The Apostolic Session
Inky Dot, 2020
9/10
Listen to The Apostolic Session
The late Judy Stuart leaves us with a pair of tunes that were intended to be demo recordings that she hoped the Vanguard label might include in its early releases of quadraphonic surround sound recordings. Instead, we’re treated to them on this 10” slab of wax that’s well packaged, aesthetically pleasing visually, and contains plenty of information.
Side A offers us “Inspiration”, where Shelly Rusten’s incredible, primitive drumming and Stuart’s vocal acrobatics make an immediate impression as guitars from Paul Nash and Monty Renov complement the free form jazz meets Woodstock-ish folk rock. Sometimes disjointed and always iconoclastic, this first track display rhythm in the most unconventional way.
Side B, “Nickel Bag Of Tears”, is just as unpredictable, as contributions from Calo Scott’s cello and Burton Greene’s piano accent the acid-jazz and psychedelic tendencies that are as perplexing as they are fascinating.
Amazingly, this was recorded way back in 1969, and is now only being released 2 years after Stuart passed away. A swan song like no other, Stuart was clearly far ahead of her time on this avant-garde experience that all liberal ears for jazz and folk will admire.
Travels well with: Jason Kao Hwang- Human Rites Trio; The Nels Cline 4- Currents, Constellations