GEORGE RUSSELL SEXTET: EZZTHETICS
(Riverside RS-9375 © 1961, Riverside/OJC OJCCD-070-2 © 1992)

TRACK LISTING
Ezz-thetic (George Russell)
Nardis (Miles Davis / arr. George Russell)
Lydiot (George Russell)
Thoughts (George Russell)
Honesty (Dave Baker)
'Round Midnight (Monk-Williams / arr. George Russell)

PERSONNEL
George Russell - piano; Don Ellis - trumpet; Eric Dolphy - alto sax, bass clarinet; Dave Baker - trombone; Steve Swallow - bass; Joe Hunt - drums

REVIEW
Ahh…one of my favorite jazz albums, particularly because it features both Don AND the late great Eric Dolphy. I wish these two were paired-up more often. Also impressive is trombonist Dave Baker, who completes the front line. Russell is an underrated composer/arranger, and his songs are a challenging listen. Standouts in this set are the complex title track, "Honesty," and Dolphy's affecting treatment of "'Round Midnight." Post-bop music at its best, played by some really inspiring musicians. If you like Don's small group albums, you'll definitely dig this one, too.