May 2000

New & Noteworthy
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By Glenn Astarita

I Talked To Death In Stereo by Dr. Eugene Chadbourne (Leo Records)

I Talked To Death In Stereo represents the latest in free-jazz mayhem from guitarist/composer/vocalist Dr. Eugene Chadbourne extracted from various performances spanning 1997 - 1999. Here, Chadbourne and his associates render free-chamber jazz and slightly grassroots versions of Albert Ayler’s “Change Has Come” and “Prophecy” while the guitarist croons to Frank Lowe’s “I’ll Never Smile Again”. Chadbourne implements a backwash of odd sounds via his utilization of tapes while also strumming the guitar, vocalizing and handling the drum chair on his composition, “Don’t Happy, Be Worry”, which we assume is a spin on the Bobby McFerrin hit, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy. True to form, I Talked To Death In Stereo is wacky and unorthodox yet diverse and at times penetrating as we attempt to delve into Chadbourne’s seemingly complex thought processes.....* * * 1/2

Presents Ellington-Strayhorn’s Far East Suite by Anthony Brown’s Asian American Orchestra (Asian Improv Records)

Here, drummer, producer and arranger Anthony Brown tackles Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s “Far East Suite” with a large-scale orchestra featuring a cast of predominately Asian or Asian-American musicians. Along with modern jazz luminaries such as saxophonist Francis Wong, pianist Jon Jang and others, the musicians meld oriental motifs, bold brassy arrangements and sonorous passages with ethnocentric percussion and passionate soloing. A splendid and altogether fascinating representation of this time honored classic. * * * * 1/2

Prime Directive Dave Holland Quintet (ECM Records)

Bassist/composer Dave Holland consistently turned in some of the hottest modern jazz recordings of the 1980’s while achieving critical praise as a bandleader and/or visionary. Holland’s 90’s ECM releases while noteworthy and generally well received are not quite as ground breaking or to some extent, revolutionary as his earlier projects. Yet his latest, Prime Directive is a strong effort featuring the young dynamo, saxophonist Chris Potter along with a fine cast of musicians consisting of vibist Steve Nelson, drummer Billy Kilson and proven warrior, trombonist Robin Eubanks. Holland composed five of the nine pieces here as the music contains strong melodies and shifty arrangements while affording the musicians ample solo space. However, the extended soloing might be more conducive to live performances as it is easy to lose sight of the main themes, form or focal points on some of the lengthier compositions. Yet, this is only a minor observation and is of course subject to the listener’s discernment. Either way, Holland is an established class act who possesses Herculean talents and gifts. Prime Directive should satisfy the appetites of many modern jazz aficionados. * * * *

This One’s For Bill by Kenny Drew Jr. solo (The Montreux Jazz Label)

Pianist Kenny Drew Jr. possesses enormous talent! Now that we’ve reaffirmed that notion, the pianist dedicates his efforts to the late Bill Evans in impressive fashion on This One’s For Bill. Drew’s near flawless technique and individualistic adaptations of Evans’ originals such as “Remembering The Rain” and “Two Lonely People” offer a clear-sighted glimpse into the pianist’s startling sense of movement and thematic invention. Drew transforms Johnny Mandel’s famous “Suicide Is Painless” (the theme from the TV series M*A*S*H) into a funky, melodious affair while Evans had incorporated this composition into his repertoire during the initial airing of the popular series. Without a doubt, Kenny Drew Jr. is among those who continue to advance Evans’ ongoing legacy into the next logical chapter of jazz while also expanding the role of the modern day jazz pianist. * * * * 1/2

Unison John Lindberg/Marty Ehrlich (CECMA)

Culled from a 1981 live performance, bassist John Lindberg and multi-reedman Marty Ehrlich toured as a duo subsequent to their involvement with Anthony Braxton’s “Creative Music Orchestra”. Here, the two masters converge as a synergistic and quite intuitive duo as they trade motifs, spar, deconstruct ideas and generally pull out the stops while maintaining a high level of interest throughout. Ehrlich performs on soprano and alto saxophones, bass clarinet and flute while Lindberg’s astounding virtuosity as a multidimensional bassist/musician rings loud and clear... Hear Lindberg explore the outer realms of the acoustic bass whether performing with bow in hand or harmonizing and dancing along with Ehrlich’s adventurous and often soul-searching lines. Few modern jazz duos can sustain this much interest and delight over the long haul, especially on pieces that run 16 to 21 minutes in length. The sound quality isn’t perfect yet the improvisational speak, enticing themes and crosscurrents contained within, should overcome the often-dark sonic characteristics. Unison is a noteworthy reissue featuring two jazz masters at the top of their game! * * * * œ