Sam Jones - Visitation

1988 reissue

Sam Jones was a prolific sideman during his career, though he recorded on an occasional basis as a leader. This 1978 session, just a few years prior to his premature death, finds him leading a powerful post-bop quintet, his regular group at the time, with cornetist Terumasa Hino, tenor saxophonist Bob Berg, pianist Ronnie Mathews, and drummer Al Foster. Jones primarily plays a supporting role through a good part of the date, though he is prominently featured in the interpretation of Paul Chambers' "Visitation," while he also revisits his breezy bop vehicle "Del Sasser."

Mathews penned the tense modal work "Jean Marie" which incorporates a quirky unison horn line. Berg, who worked with Tom Harrell, likely is responsible for the inclusion of the trumpeter's brisk bossa nova "Before You" and his rapid-fire cooker "Occurance." Both Hino and Berg shine in the front line, while Foster's tight drumming keeps the fire lit throughout the date.

Ken Dryden  AMG