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Flexible Flyer

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

Flexible Flyer was recorded in March 1974 at Blue Rock Studios in New York and released in 1975 by Freedom Records. Trombonist Roswell Rudd plays here with singer Sheila Jordan, pianist Hod O'Brien, bassist Arild Andersen and drummer Barry Altschul. The repertoire ranges from Herbie Hancock's Maiden Voyage and a song by Michel Legrand to original work and pieces by O'Brien.

A JazzTimes reviewer called the record a pearl going against the current. While other musicians in those years were taking new paths, Rudd moved away from the free jazz of the sixties for which he had become known. He sought a mix of cheerful swing and reflective lyricism. The rhythm section is described as tight yet adventurous. Giddins found the use of the voice on the standards less successful.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Moselle Variations, the longest track, and hear how the piece consists of three parts. What role does the trombone play in each part?

Track list

  1. 1What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?5:09Apple Music ↗
  2. 2Maiden Voyage8:50Apple Music ↗
  3. 3Suh Blah Blah Buh Sibi9:50Apple Music ↗
  4. 4Waltzing In the Sagebrush5:39Apple Music ↗
  5. 5Moselle Variations16:18Apple Music ↗

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

Categories: Albums and songs