Yusef Lateef’s interpolation into his music of traditions, modes, and instruments of Asia struck a sympathetic chord in the jazz audience. Perhaps its fascination lay in the apparently inextinguishable human need for mysticism, perhaps in the unending attraction of the sadness and beauty of minor keys. At any rate, there was considerable demand for Lateef’s many recordings of the late 1950s and early ‘60s that reflected his fascination with things oriental. Eastern Sounds, in fact, was one of his best sellers. One of the warmest and most accessible soloists in jazz, Lateef is a master not only of conventional reed instruments but many unconventional ones. Here, using only tenor saxophone, flute, and oboe, he generates mystery and exoticism
Originally released in 1962, jazz multi-instrumentalist Yusef Lateef’s Eastern Sounds fuses hard bop with middle eastern music as he is joined by Barry Harris on piano alongside Ernie Farrow (double bass, rabaab) and Lex Humphries (drums)
This new edition is released as part of the newly relaunched Original Jazz Classics Series
All-analog mastering from the original tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio
Pressed on 180-gram vinyl at RTI
Single tip-on jacket with obi spine wrap.
Track Listing:
Side A
1. The Plum Blossom
2. Blues For The Orient
3. Ching Miau
4. Don’t Blame Me Side B
1. Love Theme From Spartacus
2. Snafu
3. Purple Flower
4. Love Theme From Robe
5. The Three Faces Of Balal
