JANUARY IS INTERPLANETARY SAM RIVERS MONTH

SINCE SAM RIVERS PASSED ON this week, we here at The Changing Same are celebrating the pure genius that was him.  We've shared his 1974 release for implulse! and a slightly more obscure live album; now its time for a classic from later in his career, a truly original recording at that, and a game changer as far as big band jazz is concerned, as far as we are concerned, anyway:  Sam Rivers and the Rivbea All Star Orchestra's "Inspiration."

Sam Rivers' music became extremely expressive later in his career (perhaps a tip for those of us that are getting older - like Tom Waits, or Sun Ra, I'd like to think we get better with age, not the other way around like so many other pop and trendy musicians of today).  The shear amount of content in his large ensemble recordings is just staggering.  In 4 bars you'll hear influences ranging from Latin, to funk, big band swing, free jazz, avante-garde, and soul:  Perhaps a few hits from the drummer that quote, ever so slightly, Latin jazz; a free, wild solo from the trumpeter; a heavy, funk influenced electric bass; completely out-there Monk-in-the-future intervals; all the while swingin' away, swingin' away hard...It's hard to imagine until you hear it.  His creativity is only comparable to other masters:  Zappa, Ra, Monk...The Changing Same is going to do its best to bring you communique's from Sam Rivers in the coming weeks in honor of his genius and his contribution to the world of jazz, and music as a whole.  Thats why, here at The Changing Same, we are establishing January as Interplanetary Sam Rivers Month.  Stay tuned.

BUY:  http://www.amazon.com/Inspiration-Sam-Rivers/dp/B00000JJJ1

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