Concept (Sam Rivers album)
Concept is a jazz album by multi-instrumentalist Sam Rivers, released in 1966 on Blue Note Records. It features Rivers primarily on tenor saxophone, along with a quartet including pianist Jaki Byard, bassist Reggie Workman, and drummer Joe Chambers.
The album is considered a significant work in Rivers' discography, showcasing his developing avant-garde tendencies while remaining grounded in the hard bop tradition. The compositions on Concept feature complex harmonies and rhythms, allowing for considerable improvisational freedom for the musicians. Rivers' playing is characterized by its angular phrasing, intense energy, and exploration of extended techniques.
The album consists of the following tracks:
- "Concept"
- "When"
- "Euterpe"
- "Dazzle"
Concept received positive reviews from critics, who praised its innovative approach and the high level of musicianship displayed by all the participants. It is often cited as a key example of the "new thing" or avant-garde jazz movement of the 1960s. The album remains an important document of Rivers' artistic development and a valuable contribution to the Blue Note catalog.