The Songlines Anthology
…(featuring Benoît Delbecq), and an interactive piece for computer and gamelan instruments by Canadian composer Matt Rogalsky. The Anthology has been programmed as a continuous listening experience; for those who are interested in the processes of creating new jazz-based music in the ’90s it should also make for some interesting comparisons. ****1…
Explosion
…of which won him the first Thelonious Monk Institute Jazz Composer’s competition in 1993. As artistic director of the Monk Institute’s Jazz Ambassadors, he toured Africa in the spring of 1995 and produced their debut CD. He can also be heard on record in groups led by drummer Jeff Williams and pianist Hiromi Saito. Ben Monder leads his own trio (Son…
Fun House
…is one of Europe’s most prominent jazz keyboardists; his compositions and elegant, complex improvisations build on John Cage’s prepared piano techniques. Add to this Steve Argüelles’ stealthy ‘assistance and obstacles’ live sampling, and three of the most celebrated rhythm section players of today, and the result is a multi-faceted collaboration, w…
Warblepeck
…he process and hinder the way things can develop: “It’s a commitment to really deep listening, being plugged into what’s going on around me more than what’s coming out of the horn, and just reacting in an automatic way, and that’s what John and Fred are doing too.” The music’s richness also has a lot to do with Tony’s interest in painting, photograp…
Flux
…s interest for a full hour of recording is in itself an accomplishment. For his debut album, this very talented improviser and composer performs three solo pieces and seven others with his trio. And what a trio it is! Somehow, they manage to successfully immerse themselves in complex abstraction without sacrificing accessibility. Monster drummer Jim…
Walking Voices
…e, laying down over three hours of improvs as well as new compositions by all three group members. Some of the improvs have been cut out of longer sequences, but there are no overdubs. Surprising twists and turns, melodic and harmonic inventiveness and expansive textures and dynamics all reflect a finely honed group interaction. Each of the three ha…
Quest
…sciplined and highly structured as it is, there sometimes comes a point when the performers are immersed so deeply that the music starts flowing through them. Jazz improvisors often comment on a similar kind of transcendental experience. Listeners too may find that Amir’s music opens a door they perhaps never knew was there. Amir Koushkani was born…
Her Eyes Illuminate
…is nothing but space and openness in the studio. No heady trips or vibes about the work or playing correctly in any dogmatic sense of the word. That way we all had a blast, were comfortable, and played like we were hanging out in a basement. In that space is where I find people play the most free.” For more info: gordongrdina.com/haram; Haram in St…
New Nectar
…edia works. For its first record the Gamelan has selected compositions created on it by four composers who have also been active as performers in the group over the years, and by jazz/improv pianist Paul Plimley. Two sets of gamelan instruments are represented, and each work takes a novel approach to form, with a unique play of instrumental colours….
Hive
…the Shakespeare song “Full Fathom Five” by British guest composer Alec Roth, composed in 1983 when he was studying in Java, in a haunted arrangement for a dual-voiced (female-male) Ariel. The whole record is a creative exploration of musical multiculturalism that honors its roots: educated but far from academic, it invites the listener into a sonor…
