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Available on vinyl for the first time since it"s original CD-only release in 2007. Tenor saxophonist Fred Anderson and drummer Hamid Drake had the closest of relationships, as close as a father and son might have. Their communication was at a higher level musically and emotionally. The music on this album reflects not only their masterful musical skills, but a conversation in music that is exceptionally powerful and unique. For From the River to the Ocean, they assembled a band consisting of fellow Chicagoans to record the most relaxed, perfectly balanced album they made together. It may seem hyperbolic to call From the River to the Ocean Fred Anderson"s greatest album, but the empathy and cohesiveness of the ensemble, coupled with the saxophonist"s brilliant, searching improvisations, makes it a powerful contender. From the River to the Ocean is an especially varied outing, ranging from Anderson"s classic set-closing blues "Strut Time" to the meditative, spiritual, modal track "For Brother Thompson," dedicated to the late trumpeter Malachi Thompson and featuring bassist Harrison Bankhead on brooding piano and Drake chanting in Arabic. The record"s title track and the closer, "Sakti/Shiva," find bassist Josh Abrams laying down an astounding bed on guimbri, the threestringed Moroccan acoustic bass familiar to fans of Gnawa music. Another of the album"s delights is guitarist Jeff Parker, well known Jazz guitarist as well as member of Tortoise. Here, Parker displays an immense sensitivity and melodic genius, sharing solo spotlight with Bankhead"s cello on "From the River to the Ocean" and sculpting a stunning array of shapes on the group"s swinging take on Anderson"s "Planet E." Underneath it all is Hamid Drake, an intensely creative soul continuing to challenge himself. Drake"s growth is not measured in how many different instruments he plays - indeed, he"s scaled back his arsenal over the years - but in the depth and musicality of his feeling. On this record he is re.......
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