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The most overlooked, under-appreciated album in the Blue Note catalog that swings powerfully with a fearless sense of adventure. Elvin Jones ‘Genesis’ is a prime example of the old adage “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, and I’m not sure if my crappy photo helps or hurts! This is high-intensity, interstellar post-bop delivered with near-telepathic elegance by the piano-less quintet of Elvin Jones (drums) Frank Foster (tenor sax/alto flute/alto clarinet) Joe Farell (tenor/soprano sax) David Leibman (tenor/soprano sax) and Gene Perla (bass). This is a truly FANTASTIC, far-reaching, inventive (not quite out-there enough to be considered avant garde) and multi-faceted set that packs a visceral wallop while blowing your mind. Listen to this one when you’re ready to LISTEN. And you’ll want a strong cup o’ coffee as your co-pilot. I can hear why Music Matters chose this (comparatively) obscure record to release amongst its library of classics: sonically, this record is a *BEAST*—the Notorious RVG was at the top of his game. And what is there to say about Elvin Jones except that listening to this record, he sounds like the mightiest drummer to walk the earth. Thunderous. Standout track: “Three Card Molly”. Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder Studios, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 12 Feb 1971. #elvinjones# joefarrell #musicmattersjazz #frankfoster #davidleibman #geneperla

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