Gerry Hemingway - Kwambe (1978) LP

This LP was the first recording of Gerry Hemingway. It was released in 1978 on his own label, Auricle Records. Kwambe features a collection of projects that overviews the development of his work in the 70's in New Haven, Connecticut. The title track features an adaption of Anthony Davis' working group of the late seventies with the inclusion of both Wes Brown on Ghanian flute and bass as well as Mark Helias on bass. Jay Hoggard plays both the ballaphone and vibraphone, Anthony Davis on piano and Gerry plays both drums and vibraphone. Kwambe is an extended work in four sections that makes use of some elaborate phasing patterns and features some lovely flute playing from Wes Brown. The work "First Landscape: A Suite in Three Parts" features a trio active in this period with George Lewis and Anthony Davis. One of his earliest solo works "Walking Alone the Tall Trees Sang" is included and the album closes with "Speak Brother" the first recording of the collective trio, BassDrumBone with Ray Anderson and Mark Helias.