Early in 2021, the jazz world got re-introduced to obscure hard bop Philadelphian pianist Hasaan Ibn Ali with a stunning historical album Metaphysics. Sounding a bit like Herbie Nichols and Thelonious Monk, Ali was simply unique in his voicings and style, making everyone who heard the album wonder, “How come I never heard of this cat before?”
Obviously someone was paying attention, as we now have a two disc collection of the Coltrane-influenced pianist from various sources from the 1960s. The recording sights range from lounges in the University of Philadelphia and the Women’s dormatories to various private demos. The sound quality varies, but is generally very good. You get the presence of his strong left hand and wide finger spread on harmonized standards such as “Falling In Love With Love” and “Body and Soul”, while he out-Monks Monk on a rich take of “Off Minor”. His own compositions include a casual “Off My Back Jack” and a vocalization of “Arabic Song”, even giving a recitation on “Extemporaneous Prose-Poem”. His playing has a dark dramatic spacing as on his own “True Train” and shows his Bud Powell allegiance on “Lover”, but essentially he is his own man, which is probably why there is so little music of his available. Still, what we have is worth delving into, so check out this fresh wind from old Philly.