Charles Tolliver’s professional career began in earnest in 1964, when he recorded as a sideman with alto saxophonist Jackie McLean. In subsequent years, Tolliver worked with Max Roach, Horace Silver, Andrew Hill, Sonny Rollins, Gerald Wilson, and others. Recently, Mack Avenue records reissued his first session as a leader, under the title Right Now… And Then. Find it here on Bandcamp.

In this conversation with Jazz88’s Peter Solomon, Tolliver talks about his formative influences, discusses what it was like making records for the famed Blue Note Record label, reminisces about the making of his debut album, and delves into the story of the renowned artist label he co-founded with pianist Stanley Cowell, caled Strata-East Records.

Go here to watch a video of Charles Tolliver performing with his quartet Music Inc in 1971 for a televised European concert program.

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