CROSSWINDS

I didn't know at the time (late 70's acquisition) what a stella line up this album has. I knew I had Spectrum and luved it so this was snaffled out of a bargain bin. And of course it couldn't be as good as Spectrum so I was mildly disappointed. Luckily I kept hold and as time has gone by I really appreciate the subtleties and nuances here and now know it isn't an all out RTF/MO fiery attack of an album and Abercrombie isn't Tommy Bolin.

Overall there is more emphasis on the jazz instrumentation and I heard a similarity to say Nucleus in the opening track and a this period Zappaesque undercurrent....which I suppose with George Duke having a foot in both camps sort of makes sense. Savannah is mostly a laid back bass slur with a trombone (yup) lead but it fits with the rise and fall of the 'weather concept' that I think the album is meant to push. Am not a drummer so I can't tell you how technically good the solo Storm is but as a representation of the title it is a great piece. The pace is picked up with Flash Flood and Randy Brecker leads with an electric trumpet delivery and Abercrombie shows more subtle chops than Bolin which now I 'get' but back then I wanted 'faster/flashier' please... OK guys it's 1974 so the contractually obliged funk track is due next! It actually is damned good with some great horn arrangements and rock sensibilities although the lawyers might be arguing over the lack of prominence of the whakka whakka guitar countered with 'but we did use Santana style percussion'. Heather has an atmospheric keys opening with a sound (but not the style) of Gentle Giant. It is a slow burn build with echo laden woodwind coming to the fore. And anyone familiar with late 70's/early 80's John Martyn will 'get' the groove. It perhaps overstays its welcome and while not becoming directionless it could lose a couple of minutes. The title track finishes off the album. More up tempo and immediate and again great horn arrangements over a heartbeat err beat. Abercrombie is given a blues drenched with jazz scales chance to shine. Bit thin sound wise but maybe that's exactly how he/they wanted it.

It still isn't Spectrum but it is a very very solid follow up. It is more jazz than rock but you have masters of both crafts fusing the two elements. Yes there was, so still is, slightly better JRF out there from 1974 but it is as 3.75 as a 3.75 rating can get. Of course this obliges me to make it a 4.