Resolving Doors by Joel Futterman / Alvin Fielder / Ike Levin Trio

30 Jun

Written by Glenn Astarita
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For those who entertain comparisons, saxophonist Ike Levin and pianist Joel Futterman - vigorously supported by drummer Alvin Fielder - may fit somewhere in between the Cecil Taylor Unit and latter day Coltrane. Add to that, the trio’s synergy cannot be underestimated, throughout these largely; riveting progressive/free-jazz works.

On the piece titled "Opus de Impulse," Levin, performing on bass clarinet, mimics Futterman’s lower register voicings, amid hints of balladry. Futterman multitasks on occasion by picking up his soprano sax while toggling back to the piano; thus, conveying a sense of quartet interplay, supported by Fielder’s thrusting rhythms. Essentially, the soloists’ weave in and out of various thematic forays, spiced up with heaps and bounds of intuitive dialogues and sub-plots. And while the band explores the freer spectrum of matters, there’s a pronounced cohesiveness that accentuates the preponderance of this outing. They pull out the stops during "Atmospheres," where Levin’s plaintive cries are counterbalanced and firmed up by Futterman and Fielder’s swarming undercurrents. Ultimately, the band seems to abide by a manifesto that lends itself to making contact with a higher being. (Recommended.... )

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Joel Futterman / Alvin Fielder / Ike Levin Trio
CD Title: Resolving Doors
Genre: Free Jazz / Avante Garde
Year Released: 2004
Record Label: Charles Lester Music
Musicians: Joel Futterman (piano, soprano sax), Ike Levin (tenor sax, bass clarinet), Alvin Fielder (drums, percussion)
Label Website: http://www.charleslestermusic.com
Rating: Four Stars