Hal-Mel
Alone Together
***and1/2 out of *****
Battiste and Lastie were co-founders of A.F.O records and managed to record this music when they alone in the studio together (hence the title) during 1970. Unfortunately Lastie unexpectedly passed away in 1972 and a few years later in 1976 the New Orleans legendary producer, arranger, composer and musician Batiste released the album to little fanfare.
The record was a refuge from the music industry/business details the pair needed to run the label and allowed the longtime friends to become musical partners. The music on Alone Together is relaxed, lively and of the early 70's era with cosmic touches of Miles Davis and more. It opens with the aptly titled "Relax" as as the fluttering light/smooth jazz pushes forward on excellent bass work and bopping sax.
The funky and upbeat "Ignant" uses great organ and wah-wah while "Cold, Walkin' In The Sun" is laid back lounge jazz with smokey sax work and restrained drums, sounding like it could be a theme song to a mid-70's sitcom. The brass work nails the short "Promises Promises" while the side A closing atmospheric "Alfie" is the only tune that misses the mark, running long and feeling a touch forced.
The B side kicks off with "What Are You Doing For The Rest Of Your Life" as smooth trumpet and ethereal sounds waft over the proceedings. "Ecology Walk" just may be the albums highlight track as it builds into funky goodness with guitar lines, and a stretched out groove built on fine drumming. The album ends on two more experimental notes as "This Can't Be The End" mixes restrained and funky with odd sax work and the closing title track gets the bass moving and spacey to wrap up.
The pair of Battiste and Lastie probably recorded these for fun to blow off some steam, but with Lastie's passing Battiste honored his friend (and the record club gave it a new life) with the fun release, Alone Together.
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Join the club, peep some video below:
Join the club, peep some video below:
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