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Revolutionary Ensemble: And Now...
ByGiven jazz's long history, there are still surprisingly few instances of famed groups getting back together. That there is a still a place for what the Revolutionary Ensemble did back then is noteworthy. But after the warm glow of their reunion wears off, the group is in the uncomfortable position of having to be judged against groups that are currently following their once-lead. The Revolutionary Ensemble no longer is the only group doing what they do and their latest effort, And Now..., must either be judged next to their earlier work, the work of current and past chamber jazz ensembles or, most likely, both.
Judged in a vacuum, the album is energetic and has an appealing cerebral quality. No horns and a bassist that functions as an equal member of the front melodic line changes the dynamic away from what listeners typically expect from jazz. This music is not linear or even cyclical. It is reminiscent of the whack-a-mole game, elements popping up and down seemingly at random. There are themes but they are more bookends. Judged against their earlier work, a listener may be surprised that the years didn't have much intervening effect. Apart from the keyboards of Cooper, this could be any of their albums from the '70s. That is as good as starting point for their renaissance as any.
Track Listing
1 Berlin Erfahrung 5:25; 2 Rumi Tales 6:55; 3 911-544 20:53; 4 Light 7:48; 5 Ism Schism 9:22.
Personnel
Jerome Cooper: Cymbals, Drums, Bass Drums, Keyboards, Balafon; Leroy Jenkins: Harmonica, Violin, Bells; Sirone: Bass.
Album information
Title: And Now... | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Pi Recordings
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And Now...