07 Jul
17 Themes For Ockodektet by Jeff Kaiser Ockodektet
Sunday, 07 July 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Jeff Kaiser had substantial help with this music, considering that his Ockodektet is a seventeen piece ensemble, but he composed, arranged, conducted, recorded, mastered an…
07 Jul
The Order of Her Bones by Jeff Kaiser and Brad Dutz
Sunday, 07 July 2002
Published in
Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Recently I was re-listening to Don Cherry and Ed Blackwell’s complex recording Mu on the French Actuel label, probably the most famous of all trumpet-percussion duet…
03 Jul
Free Jazz Classics - Volumes 1 & 2 by Vandermark 5
Wednesday, 03 July 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Originally issued as limited-edition "bonus" discs with their last two studio albums Burn The Incline and Acoustic Machine, this 2-CD-for-the-price-of-one set…
01 Jul
Go Figure by Damon Short
Monday, 01 July 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Chicago based drummer/composer Damon Short has studied the music of Harry Partch, played in a gamelan ensemble and performed and recorded both as a leader and sideman in a …
01 Jul
Burton Greene Meets Sacred Baboons by Burton Greene / Sacred Baboons
Monday, 01 July 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Pianist Burton Greene was in the thick of the NYC free jazz scene of the early and middle 1960s. He’s still very active today (mostly in Europe) as a piano soloist (seek hi…
28 Jun
Tyft by Hilmar Jensson
Friday, 28 June 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Icelandic guitarist Hilmar Jensson plays electric and acoustic guitars and electronics masterfully on Tyft. Abetted by Jim Black (drums, melodica, electronics and vi…
28 Jun
Language of Swans by Language of Swans
Friday, 28 June 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Language of Swans’ eponymous offering is unusual in it’s sparseness and deceptively tentative tone, though principal Joe Giardullo is no musical wallflower or novice. Havin…
27 Jun
Age of Everything by Joe Morris
Thursday, 27 June 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
The first recording on Joe Morris’s own label, Riti Records, is a CD called Age of Everything. This is a trio recording featuring Joe Morris on guitar, Timo Shanko on strin…
25 Jun
In Deep End Dance by Julian Priester
Tuesday, 25 June 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Julian Priester is an artist that, as the cliche goes, should need no introduction. But should is probably the key word here. Though he's well regarded by those who …
25 Jun
Speaks the Riddle of Undisputed Truth by Sphinx
Tuesday, 25 June 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Sphinx is a Norwegian band that demands attention. The photos on their album, "The Riddle of Undisputed Truth," are alarming. It shows the faces of the band members are sli…
24 Jun
Axiom by John O'Gallagher
Monday, 24 June 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Musicians are rarely students of physics, and vice versa I would imagine, as the mechanics of science and of soul are hardly ever considered in the same thought. This is a …
23 Jun
New York Gravity by Rick Parker Collective
Sunday, 23 June 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
The Rick Parker Collective is a group of musicians drawn together by the attraction of the New York City jazz scene to young, up and coming players. This group’s new CD rel…
21 Jun
Best Kept Secret by Steve Hubback
Friday, 21 June 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Steve Hubback is a British percussionist currently living in the Netherlands. What makes him unique is that his interest in percussion has lead him to learn metal smithing …
16 Jun
Raining on the Moon by William Parker Quartet
Sunday, 16 June 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
O’Neal’s Porch by the William Parker Quartet is one of the most praised jazz recordings in recent years. First released on Parker’s own Centering Music label in late…
14 Jun
Goin Out Again by Dom Minasi
Friday, 14 June 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
After pretty much dropping out of the jazz scene because of disagreements about his mid-1970’s Blue Note releases, Dom Minasi has returned with a vengeance--or at least wit…
12 Jun
Pleiadian Call by Chris Greco Trio
Wednesday, 12 June 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
A refreshing original free jazz collection that will delight jazz fans of the avante garde, PLEIADIAN CALL is a remarkable collection of original compositions from Chris Gr…
07 Jun
Song For My Sister by Roscoe Mitchell & The Note Factory
Friday, 07 June 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Roscoe Mitchell - multi-wind player, composer, a charter member of The Art Ensemble of Chicago - is a restless figure in jazz and improvised music, one who refuses to be pi…
07 Jun
In The Room by Klobas Storrs Hundemer
Friday, 07 June 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
For avante garde jazz fans, IN THE ROOM will have great appeal. The combination of Klobas/Storrs/Hundemer as a trio will prove entertaining musicianship with these original…
07 Jun
The Copenhagen Tapes by Albert Ayler
Friday, 07 June 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
The late Albert Ayler (he died in 1970) remains an enigma. From his mysterious death (he was found floating in NYC’s East River - jumped, fell or pushed: unknown) to his to…
04 Jun
The Order of Chaos by Exegesis
Tuesday, 04 June 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
As was the case with guitarist Nick Demopoulos’ brilliant "Harmonic Convergence," reviewed here last year, Exegesis, a quintet lead by the adventurous guitarist (adding dij…
04 Jun
Language by Daniel Carter and Gregg Keplinger and Rueben Radding
Tuesday, 04 June 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
This free jazz exploration is packed with dynamic twists and turns that challenge the most adventurous ears. Alto player Carter, bassist Radding and the explosive drummer K…
02 Jun
One Eyed Jack by Joseph Scianni
Sunday, 02 June 2002
Published in
Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Pianist/composer Joseph Scianni (born 1928) is a shadowy figure in the jazz world - which is not to be read as "angst-ridden" or beset by the usual problems that plague mos…
01 Jun
The Year of the Elephant by Wadada Leo Smith's Golden Quartet
Saturday, 01 June 2002
Published in
Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
THE YEAR OF THE ELEPHANT is an elegant blending of free jazz, contemporary jazz, and world music, with a touch of avant garde motifs. If you enjoy trumpet, you will discove…
31 May
Nuits De La Fondation Maeght 1970 by Albert Ayler
Friday, 31 May 2002
Published in
Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
The late Albert Ayler (1936-1970) remains an enigma. From his mysterious death (he was found floating in NYC’s East River - jumped, fell or pushed: unknown) to his towering…
28 May
Sustain by Mat Maneri Quartet with Joe McPhee
Tuesday, 28 May 2002
Published in
Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Just recently released on Thirsty Ear, is SUSTAIN , a recording by the Mat Maneri Quartet with a special appearance by Joe McPhee on soprano sax. The ensemble is made up of…
26 May
The Collected Poem - For Blind Lemon Jefferson by K. Curtis Lyle
Sunday, 26 May 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
K. Curtis Lyle is a poet heavily influenced/oriented to the spirit, cadence and mythology of jazz and the blues. On The Collected Poem - For Blind Lemon Jefferson, o…
Back in 70s, xmarsx is what "we" (hipsters, music critics, etc.) called a "supergroup" - though I dunno what we’d call them these days. Anyhow, they consist of a couple of …
25 May
Always Let Me Go by Jarrett/Peacock/DeJohnette
Saturday, 25 May 2002
Published in
Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Freedom demands control. The greater the freedom you seek, the greater the need for control.At least in music. The term "free jazz" may bring to mind a free-for-all - ho…
24 May
Horizon Event by Dennis Warren & The FMRJE
Friday, 24 May 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
The Full Metal Revolutionary Jazz Ensemble (FMRJE) was formed by Dennis Warren in 1989 but the FMRJE’s roots go back to the early 1970s. Percussionist Dennis Warren was a s…
20 May
Sound Awareness by Northern Robert Brother Ah
Monday, 20 May 2002
Published in
Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
As an unhappy high school student - 1973, I think it was - I recall reading in Down Beat, one of my printed security blankets during those years, a review of Soun…
19 May
Sustain by Matt Maneri
Sunday, 19 May 2002
Published in
Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Usually when people think of jazz violin, the swingy melodicism of such players as Stephane Grappelli comes to mind. Young lions? Regina Carter and Japan’s Naoko Terai. As …
18 May
Modernistic by Jason Moran
Saturday, 18 May 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
A mere 27 years old and this Jason Moran guy KNOWS his way ‘round the 88s - what’s more, he doesn’t substitute (formidable) technique for feeling and ideas. Better still, h…
18 May
Modernistic by Jason Moran
Saturday, 18 May 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Jason Moran has crept into the public’s consciousness so unexpectedly, with such an abundance of talent and, actually, so prolifically that it’s understandable if someone d…
17 May
A Beautiful Day by Andrew Hill
Friday, 17 May 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Creativity is the core of jazz and the center of composer/pianist Andrew Hill's being. His half-century career reads like a jazz history. Discovered by Earl Hines, mentored…
14 May
Going Out Again by Dom Minasi Trio
Tuesday, 14 May 2002
Published in
Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
The Dom Minasi Trio's latest effort Going Out Againis evenly split between original compositions by the guitarist and slightly skewed readings of jazz standards by h…
12 May
LifeLine by The Joel Futterman / Ike Levin Trio featuring Kash Killion
Sunday, 12 May 2002
Published in
Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
LifeLine is nothing if not intense, a seventy-odd minute exploration of the nooks and crannies of jazz. The opener "Paradox" begins with a Cecil Taylor-esque discurs…
08 May
Iron Sky by Jerry Granelli and Jeff Reilly
Wednesday, 08 May 2002
Published in
Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
IRON SKY will have great appeal to those listeners who enjoy the avante garde motifs of jazz expression. The artists perform on an array of steel instruments created for th…
08 May
All Is On – Live in New York City by Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
Wednesday, 08 May 2002
Published in
Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
The three elements to jazz - three things that make music jazz as opposed to rock or folk or anything else - are the blues, improvisation and swing. And while one can pract…
07 May
Speakin Out by Michael Marcus
Tuesday, 07 May 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Drimala is a small label dedicated to documenting some of the more interesting jazz artists out there. Michael Marcus’ Speakin’ Out is a perfect example. Over the co…
05 May
The Living Music by Alexander von Schlippenbach Septet
Sunday, 05 May 2002
Published in
Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
This is a reissue of an extremely rare album from 1969 (originally on Quasar, then FMP Records, out of print for 20 years ‘r’ so) by a group consisting of many of the premi…
04 May
Especially the Traveler Tomorrow by What We Live
Saturday, 04 May 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
The newest release from What We Live is called ESPECIALLY THE TRAVELER TOMORROW. What We Live is a trio made up of Lisle Ellis,who plays the bass, Donald Robinson, who play…
29 Apr
Seasoning the Greens by Bill Cole's Untempered Ensemble
Monday, 29 April 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Boxholder Records has recently released a recording of a March, 2001, performance at the Flynn Center in Burlington, Vermont, by Bill Cole’s Untempered Ensemble of Warren S…
27 Apr
A Love Supreme (Deluxe) by John Coltrane
Saturday, 27 April 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Still supreme, still the apogee of Trane and the quartets’ powers. If I went on with scholarly hyperbole you’d all see right through me and, if ‘A Love Supreme’ was about a…
25 Apr
Going to Church by Mat Maneri Ensemble
Thursday, 25 April 2002
Published in
Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Mat Maneri, violinist extraordinaire, has assembled a chamber ensemble with a multiplicitous constituency whose sound is diverse and multi-directional. For the new AUM fide…
25 Apr
Paradise by Sonny & Linda Sharrock
Thursday, 25 April 2002
Published in
Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
There are precious few recordings helmed by the late Sonny Sharrock, so this reissue is especially welcome. In 1975, he & then-wife Linda got to record an album for the Atl…
24 Apr
Mythos by Mario Pavone
Wednesday, 24 April 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Originally trained as an industrial engineer, Pavone did not begin playing the bass until his early twenties. The story goes that when Coltrane died in 1967, he attended Co…
21 Apr
Bell the Cat! by Satoko Fujii Trio
Sunday, 21 April 2002
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Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
BELL THE CAT! is Satoko Fujii Trio at its finest! This is a wonderfully surreal and invigorating collection of original songs by composer-pianist Satoko Fujii. Brilliant, f…
21 Apr
Freedom Suite by David S. Ware Quartet
Sunday, 21 April 2002
Published in
Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Probably the first impulse in writing about the recent release by Aumfidelity of FREEDOM SUITE played by the David S. Ware Quartet is to compare it to the original 1958 rec…
20 Apr
Open Ideas by Trio 3
Saturday, 20 April 2002
Published in
Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
Given the impressive lineup of Andrew Cyrille, Oliver Lake and Reggie Workman, you’d expect innovation with an edge. You’d assume the music would be difficult, but its astr…
19 Apr
Flügel by John Wolf Brennan
Friday, 19 April 2002
Published in
Free Jazz / Avante Garde - CD Reviews
For those jazz fans who enjoy the compositions of pianist John Wolf Brennan, Flügel is indeed a special treat! It is filled with the innovative imagery and subtle st…