Released 2004 Studio Soma Studios, Chicago Back Together Again
(2001) Blue Winter
(2005) Label Thrill Jockey | Recorded December, 2003 Length 72:43 Release date 2004 Genre Jazz | |
Artists Hamid Drake, Fred Anderson Similar Blue Winter, From the River to the Ocean, Dark Day, The Great Vision Concert, Summer Snow | ||
Back Together Again is an album by American jazz saxophonist Fred Anderson with drummer Hamid Drake, which was recorded in 2003 and released on the Thrill Jockey label. They played together for more than 30 years, but this was their first duo recording. A bonus CD-ROM includes footage of three of the tunes along with interviews in which Anderson and Drake dissect the process of how the songs evolve and the different styles and approaches the two use.
Contents
Reception
In his review for AllMusic, Sean Westergaard states "Anderson can spin endlessly creative melodic improvisations on tenor, and Hamid Drake is every bit his equal on the traps and frame drums. It should be no surprise that this set is amazing. Both men are at the top of their game."
The All About Jazz review by Rex Butters says "Hamid Drake and Fred Anderson bring the fruits of their long association to bear and share that magic chemistry as a stunning document of just how much music two people can make."
The JazzTimes review by Mike Shanley notes that "The eight tracks are likely spontaneous improvisations, but each has a structural focus in rhythm and melody. Neither musician pushes at the other too aggressively, preferring instead to move in tandem."
In another review for JazzTimes, Chris Kelsey claims "This is a very solid, occasionally superlative session-proof positive that the best jazz coming from Chicago still has its roots in the AACM."
The PopMatters review by Patrick Sisson states "Back Together Again finally documents an amazing working relationship between two friends and musicians. With such stellar results, it’s almost more unbelievable that nobody has ever had these two record as a duet before."
Track listing
- "Leap Forward" - 7:39
- "Black Women" - 7:23
- "Back Together Again" - 13:49
- "Losel Drolma" - 5:49
- "A Ray from THE ONE" - 9:03
- "Louisiana Strut" - 9:30
- "Know Your Advantage (The Great Tradition)" - 6:42
- "Lama Khgenno (Heart's Beloved)" - 12:48
Personnel
Songs
1Leap Forward7:40
2Black Women (For Beatrice Anderson and Amelia Drake)7:23
3Back Together Again13:49