Frederiksberg Records reissues rare 1973 deep spiritual jazz recording ‘Compass Rises’

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Frederiksberg Records reissues rare 1973 deep spiritual jazz recording ‘Compass Rises’

Another incredible reissue recently issued by Frederiksberg Records, is the highly obscure 1973 deep spiritual jazz private press recording by New York-based quartet Compass, titled Compass Rises.

The album represents the only recording by the quartet, which was regularly active in upstate New York between 1969 and 1974. Brilliant from start to finish, the record features a superb selection of tracks that fluctuate between post-Coltrane modal and deep spiritual grooves to jazz-funk with a touch of Latin-influenced percussion (especially on “Sunflower”, which has some slight resemblance to to Freddie Hubbard’s “Little Sunflower”). This reissue release also includes a live bonus track “Rain Dance”, which often made it into the group’s live sets.

Rounding out the acoustic-electric band was saxophonist and bass clarinetist Rick Lawn, keyboardist Joel Chase, bassist Tom Ives (doubling on flugelhorn), and drummer Al Colone. On the LP, percussion duties were shared across the band as well as an conguero, Ken Parmele.

With original copies almost impossible to find and going for anywhere between $600-1,000, it’s great to see this album receive an official reissue for new generations of listeners to enjoy. I recommend moving fast on this one, as only 500 copies were pressed and I expect them to sell quickly.