Denny Zeitlin - The Name of This Terrain

2022 CD release.

The Name Of This Terrain, the missing entry in jazz pianist/composer/psychiatrist Denny Zeitlin’s discography, a wonderful and weird fusion of avant-classical, jazz, funk, rock and electronic music. The Name of This Terrain was recorded and pressed in a scant, custom run as a demo in 1969 –and it so defied its own existence that, even after its producer died and his copies were discovered, Zeitlin steadfastly resisted its release for almost 20 years, destroying his remaining demos so not to posthumously suffer the same ignominy. Following his reappraisal, this album is issued with its creator’s blessing and guidance. You will surely never hear an album like this again, by the musician the venerable jazz critic Leonard Feather called “ the most versatile young pianist to come to prominence in the early sixties,” and who took a left turn at the end of the decade, documenting a pivotal 20th century moment with passion, intellect, and humor in turn. Extensive booklet tells Zeitlin’s story, and that of this special “betwixt and between” album, a private issue finally ready for the public to engage.