Grachan Moncur 'Evolution' unique Blue Note LP 1963 NM

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Grachan Moncur III 'Evolution' Blue Note RVG 1963

Label: Blue Note 84253 Stereo

Label note: Side 1 New York, Side 2 Liberty - makes this a rather unique pressing - see photos

Condition

Record: NM- (Play Grade) - RVG, excellent audio 

Jacket: NM- extremely clean, good seams

 About This Recording

One of the new things extremely few trombonists and a greatly underappreciated composer of tremendous evocative power, Grachan Moncur III got his first major exposure on Jackie McLean's groundbreaking 1963 masterpiece, One Step Beyond. Toward the end of the year, most of the same musicians reconvened for Moncur's debut as a leader, Evolution; McLean, vibist Bobby Hutcherson, and drummer Tony Williams are all back, with Bob Cranshaw on bass and an extra voice in trumpeter Lee Morgan, moonlighting from his usual groovy hard bop style.

While Moncur takes a little more solo space here, the main emphasis is on his talent as a composer. The four originals are all extended, multi-sectioned works (the shortest is around eight minutes), all quite ambitious, and all terrifically moody; much of the album sounds sinister and foreboding, and even the brighter material has a twisted, surreal fun-house undercurrent.

Part of that is due to the accuracy with which the musicians interpret Moncur's vision. Hutcherson provides his trademark floating chordal accompaniment, which is crucial to the overall texture; what's more, the album features some of McLean's weirdest playing ever, and some of Morgan's most impressively advanced, as he makes the most of a situation he longed to be in more often.

Of the pieces, "Monk in Wonderland" is the most memorable; its whimsical, angular theme is offset by Hutcherson's mysterious vibes, which create a trippy effect in keeping with the title. "Air Raid" is alternately ominous and terrifyingly frantic, and the funereal title track keeps time only in the pulse of the horns and the backing, which is based entirely on whole notes. With such an inventive debut, it's a shame Moncur didn't record more as a leader, which makes Evolution an even more important item for fans of Blue Note's avant-garde to track down. Steve Huey, All Music Guide

Personnel: Lee Morgan, tumpet; Grachan Moncur, trombone; Jackie McLean, alto; Bobby Hutcherson, vibes; Bob Cranshaw, bass;  Anthony Wlliams, drums

Side 1: Air Raid, Evolution 

Side 2: The Coaster, Monk In Wonderland 

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About Shipping Charges

Domestic

Charges calculated based on 1 of 2 USPS services - Media Mail and Priority Mail.  

Media Mail generally takes 7 days to reach destination, but can take less time to reach destinations located closest to the shipper's state - Pennsylvania.

Priority Mail takes 2-3 days to reach most destinations in the Continental US.

Single LP via First Class $7.00

Single LP via Media Mail $5.00 

Single CD or 45rpm via First Class Mail $4.00 

All shipping charges based on prevailing USPS rates at the time of shipment.

International

Shipping charges shown as a general guide and should be calculated based on shipping service selected (Airmail) and ultimate ‘ship to’ destination.

Shipment of multiple records should be calculated based on package weight.  Here's a general guide:

1 LP 2 lbs (USPS shipped weight)    2 LPs 3 lbs   3 LPs 4 lbs     4 LPs 5 lbs     5 LPs 6 lbs  etc.

PLEASE NOTE: Cost to ship single LP via Air Mail: $12.00 (UK/Europe), $15.00 (Japan/Far East/South America), $8.00 (Canada) – reaches  most destinations within week to 10 days.

Insured Items – please read: USPS stipulates that insured items shipped by Air to overseas destinations must be sent via Air Parcel Post only.  Approximate cost to ship items by Air Parcel Post is roughly twice that of Air Letter Post - $18.00 (European destinations) $25.00 (Far East destinations).   

The cost to ship a single LP via Economy Mail (surface) is approximately $7.00, but can take as long as 10 weeks to reach certain destinations, depending on the level of inspections carried out by Customs Authorities at receiving ports – not recommended.

Single CD or 45rpm record via Air Letter Mail - $7.50 (UK/Europe), $10.00 (Japan/Far East), $8.00 (South America), $6.00 (Canada)

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