School of Rock
Random article All articles A–Z
2 languages

Illusions

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Illusions is the third album by the alto saxophonist Arthur Blythe for the Columbia label. He recorded it in April and May 1980 at CBS Recording Studios in New York. All of the pieces are his own.

The line-up varies from track to track. In Bush Baby, Illusions and Carespin' with Mamie he plays with cello, guitar and tuba, with James Blood Ulmer on guitar and Abdul Wadud on cello. In Miss Nancy, My Son Ra and As of Yet we hear a more traditional rhythm section of piano, bass and drums, with John Hicks and Fred Hopkins. Robert Palmer placed the album fifth on his list of the best records of 1980 in The New York Times. He wrote that the funk tracks showed that powerful but danceable jazz is not an impossible dream. Scott Yanow of AllMusic calls it recommended.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Bush Baby and notice the unusual combination of alto saxophone, cello, guitar and tuba, and how together they create a sound of their own.

Track list

  1. 1Bush Baby6:30Apple Music ↗
  2. 2Miss Nancy7:28Apple Music ↗
  3. 3Illusions4:12Apple Music ↗
  4. 4My Son Ra6:01Apple Music ↗
  5. 5Carespin' with Mamie7:07Apple Music ↗
  6. 6As of Yet5:08Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

Categories: Albums and songs