• 4 STARS ALL MUSIC GUIDE

...Between the late 1950s and early 1970s Tapscott recorded with Lou Blackburn (1963) and Onzy Matthews (1963, accompanying Lou Rawls), arranged and conducted the music for two albums for the singer (and, later, Black Panther Party leader) Elaine Brown, and composed and conducted the material for Sonny Criss's album Sonny's Dream (Birth of the New Cool) (1968, Prst. 7576); his first album as a leader was made one year later. From 1978 through the mid-1980s he recorded for Interplay and Nimbus, two labels formed by enthusiasts for Tapscott's music. He recorded with the Arkestra, as an unaccompanied soloist, in a duo with the drummer Everett Brown, with his trio (notably a session in performance at the Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara, California), and as the leader of a sextet...

For this fairly rare Lp, pianist Horace Tapscott and drummer Everett Brown Jr. play four fairly free duets. Because Tapscott has always had very impressive technique and a melodic style, the encounters hold one's interest throughout and build up logically. Tapscott's very original style is always fascinating to hear and this adventurous set is one of his better dates.

PERSONNEL:

• Horace Tapscott - piano
• Everett Brown Jr. - drums

Recorded at the Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara, California, 1980

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. At The Crossroads
• A2. Middle Age Madness

• SIDE B
• B1. Ballad For Window Lee Black
• B2. Marcellus III