The Herbie Nichols Project - Dr. Cyclops' Dream (1999)

Pianist Herbie Nichols died in obscurity in 1963 after releasing a handful of trio dates for Blue Note and Bethlehem featuring his innovative works. Fortunately, the Herbie Nichols Project, co-led by pianist Frank Kimbrough and bassist Ben Allison, has produced a second volume of his works, fleshed out with arrangements for a larger ensemble, including brass and reeds. Like the group's previous CD, the date includes a wealth of Nichols' imaginative yet infrequently heard songs, plus a number of compositions recorded for the first time (thanks to trumpeter and flügelhornist Ron Horton's discovery of several scores in the Library of Congress). The group also expands upon fragments of tunes, including "IDH" and "Cro-Mag at T's." Fans of the music of Herbie Nichols will be astounded by this rewarding CD. © Ken Dryden