Remembering a Jazz Masterpiece: Andrew Hill's Point of Departure

Today is the anniversary of the recording of jazz piano legend Andrew Hill's 1964 album Point of Departure. Andrew Hill was one of the pioneers of post-bop jazz, clearing the path that Thelonious Monk began paving at the beginning of the decade.

Point of Departure features Kenny Dorham (trumpet), Eric Dolphy (flute, alto saxophone, bass clarinet), Richard Davis (bass), and Anthony Williams (drums).

"Dedication", the final track on the album, was originally named "Cadaver", and you can sense that in the tone of the song. It plays like a dirge, Dolphy's clarinet crying in scattered patterns, and Williams' snare drum tumbling like a dead branch. In contrast, Hill's playing is profoundly expressive and controlled, and towards the end of the song Dorham's trumpet provides a glimmer of hope.

If you like this, also check out Hill's album Black Fire, and Eric Dolphy's classic Out to Lunch!.