Trombonist/composer Grachan Moncur 111: ”Evolution”

This album was the debut date for this creative young trombonist/composer: Grachan Moncur 111. Grachan had apprenticed with bandleaders Nat Phipps and Ray Charles and Art Farmer and Benny Golson's Jazztet before plunging headlong into the more adventurous side of the New York Jazz scene with alto saxophonist Jackie McLean who in the early 60s was looking at some new ways to express himself. Pioneers like Ornette Coleman, Bill Dixon, Cecil Taylor had opened new doors in Jazz and other musicians like Grachan Moncur were embracing that influence. Moncur along with the late Roswell Rudd were the new voices of the trombone in the early 60s. Moncur had another ace up his sleeve as he was a fine composer with an open imagination. This album called "Evolution" is his first and was released on Blue Note as that label had opened the door to the new sounds of the 60s as well. Grachan picked alto saxophonist Jackie McLean and trumpeter Lee Morgan as the horns and Morgan sounds amazing here in this context. Bobby Hutcherson's vibes add to the free sounds and Bob Cranshaw's bass keeps everything grounded. The teenage drum sensation Anthony "Tony" Williams is as usual creative and adds a great deal to the success of this date. Only four tunes are contained on this session and they are all Moncur creations. The exciting "Air Raid" leads of followed by the mournful, moody "Evolution" to "The Coaster" which has a fetching melody and hard swing. Finally a tribute to Thelonious Monk called "Monk in Wonderland" wraps things up. Grachan Moncur and his music is in the spotlight as tonight's Jazz Feature...check it out!