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Todd Coolman's avatar

I had only been on the band for about three weeks at the time of this gig. Eventually Horace taught me. and I became to fully understand, that the precise feeling and placement of the ostinato was crucial to providing freedom to the piano and drums in the rhythm section. The final 6:30 of the live track clearly illustrates the point. P.S. - If Horace had known that this performance was being recoded, he would have thrown a fit. Thankfully, someone did... :-)

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Bret Primack's avatar

I think you sound great here.

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Su Terry's avatar

Todd it's so interesting to contemplate the role of the bass taking over the anchor of the rhythm section at certain times, because most people think it always belongs to the drums.

The bassist is often the hidden hero who doesn't get credit for his/her role in creating the excitement of the piece.

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Todd Coolman's avatar

I just try to enable others to do what they do best. I feel a reward if the combined experience was better for my having been part of it.

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Su Terry's avatar

It's lamentable that even a label like Blue Note wouldn't stick with him as far as artist development and evolution. That subject--covering the recording contracts of Miles, Trane and many others, is a topic in itself.

While Horace's newer offerings may not have been deemed as commercial as his previous hits, if this tune is any example, there's no reason why the suits couldn't have gotten behind it. Especially with the live version, you can hear the audience digs it.

It's so cool to hear what cats do on an open vamp like that. You can hear how Horace was enjoying going outside and inside, exploring the cracks and stretching out!

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Bret Primack's avatar

You have big ears, my friend.

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Antonio's avatar

Interesting comparison, thanks Bret.

The it's got to be funky site link [http://www.itsgottobefunky.com/] in this post isn't working.

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