Retrospective 1974, with an album from a half-century ago… (Friday 50s 😁)
Thom Jurek/AllAboutJazz: “It's difficult to note in the 21st century just how forward-thinking this avant-garde big band was, and how completely innovative saxophonist Sam Rivers' compositions are…. It is an underrated masterpiece and among the most rewarding and adventurous listening experiences in the history of jazz.” A piano-less big band (Wikipedia for correct musicians).
This was Rivers’ ~6th of >30 albums from 1965 to 2005. Sam’s big band work earned him 2 Grammy nominations. Discogs.
Sam Rivers, Crystals, full album: YouTube ; Spotify
Two of Sam's Grammy-nominated albums with the Rivbea Orchestra are posted below, for 'Retrospective 1999 - albums from a quarter-century ago...' Inspiration and Culmination.
This is on the Jazz Best Albums 1974 playlist at Spotify/Jazz Todayish. 😎