Grant Green Solid CD

Personnel: Grant Green (guitar); James Spaulding (alto saxophone); Joe Henderson (tenor saxophone); McCoy Tyner (piano); Bob Cranshaw (bass); Elvin Jones (drums).
Producer: Alfred Lion.
Reissue producer: Michael Cuscuna.
Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on June 12, 1964. Originally released on Blue Note (990). Includes liner notes by Michael Cuscuna.
This is part of Blue Note's Limited Edition Connoisseur series.
Personnel: Grant Green (guitar); James Spaulding (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Joe Henderson (tenor saxophone); McCoy Tyner (piano); Elvin Jones (drums).
Liner Note Author: Michael Cuscuna.
Recording information: New York, NY (06/12/1964); Van Gelder Studios, Englewood Cliffs, NJ (06/12/1964).
Solid is a companion piece to the Grant Green classic Matador, recorded about a month later with the same rhythm section, and also not issued until 1979. Green is once again accompanied by the Coltrane supporting team of pianist McCoy Tyner and drummer Elvin Jones, plus bassist Bob Cranshaw; this time, however, Green is also joined on the front line by James Spaulding on alto sax and Joe Henderson on tenor. Both saxophonists really seem to light a fire under the proceedings, for in comparison with the relatively subdued Matador, Solid is a bright, hard-charging affair. There's a little modal jazz, but Solid's repertoire is chiefly complex hard bop, full of challenging twists and turns that the players burn through with enthusiasm. Green didn't tackle this kind of material -- or play with this kind of group -- very often, and it's a treat to hear him do so on both counts. The compositions -- highlighted by Duke Pearson's "Minor League," Henderson's "The Kicker," and a storming, ten-minute exploration of George Russell's "Ezz-Thetic" -- provoke some intricate improvisations from Green, and his perfectly controlled soloing is an interesting contrast with the passionate Spaulding and Henderson. Tyner and Jones are once again telepathic in their support, elevating the whole package to one of Green's strongest jazz outings and a unique standout in his catalog. [Oddity: the CD bonus track "Wives and Lovers" seems to be the same one included on Matador, where it was a better fit.] ~ Steve Huey
After his untimely death in 1979, Blue Note published a number of Grant Green's previously unreleased '60s recordings. One of these astounding sessions is SOLID, an energetic outing that finds Green leading a large ensemble, including Coltrane band members and Blue Note regulars. Green shows his mettle with fire and precision, his bright, clear tone cutting through the dense sonic backdrop.
The set consists of several intriguing tunes, opening with Duke Pearson's intricate "Minor League," a swinging epic that allows for some powerful blowing, while modal pioneer George Russell's sizzling "Ezz-Thetic" is a fast-paced burner that stretches the group nearly to its limit and offers an engaging harmonic foundation. Green's own "Grant's Tune" and Sonny Rollins' "Solid" are relaxed blues that swing and sway with flavorful statements by all concerned. Joe Henderson's swinging classic "The Kicker," and the Bacharach-David waltz "Wives and Lovers" round out this highly enjoyable session.