Blu Blu Blu is an album by Muhal Richard Abrams released on the Italian Black Saint label in 1991 and features performances of eight of Abrams compositions by a big band. Abrams dedicated the title track on the album to Muddy Waters.
Reception The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow calls the album "One of pianist/composer Muhal Richard Abrams' strongest big-band dates... The music occasionally glances back at the past but mostly looks forward in its own unique way. Recommended".Yanow, S. [ Allmusic Review] accessed 31 March 2009 The music writer Tom Moon includes Blu Blu Blu in his book 1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die, commenting that the album succeeds in creating "unpredictable music distinguished by a bustling big-city exuberance." The Penguin Guide to Jazz awarded the album 4 stars calling it "Abram's best album for some time... this is among one of the most important contemporary big band records".
Track listing All compositions by Muhal Richard Abrams "Plus Equal Minus Balance" - 11:13 "Cycles Five" - 7:55 "Bloodline" - 15:24 "Septone" - 6:32 "Blu Blu Blu" - 9:17 "Petsrof" - 6:29 "One for the Whistler" - 6:51 "Stretch Time" - 13:24 Recorded on 9 & 10 November 1990 at RPM Sound Studios, Inc., New York
Personnel Jack Walrath: trumpet Alfred Patterson: trombone John Purcell: alto saxophone, flute, clarinet Robert De Bellis: alto saxophone, flute, bass clarinet Eugene Ghee: tenor saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet Patience Higgins: clarinet, flute, baritone saxophone Mark Taylor: french horn (track 3) Joe Daley: tuba Brad Jones: bass Lindsey Horner: bass (tracks 2, 4 & 6) David Fiuczynski: guitar Warren Smith: vibraphone, timpani Joel Brandon: whistling Thurman Barker: drums Muhal Richard Abrams: piano, synthesizer, conductor
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