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 7 - FEBRUARY 1983

Tapscott goes on a furious run on "Riding the San Andreas", on Volume 7 (February 1983). He builds swirling commotion by manipulating the piano strings with his right hand while the left hand turns out of character and provides the eruptive melody line. The tune has cyclonic force as a driver, but eventually the winds taper off and one hears again the expectation of peace in his music. Tapscott's unique way of bringing the stride piano into the modern era is again shown on "Southwestern Avenue Shuffle", a lark of a tune built on a happy beat. In an unexpected move, Tapscott takes on Monk's "'Round Midnight". Even though the tune has had vast exposure through the years, Tapscott is able to personalize the classic. His scampering on the bridge is refreshing and borders on the freeform side for a brief segment before gliding into a waltz tempo. At one point, Tapscott pays tribute to the great man by replicating his quick, single-note high register signature card. Charles Tolliver's "On the Nile" is also included on this set, challenging Tapscott to convey in musical terms the majesty of the world's longest river. He succeeds with aplomb. Tapscott closes with his "Sonnet of Butterfly McQueen", where one hears an uncharacteristic predominance of high-end skirmishes even though he does not fully forsake the influential

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. Riding The San Andreas
• A2. Amanda's Tone Poem
• A3. Southwestern Avenue

• SIDE B
• 01. 'Round Midnight
• 02. On The Nile
• 03. Sonnet of Butterfly McQueen/li>