Dive into the world of avant-garde jazz with Sam Rivers' "Violets Violets," a captivating album that showcases the legendary saxophonist and flutist's enduring genius. Recorded in 2004 and released in 2022, this album is a testament to Rivers' unyielding creativity and technical prowess, even at the age of 87. Joined by double bassist Ben Street and drummer Kresten Osgood, Rivers delivers a powerful set of ten tracks that blend free jazz, hard bop, and avant-garde elements seamlessly.
"Violets Violets" opens with the enigmatic "Nature Calls," setting the stage for a journey through Rivers' unique musical landscape. The album's standout tracks, such as the introspective "Horatio" and the energetic "Fast Response," highlight Rivers' ability to switch between husky and intimate tones on the tenor sax, dryly acerbic notes on the flute, and suitably oriental sounds on the soprano sax. The album's diverse range of compositions, from the playful "I Forgot To Remember" to the bluesy "Chianti Blues," keeps listeners engaged throughout its 43-minute duration.
This reissue of "Violets Violets" serves as an excellent introduction to Sam Rivers' playing for those new to his work, while longtime fans will appreciate the opportunity to revisit his masterful performances. The album's rich history, recorded at Kampo Studios in New York and originally released by Stunt Records in 2005, adds an extra layer of depth to this captivating collection of jazz compositions.
