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 2 - NOVEMBER 1982

Volume 2 (November 1982) finds Tapscott in a reflective mood that chronicled a critical period in the expansion of civil rights in America. He makes a vivid statement on the 30-minute "Struggle X, An Afro-American Dream" recorded during a time when it was becoming evident that the ideals of leaders such as Martin Luther King would not be quickly realized. Tapscott builds the tune in stages starting with tranquil serenity cloaked by a disturbing sense of unrest. He adopts a non-violent posture while delving into the revelry of unfulfilled promises, and as the extended tune develops, it switches to disillusionment and near-anger. His piano becomes explosive as he hurls volatile statements seemingly in resentment to the dream gone astray. The tune resolves from darting and fleeting statements into a brooding textural summation where frustration seems to be the conclusion, yet he transforms that emotion ultimately into hope. Tapscott's developmental tactics on this piece are phenomenal. The recording closes on a quasi-romantic note with "Many Nights Ago", which contains the weight of a heavy heart hidden beneath a lighter, at times lilting, theme statement. This set clearly demonstrates Tapscott's ability to convey his innermost feelings to the listener.

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. Struggle X - An Afro-American Dream ..... 18:33
• B2. Many Night Ago .......... 9:26

• SIDE B
• B1. Struggle 8- An Afro-American Dream (continued) ..... 11:20
• B2. Many Night Ago .......... 9:26