THE COMPLETE ESP-DISK RECORDINGS contains: STAYING ON THE WATCH (1966)/MUSIC FROM THE SPHERES (1967). Includes bonus track interviews with Sonny Simmons.
Personnel include: Sonny Simmons (alto saxophone); Bert Wilson (tenor saxophone); Barbara Donald (trumpet); John Hicks (piano); Juney Booth, Teddy Smith (double bass); James Zitro, Marvin Pattillo (percussion).
Recording information: 08/1966; 12/1966.
THE COMPLETE ESP-DISK RECORDINGS is a definitive snapshot of Sonny Simmons's art. The two-disc set comprises two albums from 1966 (STAYING ON THE WATCH and MUSIC FROM THE SPHERES), both of which represent his wildly exploratory style to fine effect. Also included are extensive interviews with Simmons, featuring conversations on everything from Eric (Simmons worked with him in the early '60s), his wife (the trumpeter Barbara Donald), and the state of the avant garde. This is a sure bet for any fan of '60s free jazz.