Until recently, the out-there 1970s legend of Tāmaki Makaurau jazz fusion innovators Dr Tree had remained somewhat obscure, thanks to an inexplicable lack of reissue celebrations. Now, thanks to UK-based label WallenBink, local audiences can once again appreciate the wild styles of drummer Frank Gibson Jr, keys master Murray McNabb, and more, with this remastered reissue of Dr Tree's self-titled 1976 album, complete with bonus tracks, alternate takes, and more. Huzzah! - Flying Out
Originally released in 1976, this highly sought-after local album has been reissued as a limited edition double LP by WallenBink, a UK-based independent record label dedicated to issuing the finest in jazz and beyond.
Pressed on audiophile grade vinyl, the album was restored and remastered at Abbey Road, comes housed in heavyweight gatefold packaging, and features extra tracks and alternate takes.
In 1971, Dr Tree emerged as a highly innovative jazz-fusion ensemble from Auckland, formed by two of New Zealand's most seasoned session musicians, Frank Gibson Jr. and Murray McNabb - the pair had jammed together since grammar school. Drawing sizable crowds while working the Auckland circuit, the band caught the attention of EMI scout, Alan Galbraith, who wasted no time signing them up for an album. Galbraith, a trained musician and adventurous producer, brought in additional support from Julian Lee, an internationally acclaimed arranger and producer (who had recently returned to New Zealand after a decade Stateside on Frank Sinatra's insistence). The album's an all-instrumental excursion into territory mapped out by the likes of Return To Forever, Weather Report and Tony Williams Lifetime - all acolytes of Miles Davis's late- 60s explorations. The session combines experimental studio techniques with blazing artistry, juxtapositioning trippy electronic textures and improvised jazz, creating a hypnotic kaleidoscope of sound.
Tracklist
- Frank Gibson Jnr. - The Twilight Zone
- Stanley Clarke - Vulcan Worlds
- Martin Winch - Transition
- Kim Paterson - Eugino D
- Murray McNabb - Affirmation
- Frank Gibson Jnr. - One For Dianne
- Frank Gibson Jnr. - Mood Waltz
- Murray McNabb - Affirmation (Alt take)
- Frank Gibson Jnr. - The Drum
- Kim Paterson - Eugino D (Alt take)
- Murray McNabb - Fourth World
- Tony Williams - Wildlife
