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Fred Anderson: Black Horn Long Gone

By Francis Lo Kee
June 8, 2010
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Fred Anderson is one of today's most powerful and singular saxophonists. Recorded in 1993, this trio (with bassist

Malachi Favors

bass, acoustic
1937 - 2004

" data-original-title="" title="">Malachi Favors and drummer Ajaramu—aka AJ Shelton—who have both since passed away) flies blissfully to new heights for piano-less sax trios. To call Anderson a member of the free jazz movement produces an incomplete picture. His technical facility and penchant for swinging is more influenced by

Coleman Hawkins

saxophone, tenor
1904 - 1969

" data-original-title="" title="">Coleman Hawkins,

Lester Young

saxophone
1909 - 1959

" data-original-title="" title="">Lester Young and

Charlie Parker

saxophone, alto
1920 - 1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Parker. Even an unaccompanied solo homage, "Ode To Clifford Jordan," links to swing while also delving into motific development and the total range of the tenor sax: clear low notes at the bottom register to improbably high altissimo notes perfectly in tune.

"Malachi's Tune" starts, appropriately enough, with Favors laying down a swinging groove with a beautifully spirit-lifting tinge of New Orleans second-line march. Anderson soars and swoops through the bouncy rhythm section, sometimes riffing �� la the Basie band, other times with the speed and accuracy of

John Coltrane

saxophone
1926 - 1967

" data-original-title="" title="">John Coltrane or

Johnny Griffin

saxophone, tenor
1928 - 2008

" data-original-title="" title="">Johnny Griffin. Ajaramu's drumming is interesting, unique, perhaps closer to

Ed Blackwell

drums
1929 - 1992

" data-original-title="" title="">Ed Blackwell than

Jimmy Cobb

drums
1929 - 2020

" data-original-title="" title="">Jimmy Cobb but he is his own man—a firestoker, sensitive accompanist and creative soloist. "Our Theme" begins with a drum solo that lures listeners in with its mysterious, spacious feel. When Favors enters the temperature increases and then Anderson's arrival turns the tune into a burning comet. Lest it be thought that this piece is out of control, Anderson leads the trio through a short, snappy coda that demonstrates the perfect musical chemistry and sympathy between the three musicians.

"Wandering," "Saxoon" and "Bernice" feature yearning, languid melodies and gorgeous writing where bass plays more of a second horn role. "Saxoon" might have the deepest solo from the leader, running the gamut from lyric to fierce, riffing to explosive, controlled swinging to super-fast flurries of notes. This trio produced a masterpiece over 15 years ago. For those interested in investigating Anderson's great playing and original compositions, Black Horn Long Gone is an outstanding place to start.

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Track Listing

Wandering; Our Theme; Saxoon; Three on Two; Bernice; The Strut Time; Malachi's Tune; Ode to Clifford Jordan.

Personnel

Fred Anderson

saxophone

Fred Anderson: tenor saxophone; Malachi Favors Maghoustut: acoustic bass; Ajaramu (AJ Shelton): drums.

Album information

Title: Black Horn Long Gone | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Southport Records

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