Frank Lowe

Fresh

★★★½

Frank Lowe is one of the great saxophonists who came after the reign of Coltrane and Ayler, not exactly as revolutionary as them, but he helped expand their ideas and keep it alive. Just as important as later artists such as Charles Gayle. And this recording is a bit different from his previous sessions, a little more restrained but there's definitely parts where he fully fleshes out his shrieks. 

There are two Monk compositions on here, which turn out pretty well. Especially "Misterioso" which contains a lot of bubbly and fluid textures. "Epistrophy", the other Monk tune, has a killer rhythmic bass line from Abdul Wadud and some great airy playing by Lowe. 

"Play Some Blues" is almost humorous in a way, it begins and ends with this pretty upbeat and static lyric and travels from the ends of the earth and back in only five minutes. "Fresh" is probably the most powerful and engaging song on here and for a good reason. The atmosphere created by the stringed bass and drums, allow the horn players to go all out and play to their heart's content. The last song on this is separate from all the other pieces, "Chu's Blues" is a display of Lowe's skill as a funky fusion player in the school of perhaps a tamer electric Miles or a bit fiercer Herbie. The recording is a little sub-par compared to the other tracks however.  

This probably isn't the best display of Lowe's power as a tenor player but it is a part of his story. The New York Loft Scene is so varied and esoteric that each part is important in getting a better picture. 

Favorite Song: Fresh