1990 · Album
Precious Energy
Recorded March 6–7, 1987 · Mapleshade Records · Venue: Ethell's, Baltimore, Maryland · Personnel: Leon Thomas (vocals), Gary Bartz (saxophone), Eddie Henderson (trumpet), Bob Butta (piano), Geoff Harper (bass), Steve Johns (drums)
Two Masters in Their Prime, Live in Baltimore
Thomas demonstrates the creamy sound and full force of earlier years, while Bartz's solos are fluid, strong, and expansive.
Precious Energy arrived in 1990 with little fanfare—a live recording from a Baltimore club, released on the independent Mapleshade label when both Leon Thomas and Gary Bartz were working outside the major-label spotlight. But AllMusic reviewer Ron Wynn heard what mattered: two musicians at the height of their powers, feeding off each other with the kind of mutual respect that only comes from years of serious playing. Thomas, known for his experimental vocal techniques with Pharoah Sanders, strips away the yodeling and effects here and simply sings—rich, full-voiced, commanding. Bartz responds in kind, his saxophone solos consistently fluid and expansive, never rushed, never indulgent.
The session benefits from a tight supporting band. Eddie Henderson on trumpet knows how to listen; he complements rather than competes. The rhythm section of pianist Bob Butta, bassist Geoff Harper, and drummer Steve Johns locks in without overplaying. The two-night stand in March 1987 captures something live recordings sometimes miss: the feeling of musicians who have found their groove and are content to stay there, pushing gently rather than frantically.
This is a record for people already drawn to Thomas and Bartz, not a gateway. It doesn't try to be definitive or revolutionary. What it offers instead is evidence of two formidable players proving they still had plenty to say, recorded in the room where they said it. That's enough.
Where next?
More by Gary Bartz
All 29 albums →
