik. My guess is they didn't include it in the box, did they?!!
Hi Efren, The recent release of Reflectativity on Tzadik wasn't a re-issue; it was a new recording and as I recall fairly different in terms of improvisations (as well as having Malachi Favors on bass rather than, was it?, Wes Brown). I'm away from my LPs right now, but Smith had at least four LPs on the Kabell label, including a solo disc, the old recording of Reflectativity, Song of Humanity & something else I can't remember the name of. There may have been one or two others. Oh, yeah, here's a description of the box's content from the DMG e-mail from last night: WADADA LEO SMITH - Kabell Years 1971- 1979 : Creative Music I/Reflectativity/Song Of Humanity/Ahkreanvention...Plus! [4 CD set] (Tzadik 7610; USA) From 1971-1979 legendary AACM trumpet hero and composer, Leo Smith, released four wonderful records on his own, privately pressed label Kabell, including the original version of Reflectativity [the compositions of which were re-recorded 25 years later -with the just recently passed Malachi Favors replacing Wes Brown - for the single CD Tzadik release -#7060- of the same name]. Under the supervision of the composer, this material, featuring Oliver Lake on saxes & flute, Anthony Davis on pianos & organ, Wes Brown on bass, Pheeroan AkLaff on drums & percussion and Wadada Leo Smith on trumpets, flute and percussion, all four of these immensely rare records have now been collected, remastered and coupled with over two hours of unreleased bonus tracks, which includes the SECOND SET [!] of the influential Reflectativity concert and the legendary Mapenzi solo concert from 1976! Complete with a twenty-eight page booklet featuring session photos and SUPERB tributes from musical associates such as George Lewis, Alvin Singleton, Larry Ochs, Anthony Davis, Bobby Naughton, Henry Kaiser and John Zorn, this is an essential collection from the peak period of one of Creative Music's most important composer/performers. A beautiful job from the fine folks at Tzadik and a fascinating listening experience that will bear endless repeated listenings! Bests, Herb -- Herb Levy P O Box 9369 Fort Worth, TX 76147 herb@eskimo.com