His momma called him Leo...

I was up in the Pacific Northwest just recently on a bit of a road trip, and with a bit of driving ahead of me I decided to plug my iPod into the deck and listen to Wadada Leo Smith's box "Kabell Years: 1971-1979." Fantastic! This guy is an amazing trumpet player, the music is very interesting and imaginative and the set (at least for me) just seemed so easy to get into. It ranks very high on my recommendation list--if you don't have it already I suggest checking it out! Fortunately, it is in print and very easy to find, two thinks which would nix it from my blog.

Alternatively, I decided to throw on another of his albums, Smith's 1978 recording for ECM "Divine Love," which, based on its used prices on Amazon.com and AllMusic.com, seems to be out of print. This album has an all-star cast, including Charlie Haden on bass and even an appearance by Lester Bowie and Kenny Wheeler. Things on this album really seem to mesh, despite a less than stunning review at AllMusic.com. If you haven't heard it already, I suggest you give it a listen and then go buy the Kabell box!

Divine Love
Wadada Leo Smith
Released 1978
128 Rate AAC Files

Line-Up:
Dwight Andrews Flute, Clarinet (Bass), Sax (Tenor), Triangle
Lester Bowie Trumpet
Charlie Haden Bass
Bobby Naughton Marimba, Bells, Vibraphone
Wadada Leo Smith Percussion, Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Gong
Kenny Wheeler Trumpet

Track List:
1 Divine Love Smith 21:47
2 Tastalun Smith 6:38
3 Spirituals: Language of Love Smith 15:28

(Link Removed)

Enjoy!