Re-mastering by: Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London

Trumpeter/ flügelhornist Charles Tolliver often straddled the line between the lyricism of hard bop and the adventurous nature of the avant-garde. Released in 1975, Impact contained a stimulating progressive edge within an energetic large band (14 horns, eight strings, and rhythm section) format.

Tolliver’s arrangements are consistently bright and build momentum, while the soloists are given sufficient room to manoeuvre through the multiple textures. Featured soloists in the remarkable reed section include Charles McPherson, James Spaulding, George Coleman, and Harold Vick.

Trumpeter Chrarles Tolliver was, with Stanley Cowell , the co-founder of the pioneering artist – owned Strata -East label, home of many crucial 1970s jazz recordings from the likes of Pharoah Saunders, Clifford Jordan, Gil Scott-Heron and, of course, Tolliver himself.
Many of his recordings for the label – including this one, re-released on vinyl by Pure Pleasure Records – are landmarks in 1970s jazz, straddling the line between ahrd bop and the avant-garde and possessed of a singular artistic vision. Released in 1975, Impact (not to be confused with Tolliver’s 1972 quartet album of the same name, released, on Enja) carried on with the energetic large band format that Tolliver had experimented with on 1971’s influential Music Inc. album, but with the addition of a string section.

The trumpeter composed, arranged, conducted and produced the entire project, a testament to both his energy and his huge talents, and the sheer quality of the musicians involved means a splendid time is guaranteed for all.