Don Pullen Albums (20)
'Solo Piano Album'
Release Date 9/7/2001
Tracks 4
Label Sackville (Canada)
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What The Critics Say
Don Pullen's debut as a leader around a decade after he first appeared on the ESP label as a sideman finds the percussive and adventurous pianist already displaying a fairly distinctive style. The four compositions (including pieces dedicated to Muhal Richard Abrams and Malcolm X) are all Pullen's and feature him really stretching out. The most memorable piece, "Big Alice," would the following year receive a more definitive treatment by the pianist with a full band. Intriguing music. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This early Don Pullen recording helped introduce him to jazz listeners. The pianist is heard in a variety of settings including a duet with multireedist George Adams on "Last Year's Lies and Tomorrow's Promises," and in two groups with Adams and trumpeter Hannibal Marvin Peterson. Actually the most accessible and memorable piece is the rollicking "Big Alice" which also features violinist Michal Urbaniak and trumpeter Randy Brecker. Pullen, a very rhythmic avant-gardist who can play inside or outside, was well-served by this release. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Sacred Common Ground'
Release Date 1/1/1995
Tracks 7
Label Blue Note
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What The Critics Say
This was pianist Don Pullen's final recording. A collaboration between the seven-voice Native American Chief Cliff Singers and Pullen's African Brazilian Connection (a sextet with altoist Carlos Ward and trombonist Joseph Bowie), these performances are definitely not for jazz purists. Most of the music features the vocalists singing in their traditional manner. Pullen and his group have a few interludes where they get to stretch out, and there are occasional instances where the two groups actually play off of each other. But because the singers really do not improvise, this well-intentioned project is a mixed success. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Healing Force'
Release Date 1/1/1994
Tracks 4
Label Black Saint (Italy)
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'Capricorn Rising'
Release Date 9/7/1993
Tracks 4
Label Black Saint (Italy)
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What The Critics Say
Pianist Don Pullen was one of the first of the jazz avant-garde to be both swinging and out in his playing (David Murray and Henry Threadgill would also do their parts, especially during the 1980s). Beyond intuition, Pullen's split musical personality came out of the disparate experiences of being both an R&B organist and a member of Charles Mingus' last group. Like Mingus, Pullen found a way to incorporate seemingly chaotic parts in a seamless and fluid whole. Paralleling his work with a quartet co-led by tenor saxophonist George Adams, Pullen cut this 1985 date with a stellar quintet featuring alto saxophonist Donald Harrison, trumpeter Olu Dara, bassist Fred Hopkins, and drummer Bobby Battle. The disc showcases five Pullen originals, including the highly original and fetching hard bop-cum-free jazz track titled "In the Beginning." Adding some nice variety, Pullen also offers up the gospel-tinged ballad "Gratitude" (a duet with Harrison) and the New Orleans bouncer "All Is Well." Reflecting Pullen's own quality piano work, all the soloists make impressive contributions throughout. A nice place to start for the Pullen newcomer. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide
'Milano Strut'
Release Date 5/4/1993
Tracks 4
Label Black Saint (Italy)
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What The Critics Say
The drummer on this session is best known as a member of the Art Ensemble of Chicago, but may have done much finer work in other contexts such as this, a duet with a keyboardist whose manner of improvising seems able to absorb an unlimited amount of percussive input. While the freewheeling, sometimes surrealistic movement of the Art Ensemble of Chicago's music was inevitably somewhat hampered by adding a drummer, Don Pullen seems to thrive on the edge of bombast. Featured on either piano or organ, he makes great use of whatever the drummer throws at him, much of which was acquired in promotional deals judging by the long list of product endorsements that always seems to follow the name Famoudou Don Moye. "Conversation" and "Communication" are simple, even drab titles for a set of performances, each in the 10 minute range, that are among Pullen's finest work. He is a more mature player than he was when he recorded his famous duets with drummer Milford Graves. The pianist unleashes the earthy, even raging power he absorbed from the Charles Mingus combo and also displays a kind of compositional memory for details and nuances that will prove to be important as each piece unfolds. The album's title track is another example of a particular style of rock and funk influence that livens up recordings from this scene of musicians in the late '70s. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Pianist Don Pullen's second recording by his African-Brazilian Connection (which includes bassist Nilson Matta, two percussionists and altoist Carlos Ward) is dedicated to the memory of the late tenor-saxophonist George Adams. The music is more subdued than is usual on a Pullen disc, with the harmonies being less dissonant and the mood often melancholy and reflective but occasionally joyous. This is one of Pullen's more accessible and introspective sessions. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
