Album: Which Way Is East

Introduction
"Which Way Is East" is a double album released in 2004, including the works of drummer Billy Higgins and multi-instrumentalist Charles Lloyd. It was launched posthumously after Higgins' death in 2001 and functions as a testament to the abundant musical history and powerful chemistry in between the two musicians. The album is divided into two areas-- "What Is Man", which mainly includes Higgins' solo works, and "The Water Is Wide", which is committed to the collective works between the two artists. Both discs showcase the impressive improvisational ability of Higgins and Lloyd and have actually gotten important acclaim for their distinct mix of genres, consisting of jazz, world, and blues.

The History Behind the Album
While Billy Higgins and Charles Lloyd had actually understood each other considering that the early 1960s, they only began interacting in the early 1990s, when Lloyd asked Higgins to join his band along with pianist Cedar Walton and bassist Buster Williams. Their partnership continued up until Higgins' death, and during that time, they developed a deep musical bond and relationship. In reality, in some methods, "Which Way is East" might be seen as an expression of that friendship.

The recordings for the album were made during the recentlies of Higgins' life during a duration of extreme imagination, right before he caught liver cancer. Throughout this time, the 2 musicians played, improvised, and tape-recorded their sessions in the basement of Higgins' home. They would play together, listen to the results, comment on certain passages, and then play some more, try out different instruments, themes, and ideas. It was later on delegated Charles Lloyd, with the aid of producer Dorothy Darr, to arrange through the lots of hours of tapes and create the album that would end up being "Which Way Is East".

What Is Man - Billy Higgins' Solo Works
"What Is Man" includes 15 tracks, primarily including Billy Higgins on drums, however also showcasing his abilities on percussion, guitar, and other instruments. The album highlights his proficiency of many styles, from African-derived percussion to bebop, blues, and beyond. This disc provides a range of musical textures and moods, making it a remarkable listening experience.

Some standout tracks from "What Is Man" include "Kabasa", a hypnotic percussion piece with primary African impacts, and "Blues For Wolff", where Higgins shows his amazing skill with brushes. Another significant track is "Venice", a haunting tune used the Taragato, an instrument similar to a soprano saxophone, which adds a solemn yet uplifting atmosphere to the album.

The Water Is Wide - Collaborative Works of Higgins and Lloyd
The 2nd disc of "Which Way Is East", titled "The Water Is Wide", features a total of 26 tracks where Billy Higgins and Charles Lloyd explore their shared love for improvised music, showcasing their imagination, good understanding, and connection throughout the album. The pieces interweave elements of jazz, blues, and world music leading to a rich sonic experience, unmistakably affected by the special tastes and competence of the two musicians.

Among the memorable tracks from this disc is "Yota 1", a spirited, expressive duet including Higgins on drums and Lloyd on tenor saxophone. Lloyd's flute playing on "Kaycie" and "Sound", two fragile, mesmerizing pieces that supply a reflective atmosphere, even more evinces their flexible musicianship.

Tradition and Reception
"Which Way Is East" has actually been hailed as a masterpiece for its special mix of designs, extraordinary musicianship, and the deep expressions of relationship in between Billy Higgins and Charles Lloyd. The album stands as a testimony to their transformative impact on the world of jazz and the profound impact artists can have upon one another, producing an exceptional creative experience. Critics and listeners alike can concur that "Which Way Is East" is a necessary album for any fan of jazz, world music, or just those who value the power of musical partnership.