Harold Land - Choma (Burn) (1971)

This was made by a fine small jazz group operating in the early 60s, co-led by saxophonist Harold Land and vibes player Bobby Hutcherson. They released records under Bobby's name for Blue Note and under Harold's for Cadet and Mainstream.

Based on the West Coast, Harold was one of the best players of his generation. An integral member of the Max Roach & Clifford Brown group, he made his own records such as The Fox before joining Gerald Wilson's big band in the early 60s. He joined up with Bobby Hutcherson in 1967 and for the next five years they made a series of outstanding albums.

Choma (Burn) was the second issued on Mainstream and is a thrilling exploration of the post-bop small group sound. Whether it is the almost free title track, or the funkier Black Caucus, the unusual two piano line-up is its equal. Jazz at the highest level and its first ever issue on CD.