Charles Tolliver Albums (10)
'Emperor March: Live at the Blue Note'
Release Date 3/24/2009
Tracks 6
Label Halfnote
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What The Critics Say
After recording a number of albums during the 1960s and '70s, trumpeter Charles Tolliver waited nearly two decades to record as a leader before he released his striking big-band date With Love in 2007. This 2009 release, recorded live at the Blue Note, is a potent follow-up, though with substantial changes in personnel. His exotic, dramatic "On the Nile" might suggest the influence of McCoy Tyner's works of the '70s, though it was premiered in 1965 by Jackie McLean and previously recorded by its composer in a big-band setting a few years later. This updated version showcases tenorist Marcus Strickland, pianist Stanley Cowell, and the leader in a fiery performance. Tolliver's imaginative scoring of brass and reeds in his "Emperor March," makes it a hip tune that begins as a march but detours into several different avenues, featuring potent solos by alto saxophonist Todd Bashore, the promising young trombonist Michael Dease, and pianist Anthony Wonsey. Tolliver takes over the solo spotlight in "Chedlike," a perky tribute from the '80s to his then-young son, though this is surprisingly its premiere recording. Billy Harper shines on tenor in Tolliver's passionate setting of Billy Eckstine's ballad "I Want to Talk About You," a piece forever associated with John Coltrane's famous live recording, which Harper can't possibly avoid alluding to in part. Beautifully recorded and mixed with an attentive audience, this is an essential release for modern big-band aficionados. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Charles Tolliver's Music Inc.'
Release Date 4/25/2007
Tracks 4
Label Absord Japan
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What The Critics Say
On the first new release from the Mosaic subsidiary of Blue Note, veteran trumpeter Tolliver finally makes the long awaited big-band recording of the group that has played occasionally in New York City, revived from the remnants of his legendary '70s Music Inc. Orchestra. A bit of the old repertoire ("Mournin' Variations" and "Right Now") and a few former members (Billy Harper, Howard Johnson, Stanley Cowell, Cecil McBee) remain from the group that made powerful albums for the Strata East label. The current 16-piece ensemble, at least for this two-day session, has a rougher edge. The music is exciting, joyous, exuberant, and upbeat, but also displays a dense, sometimes messy persona, and has intonation issues. It makes the music less attractive and inconsistent. But the high points are way up in the stratosphere. "Right Now," most familiar to Tolliver fans, roars in modal juggernaut fashion, laden with staccato accents and deft call-and-response. The singing, sweet title cut gives those not familiar with the raucous dynamic the band usually portrays something more centered and singularly melodic. "Mournin' Variations" is the showstopper: as Craig Handy's oriental-flavored flute line, accented by clarinet and bass clarinet, leads to deep counterpoint, Harper's familiar distinctive and robust tenor soloing, witty trombone from Stafford Hunter, and the always poignant and placid pianistics of the brilliant Cowell. Tolliver's bold arrangement, replete with up-and-down dynamics during "'Round Midnight," indicates this band is not fooling around, and playing for keeps. The closer, a new piece "Hit the Spot," is typically kinetic, and a feature for the always spot-on drumming of Victor Lewis, joined by Handy's clean alto saxophone. This CD was nominated in 2007 for a Grammy award as Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The remarkable Music, Inc. Big Band remains the apotheosis of trumpeter Charles Tolliver's singular creative vision. Rarely if ever has a big band exhibited so much freedom or finesse, while at the same time never overwhelming the virtuoso soloists on whom the performances pivot. Built around the core of Tolliver, pianist Stanley Cowell, bassist Cecil McBee, and drummer Jimmy Hopps, the music boasts the kind of give-and-take born equally of talent and telepathy -- each player seems to communicate with his colleagues on a higher plane, delivering performances to rival any in their careers. Tolliver in particular plays like a man possessed, summoning an energy and clarity that slice through the big, bold arrangements like the proverbial hot knife through butter. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
CDs led by the great and vastly underrated trumpeter Charles Tolliver are few and far between. This live set (originally released by the Japanese Trio label) finds Tolliver leading his Music Inc. group, a quartet with pianist Stanley Cowell, bassist Clint Houston and drummer Clifford Barbaro. Unfortunately the live set does have a bit of distortion in spots (particularly on some of the trumpet notes); otherwise this strong postbop set would have received a higher rating. Tolliver plays quite well, stretching out on three of his originals and Cowell's "Effi," plus an adventurous rendition of "'Round Midnight." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Strata East recordings are quite difficult to acquire, which is unfortunate considering their high quality. Charles Tolliver was one of the great trumpeters to emerge during the late '60s yet has always been vastly underrated. on this quartet set with pianist Stanley Cowell, bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Jimmy Hopps, Tolliver has a real chance to stretch out. The 17-minute "Orientale" is particularly memorable. The music straddles the boundary between advanced hard bop and the avant-garde and rewards repeated listenings. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Trumpeter/flügelhornist Charles Tolliver often straddled the line between the lyricism of hard bop and the adventurous nature of the avant-garde. Released in 1975, Impact contained a stimulating progressive edge within an energetic large band (14 horns, eight strings, and rhythm section) format. Tolliver's arrangements are consistently bright and build momentum, while the soloists are given sufficient room to maneuver through the multiple textures. Featured soloists in the remarkable reed section include Charles McPherson, James Spaulding, George Coleman, and Harold Vick. ~ Al Campbell, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This is the Charles Tolliver record to get, although it may be hard to find. The masterful trumpeter, in a quartet with pianist Stanley Cowell, bassist Steve Novosel, and drummer Jimmy Hopps, plays five of his strongest compositions. Highlights include the powerful "On the Nile," "The Ringer," and "Spur," but each of the numbers has its memorable moments. Tolliver is heard at the peak of his creative powers; it is strange that he never received the fame and recognition that he deserved. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Originally released by Strata East as Live at the Loosdrecht Jazz Festival, this CD reissue features the great but very underrated trumpeter Charles Tolliver in a quartet with pianist John Hicks, bassist Reggie Workman and drummer Alvin Queen. The group performs three of the leader's songs plus Cowell's "Prayer for Peace" and Neal Hefti's "Repetition"; the lengthy renditions clock in between 11 and 17 minutes apiece. Tolliver's music (which holds on to one's attention throughout the live set) has its connections to the bebop tradition but also forges ahead and can be quite passionate. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Also released by the Freedom label, this was trumpeter Charles Tolliver's full-length album as a leader. One of the top brassmen to emerge during the era (although he never quite lived up to his potential), Tolliver had the fat tone of a Freddie Hubbard, the adventurous spirit of Woody Shaw and a somewhat original conception of his own that bridged the gap between hard bop and the avant-garde. He performs six of his originals with pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Ron Carter, drummer Joe Chambers and (on three of the selections) altoist Gary Bartz. This explorative and stirring music is well worth investigating. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
