Firebirds

Firebirds

Firebirds

ASIN: B000000Z8W

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
One of the West Coast's less-heralded but ceaselessly innovative units, the double-reed team of Prince Lasha and Sonny Simmons put their own spin on post-Ornette Coleman jazz during the '60s. The unique team paired Simmons, an Oakland native, with Texan Prince Lasha, the latter a childhood chum and early bandmate of Coleman. By using a unique battery of reed instruments that focused on the upper and middle registers (alto saxes, English horn, flutes, and alto clarinet) while spurning the tenor, the band defined its own tonal turf--a choice made all the more obvious on this recording by the decision to employ vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson instead of a pianist. The result is an unusually delicate sound applied to robust and challenging compositions, suggesting a fusion of Eric Dolphy and Ornette Coleman, and paving the way for the kind of ensembles often heard during the loft movement of the '70s and '80s. Standouts include the Charlie Parker tribute "Prelude to Bird," the lilting "Island Song," and the incandescent title track. --Fred Goodman

Firebirds,Prince Lasha,Sonny Simmons,Ojc,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop
Firebirds
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Overlooked classic
  • Passionate, Intense, Yet Beautiful
  • 'Birds in Flight
  • a Great surprise
  • Essential Modern Jazz
 Firebirds
Prince Lasha With Sonny Simmons
Manufacturer: Ojc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Avant Garde & Free JazzAvant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Cry!
  2. Fuchsia Swing Song
  3. The Way Ahead
  4. Lenox Avenue Breakdown
  5. Dialogue

ASIN: B000000Z8W
Release Date: 1993-08-20

Tracks:

  1. The Island Song
  2. Psalms Of Solomon
  3. Prelude To Bird
  4. The Loved Ones
  5. Firebirds

Amazon.com

One of the West Coast's less-heralded but ceaselessly innovative units, the double-reed team of Prince Lasha and Sonny Simmons put their own spin on post-Ornette Coleman jazz during the '60s. The unique team paired Simmons, an Oakland native, with Texan Prince Lasha, the latter a childhood chum and early bandmate of Coleman. By using a unique battery of reed instruments that focused on the upper and middle registers (alto saxes, English horn, flutes, and alto clarinet) while spurning the tenor, the band defined its own tonal turf--a choice made all the more obvious on this recording by the decision to employ vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson instead of a pianist. The result is an unusually delicate sound applied to robust and challenging compositions, suggesting a fusion of Eric Dolphy and Ornette Coleman, and paving the way for the kind of ensembles often heard during the loft movement of the '70s and '80s. Standouts include the Charlie Parker tribute "Prelude to Bird," the lilting "Island Song," and the incandescent title track. --Fred Goodman

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Overlooked classic.......2002-08-15

Altoists Sonny Simmons and Prince Lasha are not household names, even in the world of 60s avant-garde jazz. But Firebirds is without a doubt one of the classics of the genre, forgotten and ignored because it wasn't recorded for Blue Note or Impulse.

The one bona-fide superstar on Firebirds is vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, whose playing here is terrific and especially loopy. Drummer Charles Moffett (best known for his work with Ornette Coleman's trio) is like a percussive trampoline and Buster Williams rounds out the group with his strong basslines.

But Simmons and Lasha are the ones who steal the show; their playing is melodic and joyous, alternating solos with animated dialogues. The music reminds me a little of Ornette's Golden Circle trio, but the playing is generally more "inside" and the vibes give it an Out-to-Lunchish flavor. "Psalms of Solomon" is especially amazing -- Moffett sets up a percolating groove with Lasha on flute and Simmons on English horn, but over 11 minutes it gets increasingly frantic and intense. "The Island Song" is very catchy, and on "Prelude to Bird" the two leaders pay tribute to Mr. Parker. The wild title track lives up to its name and may scare some hard bop fans, though it's quite tame compared to what Coltrane and Cecil Taylor were doing at the time.

Firebirds is highly recommended for any fan of freebop and the more melodic side of avant-garde jazz. It's also a lot of fun to listen to.

5 out of 5 stars Passionate, Intense, Yet Beautiful.......2001-02-15

A stunning album. Yes, it's "free" and "out," but it's also very lyrical and emotional music. One of Hutcherson's best performances, by the way. Tip: If Dave Holland's "Conference of the Birds" is one of your favorite albums, you have to hear this.

5 out of 5 stars 'Birds in Flight.......2000-11-19

This is a stellar reissue, but lacks the earlier LP on Contemporary by this duo that more than one person I've met thinks is the greatest Jazz record ever made (oooh, that's a bold statement, I know)... called "The Cry!". Get this one and lobby Fantasy to reissue the other one as well!

5 out of 5 stars a Great surprise.......2000-07-27

Listening to the music here made me feel like I discovered an unknown traesure. I mean, the music is so fresh and exciting, and yet I came across it by pure chance ! The fact that this CD is not more celebrated is injustice to its creators. Please note that vibist Bobby Hutcherson is also here, as on Out TO Lunch, and his own amazing albums. So, maybe he is the added ingredient that makes this an indispensible CD. The CD is heaven for wind instrumentalists, as you can hear the Saxophones, flute and bass clarinet played superbly. No flaws.

5 out of 5 stars Essential Modern Jazz.......2000-07-18

"Firebirds" is essential modern jazz. This album should be mentioned in the same breath as modern jazz classics like Andrew Hill's "Point of Departure," Bobby Hutcherson's "Dialogue," and Eric Dolphy's "Out to Lunch." Prince Lasha and Sonny Simmons have appeared together on record before -- Jimmy Garrison/Elvin Jones' "Illumination," and Eric Dolphy's "Conversations" and "Iron Man" -- and they are one of the dynamic duos of the 60s avant-garde. Any fan of the outward thinking jazz of the 60s will be remiss at not buying this album sooner. And since it's a limited edition, you'll be kicking yourself if you don't get it.
Light My Fire
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Light My Fire
    Firebirds
    Manufacturer: Radioactive
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
    Psychedelic RockPsychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B000216W22
    Release Date: 2006-08-01

    Tracks:

    1. Warm Up
    2. Reflections
    3. Bye Baby
    4. Free Bass
    5. Free Drum
    6. Free Fuzz
    7. Gypsy Fire
    8. Delusions
    9. No Tomorrows
    10. Light My Fire

    Album Description

    A thoroughly intriguing & engaging album that appeared on the Crown label in 1969. Absolutely nothing is known about the band other than their albums have become highly sought-after for their over-the-top heavy psych-blues-rock mayhem that owes much to Hendrix, Iron Butterfly, & Blue Cheer's 'Vincebus Eruptum' (1968). Radioactive. 2004.
    Let's Go
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Let's Go
      Firebirds
      Manufacturer: Pollytone
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
      RockabillyRockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B0000250BN
      Release Date: 1998-01-01

      Tracks:

      1. King of Love
      2. Two Hearts Two Kisses
      3. Do What Lovers Do
      4. Morse Code of Love
      5. Be Bopa Leba
      6. Wise Up
      7. Down the Road
      8. Come Back My Love
      9. I've Had Enough
      10. Way You Look Tonight
      11. I Just Can't Wait
      12. How Low Can You Feel
      13. Trickle Trickle
      14. Back Up Baby
      15. Crazy Crazy Party
      16. Looking for You
      17. Worlds Away
      18. Who Slapped John
      19. Sh'boom
      20. Can't Keep Up the Pace
      Taking by Storm
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Taking by Storm
        Firebirds
        Manufacturer: Pollytone
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
        RockabillyRockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B00004XNNJ
        Release Date: 1991-01-01

        Tracks:

        1. King of Love
        2. She's the Most
        3. Drivin' Wheel
        4. Such a Long Way
        5. 59 Ford
        6. Two Timin' Lover
        7. Broken Heart
        8. Sho Bop
        9. Wild Cat
        10. Saturday Night at the Duck Pond
        11. Mais Ous
        12. Jeanie Jeanie Jeanie
        13. Sexy & 17
        14. Please Me Tonight
        15. Long Tall Girl
        16. Down the Road
        17. Rockabilly Man
        Firebirds
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • Overlooked classic
        • Passionate, Intense, Yet Beautiful
        • 'Birds in Flight
        • a Great surprise
        • Essential Modern Jazz
        		 Firebirds
        Prince Lasha With Sonny Simmons
        Manufacturer: Contemporary
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        Avant Garde & Free JazzAvant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
        Similar Items:
        1. The Cry!
        2. Fuchsia Swing Song
        3. The Way Ahead
        4. Lenox Avenue Breakdown
        5. Dialogue

        ASIN: B0000081HD
        Release Date: 1968-01-01

        Tracks:

        1. Island Song
        2. Psalms of Solomon
        3. Prelude to Bird
        4. Loved Ones
        5. Firebirds

        Amazon.com

        One of the West Coast's less-heralded but ceaselessly innovative units, the double-reed team of Prince Lasha and Sonny Simmons put their own spin on post-Ornette Coleman jazz during the '60s. The unique team paired Simmons, an Oakland native, with Texan Prince Lasha, the latter a childhood chum and early bandmate of Coleman. By using a unique battery of reed instruments that focused on the upper and middle registers (alto saxes, English horn, flutes, and alto clarinet) while spurning the tenor, the band defined its own tonal turf--a choice made all the more obvious on this recording by the decision to employ vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson instead of a pianist. The result is an unusually delicate sound applied to robust and challenging compositions, suggesting a fusion of Eric Dolphy and Ornette Coleman, and paving the way for the kind of ensembles often heard during the loft movement of the '70s and '80s. Standouts include the Charlie Parker tribute "Prelude to Bird," the lilting "Island Song," and the incandescent title track. --Fred Goodman

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Overlooked classic.......2002-08-15

        Altoists Sonny Simmons and Prince Lasha are not household names, even in the world of 60s avant-garde jazz. But Firebirds is without a doubt one of the classics of the genre, forgotten and ignored because it wasn't recorded for Blue Note or Impulse.

        The one bona-fide superstar on Firebirds is vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, whose playing here is terrific and especially loopy. Drummer Charles Moffett (best known for his work with Ornette Coleman's trio) is like a percussive trampoline and Buster Williams rounds out the group with his strong basslines.

        But Simmons and Lasha are the ones who steal the show; their playing is melodic and joyous, alternating solos with animated dialogues. The music reminds me a little of Ornette's Golden Circle trio, but the playing is generally more "inside" and the vibes give it an Out-to-Lunchish flavor. "Psalms of Solomon" is especially amazing -- Moffett sets up a percolating groove with Lasha on flute and Simmons on English horn, but over 11 minutes it gets increasingly frantic and intense. "The Island Song" is very catchy, and on "Prelude to Bird" the two leaders pay tribute to Mr. Parker. The wild title track lives up to its name and may scare some hard bop fans, though it's quite tame compared to what Coltrane and Cecil Taylor were doing at the time.

        Firebirds is highly recommended for any fan of freebop and the more melodic side of avant-garde jazz. It's also a lot of fun to listen to.

        5 out of 5 stars Passionate, Intense, Yet Beautiful.......2001-02-15

        A stunning album. Yes, it's "free" and "out," but it's also very lyrical and emotional music. One of Hutcherson's best performances, by the way. Tip: If Dave Holland's "Conference of the Birds" is one of your favorite albums, you have to hear this.

        5 out of 5 stars 'Birds in Flight.......2000-11-19

        This is a stellar reissue, but lacks the earlier LP on Contemporary by this duo that more than one person I've met thinks is the greatest Jazz record ever made (oooh, that's a bold statement, I know)... called "The Cry!". Get this one and lobby Fantasy to reissue the other one as well!

        5 out of 5 stars a Great surprise.......2000-07-27

        Listening to the music here made me feel like I discovered an unknown traesure. I mean, the music is so fresh and exciting, and yet I came across it by pure chance ! The fact that this CD is not more celebrated is injustice to its creators. Please note that vibist Bobby Hutcherson is also here, as on Out TO Lunch, and his own amazing albums. So, maybe he is the added ingredient that makes this an indispensible CD. The CD is heaven for wind instrumentalists, as you can hear the Saxophones, flute and bass clarinet played superbly. No flaws.

        5 out of 5 stars Essential Modern Jazz.......2000-07-18

        "Firebirds" is essential modern jazz. This album should be mentioned in the same breath as modern jazz classics like Andrew Hill's "Point of Departure," Bobby Hutcherson's "Dialogue," and Eric Dolphy's "Out to Lunch." Prince Lasha and Sonny Simmons have appeared together on record before -- Jimmy Garrison/Elvin Jones' "Illumination," and Eric Dolphy's "Conversations" and "Iron Man" -- and they are one of the dynamic duos of the 60s avant-garde. Any fan of the outward thinking jazz of the 60s will be remiss at not buying this album sooner. And since it's a limited edition, you'll be kicking yourself if you don't get it.
        Kolory
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		Kolory
          Firebirds
          Manufacturer: Universal/Polygram
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B0000087BV
          Release Date: 1997-02-10

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