The Music From The Connection – Freddie Redd Quartet (1959)

“The Connection was a 1959 play by Jack Gelber about drug addiction. It was first produced by the Living Theatre, directed by Living Theatre cofounder Judith Malina, and designed by co-founder Julian Beck. The original music score was composed by pianist Freddie Redd, and the great alto saxophonist Jackie McLean played the lead. Both musicians also recorded this outstanding LP showcasing the score. Gelber had originally thought that the play would feature real musicians – who would also double as actors in minor roles – improvising on blues and jazz standards in the tradition of Charlie Parker, but Redd convinced him to use an original score. Using the direction ‘in the tradition of Charlie Parker’ as a starting point, the pianist wrote seven pieces of straight-ahead bop, wide open for improvisations, and then assembled a sterling quartet featuring himself, alto saxophonist Jackie McLean, bassist Michael Mattos, and drummer Larry Ritchie. The end result was a set of dynamic straight-ahead bop.”
Jazz Messengers
LondonJazzCollector – The Connection: Which Twin has the Toni? (Audio)
W – The Music From The Connection (Freddie Redd Quartet)
Discogs (Video)
YouTube: The Connection – Freddie Redd 7 videos