Charlie Haden--Private Collection

[BlueMiles]

For any fan of Quartet West, or of Charlie Haden in general, I think you'll really enjoy these two lengthy CDs. These are two concerts from early in the career of the group (mid-1980s) and they show a band already in peak form. Ernie Watts already has that ballad thing going, and Alan Broadbent displays great taste and sensitivity. But this is pretty upbeat stuff. I'm sure many regard QW as a bit sleepy, but here you get to hear the band stretch and work in the bebop elements much of the time. It's quite a treat to hear Billy Higgins, who was the original drummer. Of course, Haden and Higgins have quite a history together, and Higgins shows (as practically anywhere!) what a drum master is is. The second set features Paul Motian, certainly one of our great drummers, though I confess to findind Higgins the better fit for this group. Haden has a couple of really lengthy bass solos. Some may find them a bit too long, but I've always loved Haden's solos.

It's wonderful stuff, and you're likely to hear a lot of tunes you have not heard before from QW.

By the way, I found these on e_music.