A Well Kept Secret

Corbett Vs. Dempsey present the first CD reissue of Beaver Harris and Don Pullen 360º Experience's A Well-Kept Secret, originally released on Shemp Records in 1984. Of all the never-issued-on-CD items in history's dustbin, A Well-Kept Secret is perhaps the most egregious. The beautiful studio recording, made under the watchful ear of überproducer Hal Willner, was first issued on LP in 1985 on Willner's own Shemp label. With it's unconventional lineup featuring steel drums, Latin percussion, and French horns, along with the co-leaders' drum-kit and piano, it is among the most wonderful outings of it's decade. Pullen was in top form, his inside-outside approach to the keyboard perhaps optimally heard on the exuberant "Double Arc Jake", where the bright melody suddenly breaks into pieces, snapping back into miraculous shape. The band includes Hamiet Bluiett on baritone saxophone and Ricky Ford on tenor saxophone, along with Buster Williams on bass, Francis Hayes on steel pans, and a special brass section led by Sharon Freeman on the 17-minute "Goree". All compositions by Harris and Pullen. Includes original cover design by Ralph Steadman reproduced in all it's glory, the CD was remastered from unplayed vinyl, as the tapes were destroyed in a fire. This is one of the classic records of creative music in the '80s, available for the first time in any digital form. Recorded by Vince McGarry at the Power Station, New York, and remixed at Skyline Recording Studio. Mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound, New York. Photos by David Gahr.