Although not quite a household name in the jazz world,
Alvin Fielder has quite a résumé in jazz history. He was a member of
Sun Ra's Arkestra during the second half of the 1950s, played drums on
Roscoe Mitchell's groundbreaking
Sound LP, was one of the founders of the AACM, and has played with creative musicians for decades. The music on
A Measure of Vision, even at its freest, is somewhat mellow and lyrical.
Dennis Gonzalez displays a thoughtful style and a warm sound on trumpet (he is in top form) while pianist
Chris Parker gives a modal feel to some of the songs. Most of the set features a trumpet-piano-drums trio. Bassist Aaron
Gonzalez is on two numbers, playing so well that one wishes he were present much more. Stefan Gonzalez is on second drums and vibes on two songs, one of which includes Aaron Gonzalez. They are sons of
Dennis. Overall the music is at times a bit of a throwback to the late '60s ("Max-well" quotes "A Love Supreme") while not merely copying the past and looking ahead. This CD points out how aspects of that early modern creative music era are now the jazz mainstream. This set contains plenty of surprises along the way and is rewarded by repeat listenings. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow