Milcho Leviev + Charlie Haden
First Meeting
Pan Music (Japan) 1986
ALZ-28007 (LP) Promotional copy. w/obi, insert.
sleeve : EX(DJS, SRW)
media : EX/EX(some slightly noise)
Released in 1986, this duo album brings together Bulgarian pianist Milcho Leviev — who would later release an excellent live duo recording with Dave Holland in 1992 — and bassist Charlie Haden, who had been exploring new directions in jazz alongside Ornette Coleman and Don Cherry in California on the eve of free jazz, before going on to deliver remarkable performances with countless artists across the avant-jazz scene. Issued as the first release on Pan Music, a label established under Alfa Records, this was a Japan-only production. Alongside original compositions by both musicians, the album features pieces by Ornette Coleman, Miles Davis, Eddie Harris, and Irving Berlin, as well as a jazz arrangement of a score by J.S. Bach. The scenic interplay between Leviev’s deeply lyrical piano lines and Haden’s profoundly resonant bass is truly outstanding. Highly recommended for listeners drawn to ECM-related works. A strongly recommended album.
A3: Beaup
B2: Chairman Mao