The Grip


The Grip is a live debut album by jazz saxophonist Arthur Blythe which was recorded at the Brook, New York City in 1977 and released on the India Navigation label. The album was released on CD as a compilation with Metamorphosis which was recorded at the same concert.

Reception

The Allmusic review by Eugene Chadbourne awarded the album 4 stars and states "Jazz listeners who want to get "lost in space" can consider this tasty slab of late-'70s indie jazz akin to a ticket on the Mars shuttle. Arthur Blythe and his associates on this record occupied one of the more spirited creative edges of the New York free jazz scene. The energy and determination with which the group plays is in itself an aspect that can make the sounds of other groups appear somewhat mummified".

Track listing

  1. "The Grip" - 7:15
  2. "Spirits in the Field" - 8:36
  3. "Sunrise Service" - 7:54
  4. "Lower Nile" - 4:02
  5. "As of Yet" - 12:37
  6. "My Son Ra" - 3:22

    Personnel