Lateef, Yusef – “A Flat, G Flat and C” – [Impulse C/O Mca]

Thurston Hunger   9/11/2015   12-inch, Jazz

1966 originally issued, and added to KFJC now via the good
graces of the Jack Diamond collection. Sharp liner
notes with details on every track, including the musical
costume changes Lateef seeks via different musical instruments.
His breathy, talking flute on “Nile Valley Blues” is one
highlight. But check out his efforts stepping away from his
more typical flute and even saxophone. He starts and
closes “Chuen Blues” on a “Chinese lute”, one of the more
shadowy numbers, and with Roy Brooks on “water drums.”
“Sound Wave” is likely what drew Diamond’s certification
with its mighty theremin. Reggie Workman’s bass work on
that “Wave” is also outstanding. The piece after, “Kyoto
Blues” has a bamboo flute almost echoing the last notes
of the theremin. Brooks (of the mighty Artistic Truth
project) really cooks on “Feather Comfort.” Blues in an
array, of mostly resolving and warm tones. Check out
the weirder wonders. -Thurston Hunger