Quintet (Basel) 1977 is an album by the American composer and saxophonist Anthony Braxton, recorded in Switzerland in 1977 but not released on the hatOLOGY label until 2000.Anthony Braxton discography accessed December 15, 2011European Free Improvisation: album entry accessed July 9, 2018
Reception
The Allmusic review by Steve Loewy awarded the album 4½ stars stating, "This super quintet meets expectations, and the historically important set should achieve some sort of critical, if not cult, status."Loewy, S. Allmusic Review accessed December 15, 2011 On All About Jazz, Glenn Astarita noted, "Overall, these amazingly fresh and novel performances serve as a testament to a musician who, over the last three decades, has almost single-handedly altered the course of modern jazz and composition. Highly recommended!"Astatita, G., All About Jazz Review, April 1, 2001 In JazzTimes Ron Wynn wrote "Trombonist George Lewis' floating, often humorous recants to Braxton's leaps and darts on alto sax, sopranino and clarinet, as well as Muhal Richard Abrams' masterful accompaniment and measured yet bluesy playing, make the four lengthy numbers engrossing. The highlight is the almost 27-minute "Composition 69 N/G," which gets bolstered by edgy bass work from Mark Helias and reliable percussive tapestry provided by Charles "Bobo" Shaw. Shaw's spirited drumming brings some funk and fire to the date, while Abrams imbues it with dignity and Lewis gives it spunk".Wynn, R. JazzTimes Review, June 2001
Track listing All compositions by Anthony Braxton.
"Composition 69 J" - 16:25 "Composition 69 N/G" - 26:02 "Composition 69 M" - 12:52 "Composition 40 B" - 18:16 Recorded at Safranzunft in Basel, Switzerland, on June 2, 1977
Personnel Anthony Braxton - sopranino saxophone, clarinet, alto saxophone George Lewis - trombone Muhal Richard Abrams - piano Mark Helias - double bass Charles "Bobo" Shaw - drums
References