Brilliant Circles

Brilliant Circles is the second album led by American jazz pianist Stanley Cowell, recorded in 1969. It was first released on the Freedom label and rereleased on CD with bonus tracks on the Black Lion label.

Reception

In his review for AllMusic, Scott Yanow states: "The challenging repertoire falls between advanced hard bop and the avant-garde, consistently inspiring the talented players to play at their most creative. Recommended". There is a consensus among many collectors that the Black Lion CD edition, which includes one bonus track and an alternate take of the title track, was very poorly mastered.

Track listing

All compositions by Stanley Cowell except as indicated

"Brilliant Circles" – 15:33
"Earthly Heavens" – 7:45
"Musical Prayers" – 10:12 Bonus track on CD reissue
"Boo Ann's Grand" – 9:07
"Bobby's Tune" – 10:42
"Brilliant Circles" – 15:45 Bonus track on CD reissue

Personnel

Stanley Cowell – piano
Woody Shaw – trumpet, maracas
Tyrone Washington – tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet, maracas, tambourine
Bobby Hutcherson – vibraphone
Reggie Workman – bass, electric bass
Joe Chambers – drums