CiTR

The name Grachan Moncur might not immediately register with Jazz fans but he was one of the movers and shakers of Modern Jazz in the mid-60's and he was one of the young musicians who pushed the boundries of the music at that time. His trombone work owes little or nothing to J.J. Johnson and co. and he developed an individual concept on that difficult horn. It was his compositions that were unique and very fresh. Moncur did two albums for Blue Note and this is his second called "Some Other Stuff". His previous recordings were mostly with a loose knit band that Moncur had with altoist Jackie McLean but this date was with a hand-picked group by Mr. Moncur. His trombone is blended with Wayne Shorter's tenor saxophone for a perfect tonal match. Herbie Hancock has the chops and adventuresome spirit to compliment the compositions and virtuoso bassist Cecil McBee enhances the tunes as well. Providing some very creative drumming is 19 year old Tony (Anthony) Williams who is perfect for this ensemble. There are only four compositions on this date and the tunes are long enough for the players to stretch out on. Moncur later went into teaching and mentoring but this Blue Note recording is one of his masterpieces and it it what he'll be remembered for. Some Other Stuff indeed!!!!