The Dark Tree cover

The Dark Tree

Recorded
Released

Pianist Tapscott was a crucial figure in West Coast avant-garde jazz for decades, leading the Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra since the 1960s. This live double disc, recorded in 1989, showcases his playing in a different context: a quartet featuring clarinetist John Carter, bassist Cecil McBee, and drummer Andrew Cyrille, whose precision strikes throughout and marching rhythm on “Lino’s Pad” in particular give the music a fierce intensity. Tapscott’s music had a questing quality that strove for beauty and uplift, and this is the sound of his spirit in full flower.

Phil Freeman

Recommended by

Suggestions
The Source cover

The Source

Tony Allen
Shaman! cover

Shaman!

Idris Ackamoor & the Pyramids
Dirt…and More Dirt cover

Dirt…and More Dirt

Henry Threadgill
Mesmer cover

Mesmer

Tom Arthurs, Richard Fairhurst
Live at Sweet Basil, Vol. 1 cover

Live at Sweet Basil, Vol. 1

David Murray Big Band
Hairway to Steven cover

Hairway to Steven

Butthole Surfers
The Circle Of Time cover

The Circle Of Time

Amina Claudine Myers Trio