Impulse! 1968
01. Journey to the East
02. Pars Fortuna (Parts of Fortune)
03. The Look of Love
04. Song Plum
05. Arc 294
06. Lady Friend
07. Antares
Bill Plummer was a successful double bass player in jazz when he took off to India. Finding himself, immersing in Eastern mysticism and music; not an uncommon journey. On his return, he recorded this fusion L.P. It's not all great, but there are some interesting ideas and moments that dazzle.
Highlights include the opening track, essentially the story of Bill's journey. A hip, almost spoken word vocal describes the adventure, while the sitar heavy sixties backing swings away. The instrumental break points at something more interesting; traditional Indian music with free jazz. Heady.
There's the vibraphone and sitar led take on the underplayed Byrds classic 'Lady Friend', but the real treasure is Arc 294. Essentially the aforementioned Indian/free jazz hybrid, but stretched to a ten minute freak out.
Worth checking out.
