Bill Smith
Pick a Number
Onari (Canada) 1979
ONARI 004 (LP)
sleeve : EX-(light wear and collapse on corner)
media : EX/EX(some slightly noise)
Released in 1979, this album is by Canadian saxophonist Bill Smith, an artist active since the 1960s who has shown remarkable versatility — producing albums by Dollar Brand in the 1970s, as well as creating artwork for releases by American free-jazz artists such as Roscoe Mitchell, Anthony Braxton, and Don Pullen. The album features David Lee on bass and cello, and David Prentice on violin. All of the pieces are dedicated to specific figures, including A2, where alto clarinet, bass, and violin slowly intertwine in a somber, deeply shaded atmosphere, and the extended B1 session, running over 21 minutes and dedicated to Anthony Braxton. Throughout, Smith develops compositions and performances that clearly reflect his respect for, and influence from, the Chicago AACM circle.
A2: Little Boo
B1: Interludes