# Equinox Jazz Quintet – The Forger Vol. 1
The Equinox Jazz Quintet released The Forger Vol. 1 in 1982 under their own Equinox Jazz Enterprises label, establishing themselves as independent operators within the contemporary jazz scene. This self-titled effort represents an ambitious statement from the quintet, showcasing their commitment to advancing jazz beyond traditional boundaries while maintaining the genre's improvisational essence.
The album spans six compelling tracks that demonstrate the group's versatility and compositional depth. Opening with the title track "The Forger," the quintet sets an intriguing tone with its four-minute exploration of tight ensemble playing. "A New Boss" follows with similar energy, though the real standout moments emerge in the album's extended pieces. "Opposition" stretches to over eight minutes, allowing the quintet ample space to develop their contemporary jazz vocabulary, while "Blues For El Mako" embraces a more traditional blues foundation across nearly seven minutes of playing.
The B-side reveals further dimension, particularly "A Tribute To Jackie," a moving four-minute piece that balances accessibility with artistic vision. The album closes with "Eye's Suit," another extended composition that demonstrates the quintet's ability to sustain momentum and interest across longer instrumental passages.
Throughout The Forger Vol. 1, the group balances contemporary jazz experimentation with melodic sensibility, creating an album that rewards repeated listening. The independent release demonstrates both artistic confidence and the vitality of the jazz underground during the early 1980s, making this a significant addition to any serious vinyl collector's contemporary jazz collection.
