“Unity” is the most famous album as a leader by American jazz organist/pianist Larry Young, known for his participation in Tony Williams Lifetime’s “Emergency!” (1969) and Miles Davis’ “Bitches Brew” (1969).
The album was recorded in 1965, and was released on Blue Note Records in 1966.
It was performed by a two-horn and bassless quartet of Woody Shaw (trumpet), Joe Henderson (tenor saxophone), Elvin Jones (drums), and Larry Young (organ). The bass part was played by the organ bass pedal.
The album is a modal jazz masterpiece that pioneered the modern performing style of Hammond organ (B-3) under the influence of John Coltrane, which differed from Jimmy Smith’s earthy soul jazz.
“Zoltan” begins with the march from Zoltan Kodaly’s “Hary Janos Suite”.
“Monk’s Dream” is a tune composed by Thelonious Monk.
“Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise” is a standard song composed by Sigmund Romberg.
