The Flow of Things (Roscoe Mitchell; Black Saint).
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Backed by pianist Jodie Christian, bassist Malachai Favors and drummer Steve McCall, saxophonist-composer Roscoe Mitchell presents a relatively abstract, pointillistic work titled ”Cards for Quartet” and three versions of the turbulent, totally improvised title piece-the first two on alto saxophone, the last on soprano. If that sounds like interpretive overkill, be advised that Mitchell is a composer at all times-which is why each trip through ”The Flow” is significantly different, sharing with the others only a furious concern with thematic growth.
”Cards” and the last version of ”The Flow” were recorded at a June, 1986, Chicago concert that paid tribute to the late John Coltrane. One`s only regret is that there isn`t room here for the rest of the music Mitchell played that night-because those who heard his remarkable versions of Coltrane`s
”Impressions,” ”Naima,” ”Countdown” and ”Bessie`s Blues” will never forget them. Maybe next time. (Reviewed on LP.)