Invitation (Billy Bang album)

Invitation is an album by the Billy Bang Quintet, led by violinist Bang, and featuring saxophonist Charles Tyler, pianist Curtis Clark, double bassist Wilber Morris, and drummer Dennis Charles. It was recorded on April 13–14, 1982, at Barigozzi Studios in Milano, Italy, and was released later that year by the Soul Note label.

Reception
Writing for The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide, Fred Goodman noted that Invitation, on which Bang's "depth as a composer, leader and instrumentalist [is] most in evidence," is "characterized by an unorthodox swing and will appeal to more traditionally minded listeners through [its] strong dedication to melody and rhythm."

Author Stuart Nicholson praised the recording's "strong memorable themes," calling it "possibly [Bang's] best album of the '80s."

The authors of The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings singled out Clark's contribution, describing him as "an excellent player and idiosyncratic enough not to leave a hole," but, overall, called the album "disappointing," commenting: "there is nothing very distinctive about any of the music, and Bang's own playing seems lacklustre and formulaic."

Track listing

 * 1) "An Addition to Tradition" (Billy Bang) – 7:22
 * 2) "A Pebble is a Small Rock" (Billy Bang, Curtis Clark) – 9:14
 * 3) "In a Minute" (Billy Bang) – 1:10
 * 4) "A Minute Later" (Billy Bang) – 1:04
 * 5) "Invitation" (Bronislaw Kaper, Ned Washington) – 7:50
 * 6) "Secret Society" (Billy Bang) – 5:44
 * 7) "Loverman" (Jimmy Davis, Roger Ramirez, Jimmy Sherman) – 5:36

Personnel

 * Billy Bang – violin
 * Charles Tyler – alto saxophone, baritone saxophone
 * Curtis Clark – piano
 * Wilber Morris – double bass
 * Dennis Charles – drums