JAZZ : ALBUM REVIEWS : *** OLD & NEW DREAMS : “A Tribute To Blackwell” : <i> Black Saint</i>

Intentionally or not, this 1987 live recording by the quartet of Ornette Coleman alumni is not only a tribute to drummer Ed Blackwell, but also his rhythm section partner, bassist Charlie Haden. Don Cherry’s fractured trumpet lines and Dewey Redman’s stately tenor are relatively muted and rarely interact on this mixture of originals and Coleman compositions aside from stating the melodic themes. That leaves the playing field open to Haden’s springy pulse and Blackwell, whose propulsive style downplays cymbal swing in favor of polyrhythmic drum chops that constantly push and prod his bandmates. More solid than scintillating, but Haden and Blackwell make it satisfying.