Horace Tapscott

• THE TAPSCOTT SESSIONS

These recordings on the Nimbus label (seven volume), feature a mixture of Tapscott's compositions, works by unknown composers in the Los Angeles area, and those of more noted writers. They give an intimate glimpse of the man and his musical mind and document the ebullient approach to improvising that characterized his work.

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THE TAPSCOTT SESSIONS VOLUME 4 - SEPTEMBER 1982

One of Tapscott's most delightful compositions opens Volume 4 (September 1982). His "A Dress for Reneé" has an infectious melody line to which he retreats regularly during the course of this sprightly interpretation. Tapscott was an outspoken critic of racial bigotry, and his music often reflected those sentiments. Yet on "Shades of Soweto", one hears the beauty of life in his playing and not the sadness the title could suggest. South African rhythms bounce around the tune but in a very subtle way. Tapscott was a demonstrative proponent of the left side of the keyboard, and nearly all of his pieces are heavily endowed with the thunderous bass line he generates from it. A surprise offering on this record is Tapscott's rendition of Arthur Blythe's "As of Yet". One can mentally hear Bob Stewart's tuba lines being recreated from Tapscott's left hand as he wrings the familiar melody out of his right. His adoption of the posture of a stride pianist is a recognizable trait, but he updates the historic format to make it new and fresh, as on "Whit" or "Forgiving". Volume 4 is filled with a mixture of perky melody lines and highly resonating rhythms, and while it is all soulful, the overt sadness seen elsewhere is not present.

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. A Dress For Reneé
• A2. The Hero´s Last Dance
• A3. Shades of Soweto
• A4. Whit

• SIDE B
• B1. First Call of the Humming Bird
• B2. Towards The Sunset
• B3. As of Yet
• B4. Forgiving