Curlew: North America

Curlew was in the vortex of New York’s early '80s “downtown scene,” thanks to an enticingly unique blend of rock, free-jazz and soul-drenched inclinations. This outing features some downright scorching work from saxophonist/leader George Cartwright, the late cellist Tom Cora, and others of note. The studio performances culled from the original LP are comprised of pumping rock beats, pleasantly off-kilter phrasings by the soloists and free form jazz stylizations. However, Cartwright and associates also pursue abstract waltz motifs and catchy melodies amid a predominately blustery, mode of deployment. On “Light Sentence,” guitarist Mark Howell injects trebly, C&W style twang choruses into the mix, as drummer Pippin Barnett playfully throws the band off course via odd-metered backbeats. Occasionally the ensemble is apt to derail a 2/4 time signature via rapidly executed shifts in strategy and a distinct sense of unabashed abandon. The live tracks consist of heated exchanges from guitarist Nicky Skopelitis Cartwright and Cora.

Overall, this group nestles an array of styles into its repertoire, to coincide with a singular voice that—to this day—projects a sense of newness and originality unfettered by trends or gimmicks. No doubt, they’re in a class of their own. Highly recommended...

Cuneiform Records