JAZZ DRUMMER
Elvin Jones - Live At The Lighthouse Vol. 1+2 [1972] (2 x CDs)
Elvin Jones captured something rare on Live At The Lighthouse Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, issued in 1972, recordings that present his group as a fully formed live unit rather than a studio construct. Set at the Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach, these performances place Jones firmly in the role of bandleader, shaping the music from the drum chair with authority, patience, and constant motion.
The ensemble sound is expansive and physical. Jones’s drumming drives everything forward, elastic and layered, but never overbearing. He creates space for the frontline to stretch, while subtly steering the direction of each performance through shifts in pulse and emphasis. Solos develop organically, themes are tested and reshaped, and the music breathes with the confidence of a band allowed time to explore.
The two volumes feel inseparable. One reinforces the other through accumulation rather than contrast, revealing how the group’s language deepens across multiple sets. The close club atmosphere encourages risk, interaction, and intensity without sacrificing clarity. These recordings reward immersion. They reveal Elvin Jones not just as a powerhouse drummer, but as a leader deeply attuned to flow, balance, and collective momentum. (B)
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Track lists
Vol. 1
01 Elvin Jones - Introduction, Bill Chappell / Announcer: Rick Holmes 1:42
02 Elvin Jones - Fancy Free 21:06
03 Elvin Jones - New Breed 12:06
04 Elvin Jones - Small One 7:10
05 Elvin Jones - Sambra 13:12
06 Elvin Jones - My Ship 8:52
07 Elvin Jones - Taurus People 6:17
08 Elvin Jones - For All Those Other Times / Announcement 4:43
Vol. 2
01 Elvin Jones - Introduction / Happy Birthday Greeting 0:53
02 Elvin Jones - Sweet Mama 15:31
03 Elvin Jones - I'm A Fool to Want You 11:34
04 Elvin Jones - The Children, Save The Children 8:00
05 Elvin Jones - Brite Piece 13:18
06 Elvin Jones - Children's Merry-Go-Round March 28:28
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Music weaves itself into the fabric of our emotions, dances through the corridors of memory, and whispers to the soul of who we are. Sharing these stories deepens the connection, turning the experience into something timeless and profound.
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Thanks BB - Jones was a great drummer.
ReplyDeleteHi Dr Robert.
DeleteThanks for the note. Jones really was a remarkable drummer, endlessly inventive and always pushing the music forward. A pleasure to share these sessions.
Cheers.
Thank-you very much
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, BT.
DeleteI am glad Blogger Says reminded me of this set. Well worth sharing.
Cheers.
Now this is a nice surprise. Astounding music. What's remarkable about Elvin Jones' playing is his 'I got you covered and I'll make you work' attitude that shines through each and every time. Thanks a lot for these BB, and to Blogger Says for bringing them up. Take care grtz.
ReplyDeleteHi Ja‑Mike.
DeleteGreat to hear this one is a surprise for you.
That mix of power, generosity and “I’ve got you covered” confidence is exactly what makes Elvin so compelling. He pushes the band while giving them all the room they need to rise with him. Great music indeed.
Cheers.
Dear BB, You are a person of high moral values and well liked by your friends. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Fieldhippie.
DeleteThat’s kind of you to say. I just try to keep things grounded and let the music do most of the talking, so it means a lot when the sentiment is expressed.
Cheers.