Laws' Cause

Released in 1969 on Atlantic, Laws' Cause represents a critical juncture in Hubert Laws' discography, predating his commercial peak at CTI Records. While often categorized as jazz fusion, the album is more accurately a blend of post-bop, soul-jazz, and third-stream classical influences. The presence of tracks like 'Trio for Flute, Bassoon, and Piano' highlights Laws' commitment to integrating formal classical structures into a jazz context, a move that was highly praised by critics like Harvey Pekar. The album features a stellar lineup including Chick Corea on piano, whose composition 'Windows' becomes a centerpiece for Laws' virtuosic soloing. Unlike the more polished, orchestral productions of the 1970s, this 1969 session retains a raw, acoustic energy and a focus on tight group improvisation. It remains a definitive document of the flute's potential as a serious improvisational vehicle in modern jazz.