The Call CD (ESP Disk)

Henry Grimes was a master musical storyteller. While most of us strive for a coherent short story, Henry was Melville. He could do 90 minute solo improvisations that were wonderfully narrative and thematic. There's a gravitas and profundity to his playing that grabs you almost viscerally. His imagination seemed almost limitless. He was also one of the true masters of the bow. Henry’s artistry was sometimes obscured by his story (look him up; it’s fascinating), but he’s one of the most important voices on the bass, as well as in jazz generally. His taste, versatility, and ability to subsume his individuality while retaining his voice allowed him to perform and record with Thelonious Monk, Cecil Taylor, Annie Ross, Albert Ayler, Sonny Rollins, Roy Haynes, Benny Goodman, and many others.