DON PULLEN
Tomorrow's Promises (Koch)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Listener's familiar with keyboardist Don Pullen's work with Muhal Richard Abrams, David Murray or Charles Mingus might have been surprised to find him opening this 1977 release with the joyful soul jazz romp "Big Alice." Of course, those who knew him through his stints with Big Maybelle, Ruth Brown or Arthur Prysock might have been a bit confounded by some of the twists and turns Pullen led the band through on the same track, with saxophonist George Adams and violinist Michael Urbaniak stretching to find the outside edge of soul.

Few players were as equally comfortable playing both inside and outside as Don Pullen, and his abilities in both directions are amply displayed on this disc. No matter what approach he used, though, Pullen's playing and composition was grounded with a strong rhythmic base that made even his most adventurous work seem more accessible than most similar material. In addition to Adams and Urbanik, there are standout performances by trumpeter Randy Brecker and guitarist Sterling Magee and strong work throughout by the entire assortment of 13 players who appear at various times on various tracks.

Pullen's death in 1995 at 54 was another in a long line of tragic too-early losses in the jazz world, but with this long overdue re-issue, some of his finest music has received a new life. You owe yourself this one.

Track List:

Big Alice * Autumn Song * Poodie Pie * Kadji * Last Year's Lies And Tomorrow's Promises * Let's Be Friends

© 2000 - Shaun Dale