The Bill Dixon Orchestra – Intents and Purposes LP

“After spending the early ’60s playing in groups with Cecil Taylor and Archie Shepp, trumpeter Bill Dixon recorded his singular and visionary masterpiece in 1967. Intents And Purposes remains not only Dixon’s defining statement as a composer, but also one of the most luminous moments in the history of avant-garde jazz. Combining orchestral timbres with free jazz intensity, Dixon leads a ten-piece ensemble including such heavyweights as Byard Lancaster, Robin Kenyatta, Jimmy Garrison and Reggie Workman. Closing each side of the album, ‘Nightfall Pieces I’ and ‘Nightfall Pieces II’ are evocative duets featuring Dixon’s flugelhorn accompanied by flautist George Marge. With Intents And Purposes, Dixon creates a work focused as much on sculpting and defining space — emphasizing moments of resonant stillness around which the compositions thrum and swell — as on purity of expression. This first-time vinyl reissue is recommended for fans of Art Ensemble of Chicago, Anthony Braxton and Henry Cow. ‘One of the richest and most compelling LPs to taunt and tempt listeners into a life of freakdom.’ –John Corbett.”