Judgment!＜限定盤＞

アルフレッド・ライオンがセロニアス・モンクと同じくらいユニークな存在だと考え、熱意を持って録音したというアンドリュー・ヒルの1964年録音作品。
モダンジャズの先見の明のある4人組、ボビー・ハッチャーソン、リチャード・デイヴィス、エルヴィン・ジョーンズとともに録音されしたもので、ヒルが5ヶ月間に録音した3枚目のクラシックアルバムであり、この期間には『Black Fire』と『Point of Departure』も制作された。
シングル・ジャケット仕様

〈パーソネル〉
Andrew Hill (p)
Bobby Hutcherson (vibes)
Richard Davis (b)
Elvin Jones (ds)

Augmenting his rhythm section of bassist Richard Davis and drummer Elvin Jones with vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, pianist Andrew Hill records an excellent set of subdued but adventurous post-bop with Judgment. Without any horns, the mood of the session is calmer than Black Fire, but Hill's compositions take more risks than before. Close listening reveals how he subverts hard bop structure and brings in rhythmic and harmonic elements from modal jazz and the avant-garde. The harmonic structure on each composition is quite complex, fluctuating between dissonant chords and nimble, melodic improvisations. Naturally, Hill's playing shines in this self-created context, but Hutcherson equals the pianist with his complex, provocative solos and unexpected melodic juxtapositions. Jones shifts the rhythms with style, and his solos are exceptionally musical, as is Davis' fluid bass. The combination of the band's intricate interplay and the stimulating compositions make Judgment another important release from Hill. It may require careful listening, but the results are worth it. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine