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ERIC KLOSS
Sky Shadows In The Land Of The Giants (Prestige)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson
Eric Kloss was an alto and tenor saxman with great tone and interesting ideas galore. I say "was," but the man hasn't passed away, he's simply slipped away into the mist. I did some digging and couldn't find any mention of him after 1982. Too bad, because Kloss seemed to have plenty to say.
This CD combines two outstanding Prestige albums, Sky Shadows and In The Land Of The Giants, recorded in 1968 and '69, when Kloss was 19 and 20 years old. The sidemen were different on each album, with the exception of pianist Jaki Byard. Tracks 1 through 5 (Sky Shadows) present the band I consider the most astonishing, but my own personal preference for almost anything with drummer Jack DeJohnette might have something to do with that. Pat Martino's considerable guitar chops don't hurt, either. Bob Cranshaw filled out that group on bass.
The innovative magic of this grouping is evident on all five tracks, but it's absolutely neon during the 13:15 of the title track, "Sky Shadows," a tune in 7/4 time that has a little of everything from near-swing to avant-garde. Even at the tender age of 19, Kloss seemed to have a world of experience behind that sax, evoking energies and emotions ranging from angry tirades to sultry blues. Listening to these tracks I wonder what kept this group from sticking together like glue as a working unit for years to come.
Tracks 6 through 10 (In The Land Of The Giants) present a new band comprised of Kloss on alto, Booker Ervin on tenor sax, Byard on piano, Richard Davis on bass and Alan Dawson on drums. This album stands up well against Sky Shadows, the principle differences being the shift from sax/guitar to a dual sax lineup, a more solid (if just a tad less imaginative) drumming style, and the motivating walking bass lines provided by Davis, one of the best and most under appreciated players in jazz. Again Kloss' shines throughout each tune, but this time he gives more room so Ervin can take his share of the spotlight. It's an imaginative session with plenty of highlights for fans of each player, but I'd especially recommend this to those who appreciate or study jazz bass. Davis' work here is just so fine that it warrents close, repeated examination.
As Fantasy Records (owner of many jazz labels including Prestige and Milestone) continues releasing 2-on-1 CDs, we're getting access to a great number of long lost and in some cases completely forgotten albums. These two by the mysterious Eric Kloss deserve all the attention you can give them. Having both on one CD is quite a treat.
TRACK LIST:
In A Country Soul Garden * Sky Shadows * The Girl With The Fall In Her Hair * I'll Give You Everything * January's Child * Summertime * So What * Sock It To Me Socrates * When Two Lovers Touch * Things Ain't What They Used To Be
(C) 1999 - DJ Johnson