This Happening is an album by pianist Jaki Byard and multi-instrumentalist Michael Marcus.

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[1]
The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings	[2]

Background

This was Marcus's second album for Justin Time Records.[3]

Recording and music

Of the nine tracks, seven are originals.[3] Marcus mostly plays saxello and stritch (types of straight saxophone) on the album.[1] On the "Giant Steps" and "Naima" medley, he plays bass clarinet.[1]

Release

The album was released by Justin Time on June 10, 1997.[4]

Reception

The AllMusic reviewer commented that Byard had a largely supporting role, so "although this CD will probably be quite important in the discography of Michael Marcus, it is just a footnote, a lost opportunity, in Jaki Byard's career."[1] The JazzTimes reviewer praised Marcus's tone on the rarely played saxophones.[3]

Track listing

1. "Earth Beings / 3=4" – 5:58
2. "This Happening" – 6:05
3. "Kelso Tracks South" – 4:00
4. "Giant Steps / Naima" – 6:27
5. "Steppin' Down with Jaki" – 6:50
6. "The Cry for Peace" – 5:32
7. "The Continuum" – 4:29
8. "Kelso Tracks North" – 3:14
9. "Darn That Dream" – 6:41

Personnel

• Jaki Byard – piano
• Michael Marcus – saxello, stritch, bass clarinet

References