See moreBetween 1979 and 1982, the Miroslav Vitous quartet was the primary outlet for the abundant improvisational skills of leader Vitous and saxophonist John Surman. They made three ECM albums: this eponymously-titled Miroslav Vitous Group - now being released on 180g vinyl simultaneously with its first issue on CD - is the middle one.
Vitous and Surman were well-matched in lots of ways, with roots and influences that extended beyond jazz, a love of playing freely, a commitment to using all the sound potential of their respective instruments: Surman singing at the top of the baritone sax's range to match Miroslav's fiddle-like arco flourishes on the double bass. The redoubtable Jon Christensen shared their passion for playing, as did Kenny Kirkland, just 24 at the time of this session, on his way to becoming one of modern jazz's outstanding pianists. Repertoire includes classic Miroslav pieces ("When Face Gets Pale"), collective improvising, and an early sighting of Surman's relentlessly driving "Number Six".
At the beginning of 2014, ECM issues seven important recordings from its back catalogue, all on 180g vinyl and CD, most of which have been out of stock for many years. For both CD and LP versions, the original analog recordings are issued in deluxe cardboard sleeves.
Personnel: Miroslav Vitous (double bass), John Surman (soprano and baritone saxophones, bass clarinet), Kenny Kirkland (piano), Jon Christensen (drums)