Henry Threadgill - easily slip into another world

Threadgill is one of those guys I haven't been able to grasp completely. He has recorded a lot of stuff that still leaves me...puzzled. But when he is on, he smokes!

This record is a real barnburner for me. It touches all the bases which could actually come off sounding contrived but in this case never does. The funk of the opening track lures you in as you wend you way through touches of big band, NOLA brass, post bop, and some damn fine ensemble playing. Even a vocal tune thrown in the mix.

The lp is dedicated to Muhal Richard Abrams. The final line of purple prose on the back cover sums it up nicely. And what is purple prose if not a little over the top? "Decoding; 'Easily Slip Into Another World" is an instant classic and it's out to get you."

easily slip into another world

1. I Can't Wait Till I Get Home
2. Black Hands Bejewelled
3. Spotted Dick Is Pudding
4. My Rock
5. Hall
6. Award The Squadtett

Henry Threadgill - alto, tenor saxes, clarinet and arrangements
Rasul Siddik - trumpet
Frank Lacy - trombone, french horn, flugelhorn
Diedre Murray - cello
Fred Hopkins - bass
Pheeroan Aklaff, Reggie Nicholson - drums
Aisha Putli - vocals

recorded 9/20/ 87 NYC


Novus 3025 - I-N

Henry Threadgill - I Know The Number

I have to admit that even though I was familiar with the name Henry Threadgill, I had no idea what sort of music he played. I even, for some reason, incorrectly assumed he played the guitar. Not being a huge fan of jazz guitar, this may have been part of the reason for my ignorance of such a great musician.
Having said that I approached reviewing this record with some trepidation. I quickly realized my fears were completely unfounded.
The lp starts off with Bermuda Blues, a loping bass/percussion rhythm that quickly turns funky with the addition of a dual horn onslaught that has the group trading choruses in a matter of seconds. From there the track just turns funkier. The horn solos are full of fire, while the bottom line never veers from its stunning rolling accompaniment. This is the way to reel someone in on a new recording. The rest of the lp ranges from the sublime and beautiful (Silver and Gold, Paille Street), to decent boppish fare (Good Times) to selections that seem to be on the verge of crashing into cacophony before being herded back in line (To Be Announced, Theme from Thomas Cole).
Perhaps it is the unusual line up, trumpet, trombone, cello and multiple percussionists, plus Threadgill's multi-instrumental additions that keeps this thing so interesting. Perhaps it is the quality of songwriting and arranging, also credited to Threadgill. Whatever it is, this has quickly become a favorite at Chez Hook.
Post review research has shown that Threadgill comes from the AACM collective, which I don't find surprising in retrospect. It is also an outstanding example of why I have been exploring this pathway so much more so in recent years.

Henry Threadgill Sextett - You Know The Number

1. Bermuda Blues
2. Silver and Gold baby, Silver and Gold
3. Theme from Thomas Cole
4. Good Times
5. To Be Announced
6. Paille Street
7. Those Who Eat Cookies

Henry Threadgill -bass flute, alto and tenorsaxophone
Rasul Sadik -trumpet
Frank Lacy -trombone
Diedre Murray -cello Fred Hopkins -bass
Pheeroan Aklaff -percussion (left channel)
Reggie Nicholson -percussion (right channel)

1987 Novus/RCA 3013-2N

In all fairness, it should be stated that I asked and accepted CIA's offer to review a record and this is what I was sent. Without that great blog, I probably never would have stumbled across this record. That is where the original review was posted.

Some post review thoughts -
a.) Obviously Rab was more familiar with my taste than even I was, as this record quickly became a favorite and took several weeks to review for fear of overly gushing on about it.
b.) While research has shown this is often cited as Threadgill's most accessible lp, I intend to delve further into the man's