CREED'S HACIENDA

Moon Germs
Joe Farrell

Joe Farrell's Moon Germs was recorded in a single session in 1972, and was the third of six albums Farrell cut for CTI. Farrell had already played with Chick Corea's original Return To Forever group, contributing to the first two albums by what became one of fusion's seminal groups. Interestingly, Farrell plays no tenor at all on this album, opting instead for soprano sax on three tracks and flute on the remaining one.

Farrell is backed by an incredible rhythm section on Moon Germs. Herbie Hancock plays electric piano, an instrument he had already mastered from playing it on Miles Davis' early electric work including Filles de Kilimanjaro and Bitches Brew. A 21-year old Stanley Clarke mans the bass chair. Clarke was something of a bass phenom and was also working with Return To Forever. CTI house drummer Jack DeJohnette completes the quartet, providing kicking bop and post-bop drumming that drives the sometimes-modal explorations forward.

"Moon Germs" is a swinging post-bop workout that features Farrell's Coltranish soprano work. Like the best of Coltrane's modal workouts it has plenty of rhythmic drive and inventiveness to keep the listener interested. "Great Gorge" is a funky fusion workout that wouldn't have sounded out of place on Miles' Filles de Kilimanjaro or Miles in the Sky. Farrell and Hancock are both playing at the top of their game here, providing interesting solos that develop fully even while maintaining a sense of playfulness. The Chick Corea composition "Time's Lie" is given a reading that ventures into Latin jazz territory, with DeJohnette providing propulsive commentary. "Bass Folk Song" is a Stanley Clarke composed samba that highlights the bassist and gives Farrell a chance to demonstrate his flute chops. Overall, Moon Germs is one of Joe Farrell's best recordings, providing a chance to hear him stretch out on soprano and flute with a first-rate rhythm section.