A Sense of Direction

by Walt Dickerson

A Sense of Direction cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: May 1962
  • Label: New Jazz
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 41:03
  • Community rating: 3.58/5 from 2 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Another crucial 1962 date from Walt Dickerson, 'A Sense of Direction' displays his highly unorthodox, technically demanding approach to the vibraphone. Backed by a responsive rhythm section, Dickerson employs rapid, angular runs and a distinct lack of vibrato, aligning the instrument closer to the avant-garde than its traditional swing role. The album is a prime example of early 60s boundary-pushing within the post-bop framework.

Genres

Descriptors: acoustic, improvisation, rhythmic, technical, instrumental

Tracklist

  1. Sense of Direction (6:00)
  2. Ode to Boy (5:32)
  3. Togetherness (3:00)
  4. What's New (4:46)
  5. Good Earth (3:35)
  6. Why (4:48)
  7. You Go to My Head (8:19)
  8. If I Should Lose You (5:00)

Credits

  • Walt Dickerson - primary artist, vibraphone, written-by
  • Eustis Guillemet Jr. - bass
  • Edgar Bateman - drums
  • Austin Crowe - piano
  • Esmond Edwards - supervised by
  • Bob Haggart - written-by
  • Haven Gillespie - written-by
  • J. Fred Coots - written-by

More from Walt Dickerson: full discography