George Adams / Don Pullen Quartet – City Gates

Japanese import

By 1983, the quartet was at a musical peak, and this may be their best recording. Everything gels: The choice of tunes, the solos, and the arrangements all come together to produce one of the leading post-bop albums of the 1980s. Adams and Pullen perform magnificently and soulfully on "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen," while the other three originals by pianist Don Pullen and two by Adams include a lengthy tribute to Charles Mingus and a shorter one for Thelonious Monk. Thankfully, there are no vocals by Adams. When these fellows get it right, as they do here, there is a synergy and energy that just can't be beat. Adams soars on tenor, building to a frenzied crescendo without losing control, while Pullen is right at his side. Drummer Dannie Richmond and bassist Cameron Brown seem inspired by the date.

AllMusic Review by Steve Loewy

Tracklist
1        Mingus Metamorphosis

2        Samba For Now

3        Thank You Very Much Mr. Monk

4        Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen

5        City Gates