Dr Tree - Dr Tree (2lp Reissue)

In 1971, Dr Tree emerged as a highly innovative jazz-fusion ensemble from Auckland, formed by two of New Zealand's most seasoned session musicians, Frank Gibson Jr. and Murray McNabb - the pair had jammed together since grammar school. Drawing sizable crowds while working the Auckland circuit, the band caught the attention of EMI scout, Alan Galbraith, who wasted no time signing them up for an album. Galbraith, a trained musician and adventurous producer, brought in additional support from Julian Lee, an internationally acclaimed arranger and producer (who had recently returned to New Zealand after a decade Stateside on Frank Sinatra's insistence). The album's an all-instrumental excursion into territory mapped out by the likes of Return To Forever, Weather Report and Tony Williams Lifetime - all acolytes of Miles Davis's late- 60s explorations. The session combines experimental studio techniques with blazing artistry, juxtapositioning trippy electronic textures and improvised jazz, creating a hypnotic kaleidoscope of sound.

Tracklist:

Side One

The Twilight Zone - Frank Gibson Jnr.

Vulcan Worlds - Stanley Clarke

Transition - Martin Winch

Side Two

Eugino D - Kim Paterson

Affirmation - Murray McNabb

One For Dianne - Frank Gibson Jnr.

Side Three

Mood Waltz - Frank Gibson Jnr.

Affirmation (Alt take) - Murray McNabb

The Drum - Frank Gibson Jnr.

Side Four

Eugino D (Alt take) - Kim Paterson

Fourth World - Murray McNabb

Wildlife – Tony Williams