The Main Force - Elvin Jones

Nov

8

The Main Force - Elvin Jones

≡ Category: 1970s, Post Bop, Recommended, Reviews |
≅ Written by: Michael Kydonieus

JAZZBO NOTES RECOMMENDED RECORDING

Rating:

The mystery of Elvin Jones to me is how he manages to create ensembles that are so identifiably his from the drum chair. His groups have an unmistakeably joyful vibe to them no matter which musicians he chooses.

In the phase of his career in which The Main Force was recorded, Elvin was reaching the tail end of his time as a trailblazer. He would front several ensembles that were a pleasure to listen to in the years to come, but none that drove the music forward, and that’s true of The Main Force as well.

Part of the reason is that musicians, even the great ones like Elvin, run out of the psychic energy that’s necessary to keep innovating and pushing the music forward. Nothing wrong with that. It happens to everybody. Monk repeated himself endlessly after 1960 or so. McLaughlin stopped having new things to say around 1983. It’s perfectly honorable and it doesn’t mean that these musicians stop being worth listening to. It just means that they’re coasting, playing variations on what they know.

Another factor is that Elvin began using musicians that weren’t at the absolute peak of the profession, in terms of ability. I mean, Pat LaBarbera is no slouch on reeds, and the same goes for Ryo Kawasaki on guitar, but let’s face it, these guys are the second string. Same goes for Al Daily on acoustic and electric piano. Fortunately, on The Main Force, Dave Liebman, Frank Foster, and Steve Grossman guest on several tracks, and these guys are among the true greats on their instruments.

At the time of this recording, Elvin was experimenting a little with electric instruments, but that doesn’t really mean that he’s dallying in fusion. The use of electric guitar and electric piano only amounts to adjustments in the sound of the band. As always, Elvin is mostly operating in a post bop vein.

The only departure from post bop is Song Of Rejoicing After Returning From A Hunt, which is just what it sounds like. It’s basically a 16 minute percussion piece, arranged by underrated bassist Gene Perla, which revolves around call and response melodies. The 12/8 time signature gives it a tribal flavor. All of the instruments are deployed in a percussive manner. Even Ryo Kawasaki’s guitar is basically used as tuned percussion.

Basically, The Main Force is a pleasure to listen to, but it won’t blow you out of your socks.