Historic Recording Featuring Geri Allen, Anthony Cox, and Andrew Cyrille Arrives November 7
A lost moment in jazz history is finally getting its due. James Newton Quartet – Live in Willisau Switzerland 1983 will be released on CD November 7, documenting a performance that has lived in memory but never on record.
The Backstory
- In spring 1983, a new lineup of the James Newton Quartet hit the European circuit.
- Producer Stephan Meyner recently unearthed a recording from their stop in Willisau, Switzerland.
- Until now, no official release of this band’s work existed.
This concert documents the early rise of pianist Geri Allen, then fresh out of her graduate studies in ethnomusicology at the University of Pittsburgh. It also captures the interplay of bassist Anthony Cox and drummer Andrew Cyrille, alongside flutist and bandleader James Newton.
Why This Matters
- Geri Allen — Her playing here represents one of her earliest recorded performances, foreshadowing the career that followed.
- Anthony Cox — A bassist with the ability to shift across styles and push the ensemble forward with both power and subtlety.
- Andrew Cyrille — A drummer with a reputation built from collaborations with figures like David Murray, Muhal Richard Abrams, and Peter Brötzmann.
Together, they form a unit as adventurous as it was short-lived.
The Music
The setlist highlights both homage and originality:
- “Reincarnation of a Lovebird” — Charles Mingus’ tribute to Charlie Parker.
- “The Printmakers” — A signature early composition from Geri Allen.
- “Forever Charles” — James Newton’s dedication to Mingus.
- “Pinkie Below” — Newton’s personal piece, named for his son’s family nickname.
Release Details
James Newton Quartet – Live in Willisau Switzerland 1983 will be available November 7 on CD.
For collectors, historians, and fans of Allen, Cox, Cyrille, and Newton, this is more than an archival find—it’s a long-missing chapter in modern jazz.
