Pianist Andrew Hill recorded ‘Smoke Stack’ on 13th December 1963; it was released in 1966. It was his second recording date as leader following his debut ‘Black Fire’ three months earlier. It is an unusual album as the quartet has two bassists throughout: Richard Davis and Eddie Khan. The drummer is Roy Haynes. The album starts in very intense style with ‘Smoke Shack’, the bassist counterpose one another, whilst Hill improvises intently. It is an early indication of the harmonic discourse the album takes as Hill skirts with the avant-garde. ‘The Day After’ lowers the intensity level and is somewhat calming. On ‘Wailing Wall’, one of the bassists (probably Davis) uses a bow for melodic effect. ‘Ode To Von’ is dedicated to saxophonist Von Freeman and ‘Not So’ sustains the intensity of Hill’s playing. It is only on the lovely ‘Verne’, a ballad, does the album abandon its high-octane level. ‘30 Pier Avenue’, the address of the famous Lighthouse concert venue in Hermosa Beach, California, is the album’s longest piece at seven minutes. All seven tracks were composed by Andrew Hill. ‘Smoke Stack’ is not the easiest of listens but is indicative of the pianist’s musical persona.
Track listings:
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01 Smoke Stack by Andrew Hill
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02 The Day After by Andrew Hill
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03 Wailing Wail by Andrew Hill
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04 Ode To Von by Andrew Hill
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05 Not So by Andrew Hill
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06 Verne by Andrew Hill
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07 30 Pier Avenue by Andrew Hill
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