Rhythmstick is a fabulous all-star session produced by Creed Taylor at Van Gelder Studios in June 1989, when it was also filmed for a LaserDisc release in both Japan (by Pioneer) and USA (by A-Vision, the video division of Atlantic Records). The original CD came out as an independent CTI release, but soon it was re-printed for distribution through PolyGram in 1990. A limited LP issue, including only 9 tracks, was also manufactured by Europadisk, Ltd. using the Teldec technology of DMM (Direct Metal Mastering).

Rhythmstick was filmed utilizing three Sony High Definition cameras, becoming the first HD LaserDisc in jazz history. The audio signals were recorded on 24-track Sony digital equipment, and mixed to a 2-track master which has remained in the digital format through all the transfers to the final audio mix. That was the first CTI project recorded on multi-track digital equipment, as well as the first multi-track digital session recorded by Rudy Van Gelder, who, prior to Rhythmstick, had done several digital sessions recorded directly to a 2-track machine. Curiously, five years earlier, in January 1984, Creed and Van Gelder had collaborated on the first CTI digital session ever, Claudio Roditi's "Red on Red," recorded live at Rudy's with a 2-track Mitsubishi equipment.

Featured artists on Rhythmstick: Dizzy Gillespie, Art Farmer, Bob Berg, Tito Puente, Hilton Ruiz, Jimmy McGriff (all have passed away by now, very unfortunately) plus Phil Woods, Airto Moreira, Flora Purim, Charlie Haden, Anthony Jackson, Bernard Purdie, Marvin "Smitty" Smith, John Scofield, Romero Lubambo and arranger/co-producer Benny Golson. Some overdubs were added by Jim Beard, Randy Brecker, Jon Faddis, Amy Roslyn, Janice Pendarvis and Diana Moreira.

Rhythmstick was issued as a double LP 180g vinyl release in August 2009 by the German Music Alliance Membran label. - Arnaldo DeSouteiro

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