Summit Conference (album)

''Summit Conference'' is an album by bassist/composer Reggie Workman. It was recorded on December 5 & 6, 1993 in New York City, and was released by Postcards Records in 1994. On the album, Workman is joined by multi-instrumentalist Sam Rivers, trombonist Julian Priester, pianist Andrew Hill, and drummer Pheeroan akLaff.

Regarding the title of the album, Workman wrote: "we have recorded a unique CD which has the musical mark of my personal experience and direction but in no way stifles or compromises the wonderful musical resources assembled. It is a true summit conference."

Reception

A reviewer for ''DownBeat'' magazine awarded the album 4.5 stars and stated: "the virtuoso veterans on ''Summit Conference'' create highly structured, tightly focused improvisations that sound ripe, rich, and fully mature--neither fresh nor stale..."

The authors of the '' Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings'' awarded the album 4 stars, and called ''Summit Conference'' and ''Cerebral Caverns'' "cracking records made by top-flight players," commenting: "the ''Summit Conference'' group has a wish-list quality and delivers from the very start."

Writing for AllMusic, David R. Adler awarded the album 4.5 stars, calling it "inspired," and remarked: "By the usual standards of these highly adventurous players, the record is relatively accessible, but it does makes for challenging listening."

Track listing

# "Encounter" ( John Carter) - 7:45
# "Estelle's Theme" (Reggie Workman) - 4:05
# "Conversation" (Sonelius Smith) - 10:13
# "Meteor" (Sam Rivers) - 5:34
# "Solace" (Sam Rivers)- 4:19
# "Summit Conference" (Reggie Workman) - 8:32
# "Breath" (Julian Priester) - 6:54
# "Gone" (Andrew Hill) - 9:21

Personnel

* Reggie Workman – bass
* Sam Rivers – tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute
* Julian Priester – trombone
* Andrew Hill – piano
* Pheeroan akLaff – drums

Production

* Ralph Simon – producer
* Sibyl R. Golden – executive producer

References

{{Reflist

1994 albums
Reggie Workman albums