Wadada Leo Smith and Ed Blackwell
The Blue Mountain’s Sun Drummer
Kabell Records
www.cuadernosdejazz.com
By George W. Harris

Recorded back in 1986 at Brandeis University, this disc captures the spirit, energy and vision of the late drumming icon Ed Blackwell, teamed in duet form with a golden toned Wadada Leo Smith on trumpet, flugelhorn, flute, mbira and vocals. Two of the tunes have Smith on sonorous vocals, while the remaining pieces are well crafted melodies that keep your interest; the bass and piano are not missed at all, as Blackwell fills the spaces with rhythms, accents, answers and atmospheric tappings that sound like an entire orchestra. Smith is in a bopping mood; his tone has never been richer, almost like a big band balladeer, on “Love” and the title track. Exciting stuff, and a well crafted memorial to Blackwell’s sound and vision.