V.S.O.P The Quintet - Live Under The Sky

Musicians:
Freddie Hubbard (Trumpet)
Herbie Hancock (Piano)
Wayne Shorter (Tenor & Soprano Sax)
Ron Carter (Bass)
Tony Williams (Drums)

Songs:

Disc 1
Opening (:47)
Eye of the Hurricane* ((7:48)
Tear Drop (Master Take) (10:34)
Domo (Master Take) (12:35)
Para Oriente (Master Take) (7:28)
Pee Wee (Master Take) (8:13)
One Of Another Kind (Master Take) (20:49)
Fragile (Master Take) (9:41)
Recorded July 26, 1979

Disc 2
Opening* (:23)
Eye Of The Hurricane* (11:26)
Tear Drop* (9:13)
Domo* (11:42)
Para Oriente* (6:51)
Pee Wee* (6:51)
One Of Another Kind* (14:45)
Fragile* (8:32)
Stella By Starlight* (Master Take) (4:46)
On Green Dolphin Street* (Master Take) (2:17)
Recorded July 27, 1979

Note:
*Are previously unreleased recordings
The July 26, 1979 performance has been restored to it's original sequential order of performance and includes the previously unreleased Eye of the Hurricane



Credits:
Original Release (Japan Only) 1980 CBS/Sony 12C36770 Digital Recording
Produced by David Rubinson
Recorded Live at the Denen Coloseum, Tokyo on July 26, 1979

2004 Release Produced by David Rubinson and Bob Beldon
24-bit Remastered
New Liner notes by Herbie Hancock and Bob Beldon (thanks so much Bob!)
Recorded Live at the Denen Coloseum, Tokyo on July 26 and July 27, 1977


Review:
According to the liner notes on the original release, these concerts were among the first to be recorded digitally. Also, the pouring rain during the concert could not keep the highly charged spirits of the Japanese audience of 10,000 fans from enjoying each note played by these Master Musicians. The energy of the fans clearly affected the musicians and the performances here are stellar. Bob Beldon's liner notes provide tremendous insight into the history behind V.S.O.P. including the "blow-by-blow" descriptions of the songs from these historic recordings. He also provides compelling reading about the music industry at that time.

The music style here is what might be called "traditional Jazz" or "acoustic Jazz," and at the time of these recordings, many were crying "foul" because the solo careers of these musicians was anything but traditional, after leaving Miles. However, V.S.O.P. is made up of the cream of the crop, and with 10,000 Japanese fans screaming them on, they delivered a performance very worthy of being released to American audiences for the first time.

It may be significant to note (as some of you reading this might not know), that fans and critics alike have voted each one of the five members of this amazing quintet, to be the number one musician in their respective instrument categories many times. In addition to being considered the best of the best, they have worked together many, many times over the years and are completely comfortable and intuitive playing together.

I am completely at a loss to offer any criticism regarding this recording. While some may question the song list, or the fact that the same songs are played on both discs, just look at the band playing them. Not only are the musicians here unequaled by any contemporary acoustic peer, these guys wanted to play together. All of them put their successful solo careers on hold just play together again. Remember, their first big tour was in 1977, and included stops in the USA. I was fortunate to see them perform at the Greek Theater in Berkeley. Remember also, these guys are the musical legends of our times and they are captured on this recording at the peak of their skills.

V.S.O.P. The Quintet is a special group of musicians making a special piece of musical history that belongs on a special pedestal and revered for the special gifts these talented musicians shared with the world. (The key word here is special...) But seriously, if you are a fan of Jazz in any of it's diverse forms, this Cd is a must have for your collection. Don't forget, it sat in CBS/Sony's vault for 25 years before they gave the ok to release it in the States. Who knows how long it will remain in print. Get it now, before it's gone.

Rick Calic
Keyboards/Drums
www.wenospeak.com
rick@wenospeak.com

This live album is so powerful and sounds so good, it would make even a non-jazz fan take notice. Herbie and the gang sound great on this and I havent heard better drumming from Tony Williams! This group is on fire!

I own an import pressing of Live Under the Sky which I purchased about ten years ago (it includes all of the tracks identified on this release as master takes). It's a great album, but this 24-bit remaster with unreleased takes is even better [IT SOUNDS GREAT]! "Eye of the Hurricane" was not on the original CD release, and Disc 1's take of the Hancock standard is high-water-mark V.S.O.P.
A must have for any Herbie Hancock /Ron Carter /Tony Williams rhythm-section fans. And of course Wayne Shorter is Wayne Shorter.

Jazz at its very best.

At one time, I wasn't a fan of this type of jazz music (forgive me I'm only 25!). With me being a fan of fusion jazz, I once thought this type of jazz was too primitive for my radical taste. The only way I can hear the original bebop jazz flavor is through live recordings (since the performances are often more upbeat and vibrant than the studio versions).

Live under the Sky was the album that change how I felt about jazz and now I can call myself a legitimate jazz fan! This album is one of the best live jazz albums I've ever heard. What makes this album great is Tony Williams. He's the most consistent performer throughout the whole concert. Tony williams is the x factor that breathes life into these performances and brings out the very best in everyone else. Listening to Tony's hammering and precision is equivalent to being in a handicapped boxing match with Ali and Tyson with one hand tied behind your back. Expect to be pounded on!

That's not to discount the rest of the band as Ron Carter turns out some interesting bass vamps (weird yet unique at the same time) while Freddie Hubbard and Wayne Shorter does a solid job on the trumpet and sax respectively. Mr. Hands of course turns out some stellar performances on the piano as always. The collective musicanship between the band is great (like as if the Miles Davis quintet haven't been away from each other too long). While some can nit pick about Miles not being a part of the magic that happens on this album, Freddie Hubbard fits in perfectly with the rest of band with his tiger styled delivery on the trumpet. Wayne Shorter turns out his usual set of exotic chops that gives the performances the sensual beauty amidst all of the aggressive undertones.

Eventhough this album is packed with highlights, there are a few flaws that hold this album back. For starters, is a bonus disc of the same material neccessary. Sony could've simply taken the best performance of each composition from each disc plus the two final tracks on disc two and came out with a much tighter live album (that would've made it a five star album). Another flaw is some of the solo perfomances. While freddie and Wayne does a solid job, you can hear them struggling through some of their performances as they repeat the same sax and trumpet riffs over and over again. Perhaps the biggest flaw is the sound quality of Herbie Hancock's piano performances. How come his piano performances is not as loud and clear as the solo performances from the rest of the band. This is Mr. Hands album! since he's the leader. It's only right that his performances are loud enough for the listeners!

In spite of these setbacks, this album should be in every jazz fans collection. If V.S.O.P. is your weapon of choice, you might wanna get a shot of this!

The critics of this either hate it or love it - to me, it's the perfect blend of rock meets jazz - acoustically. Listen to Eye of the Hurricane from Maiden Voyage and then listen to this version - Tony Williams amazes me! They all seem to play with such emotion on this recording and compared to the VSOP Quintet album - the sound quality is stunning! I don't know which drum solo is better - Byrdlike from The Quintet or the drum solo on this album. Ron Carter really shows his stuff too. I wish they'd release Tempest in the Colesseum in AMERICA! I can't find it anywhere!