It took me a long time to “get” Sam Rivers. Tenor player who was prominent in the “avant garde” or “free” Jazz scene. However, he was one of the few who could also play credibly in a more structured setting. Many free players violate one of Jazz players’ most important “rules”: You can’t play “outside” the harmony until you know how to play “inside” it. Many “free” players simply don’t have the command of harmony to sound convincing in a more traditional setting. Sam Rivers could do it....in his own unique way.
In 1964 George Coleman left Miles’ band and Sam Rivers would fill the teno slor for just a few months since Rivers turned out to be a little too “out” even for Miles. Wayne Shorter would then come in to round out what would be my favorite Jazz quintet of all time.
This recording of a concert in Tokyo that Rivers played with Miles is one of my favorite Miles records and one that seems to stay under the radar. Miles sounds wonderful and the rhythm section shows why it is my favorite rhythm section of all time. Tony Williams sounds incredible with that light touch and amazing ability to propel the music forward. To my ears there has never been a rhythm section who was as responsive and interactive with what the soloist is doing as this one; and did it as a unit. The tempo changes and decreases/increases in energy that compliment the shape of the solos is fantastic. He was no Wayne Shorter, but I find Rivers’ playing interesting on this recording. Takes it out harmonically often, but doesn’t stray to far. Unusual tone. I used to think it was ugly, but has grown on me. Great record with lots of surprises including an unusually fast take of “So What”.
https://youtu.be/ogOBeYvdC2Uhttps://youtu.be/-xkiPPSVRvEhttps://youtu.be/4YzC76cwJwMhttps://youtu.be/NFQVXp5dFdghttps://youtu.be/FOydWldAyvcNotice the very appreciative Japanese audience.