Stone Alliance

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On “Root Down”—a standout track from the Beastie Boys’ 1994 classic <i>Ill Communication</i>—rapper Ad-Rock delivers a shout-out to a jazz classic: “I’m like ‘Sweetie-Pie’ by the Stone Alliance/Everybody know I’m known for dropping science.” It was a reference to the mighty Stone Alliance, a power trio of the high fusion era whose self-titled 1976 debut is now beloved by crate-digger, DJ, and diehard jazz fans alike. The versatile Gene Perla, who played electric ba, co-founded the group with Don Alia, a veteran of Miles Davis’ <i>Bitches Brew</i> session. On tenor sax is the incendiary Steve Grossman, one of John Coltrane’s greatest heir, who at 19 had replaced Wayne Shorter in Miles Davis’ visionary band. Grossman and Perla also shared a close connection as members of Elvin Jones’ historic quartet with Dave Liebman. Drawing on aspects of post-Coltrane jazz, Afro-Latin music and urban funk/R&B, the three unleash quite a maelstrom of sound on <i>Stone Alliance</i>. It’s as sparse as Sonny Rollins’ groundbreaking trio work of the late 1950, only this time updated with a 1970s New York edge. “Sweetie-Pie,” one of four Don Alias tune, is indeed a banger, with Perla overdubbing hip Rhodes chords in the B section. There’s also Rhodes on the sublimely understated cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Creepin’,” with Alias on conga, caressing the beat. Grossman’s “King Tut,” meanwhile, is slow and sinuou, ebbing and flowing—but still a springboard for sheer tenor ferocity. “Duet” is a Coltrane-style blowout with Grossman and Alias in ecstatic accord for nearly six straight minute, while Alias’ “Samba de Negro” closes at a full-tilt tempo. .

via Apple Music

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