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 SESSONS VOLUME 6 - OCTOBER1983

An Oriental theme permeates "Ancestral Echoes", the opener of Volume 6 (October 1993). With extensive probing, Tapscott moves to a mixture of European and Asian influences as he sinks into a pondering mood. The tune also honors the Native American in its rhythm line, suggesting Tapscott is respecting multiple cultures with this one statement. His freeform movements are brief but dovetail beautifully into the rich textures of the song replete with dominant left hand emphasis. The works of three Los Angeles area Black composers are on the play list, further reinforcing his identification with his adopted city and his determination to promote racial equality. Tapscott stirs in a touch of the blues on Reuben King's "Restless Nights", paints a vivid picture of Roy Porter's "Jessica", and projects a visionary sense on Kaeef Ruzadun's "New Horizon". This volume has a melancholy thread weaving through it, again demonstrating how adeptly Tapscott could convey a very personal mood. He often showed a darker side of his personality through his playing, but invariably, the songs conclude with a ray of sunshine rather than resolving into despair.

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. Ancestral Echoes
• A2. Jessica

• SIDE B
• 01. Restless Nights
• 02.Chartreuse Blues
• 03. The Golden Pearl
• 04. New Horizon