Flow Trio: Set Theory, Live At The Stone (2011)

John Sharpe

Concert/Festival Reviewer since 2004

John first fell under the spell of free jazz in the 1970s when he wistfully regarded the loft jazz scene from across the Atlantic

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Published: June 3, 2011

Flow Trio: Set Theory, Live At The Stone

Recorded live at NYC's The Stone, Set Theory constitutes the third release by Flow Trio, following its excellent studio set, Rejuvenation (ESP, 2009) and an earlier live disc, like this one, on Ayler Records. An appropriate home for this band, as it happens, for the legendary Albert Ayler Albert Ayler
1936 - 1970
sax, tenor looms large in Flow Trio mainstay, saxophonist Louie Belogenis Louie Belogenis
' personal pantheon, alongside John Coltrane John Coltrane
1926 - 1967
saxophone . Though undersung as a unit, the trio's joint pedigree is impressive, covering a galaxy of free jazz talent: sometime guitarist Joe Morris Joe Morris
b.1955
guitar handles bass duties here, but has recorded with reedmen as diverse as David S. Ware David S. Ware
1949 - 2012
sax, tenor and Anthony Braxton Anthony Braxton
b.1945
reeds , while drummer Charles Downs Charles Downs
(formerly known as Rashid Bakr) has manned the trap set for pianist Cecil Taylor Cecil Taylor
b.1929
piano and improvising super group Other Dimensions In Music.

Together, they present three expansive, collectively forged improvisations totaling some 55-minutes, defined by their organic evolution, restrained passion and egalitarian nature. The musicianship is top notch. Belogenis often pitches slow burning emotionally-drenched tenor saxophone incantations against faster rhythms which produce a dramatically heightened tension. Downs is a master: he listens, explores timbre yet at the same time maintains a pulse, all without overwhelming. Morris' busy pizzicato affords propulsion allied to an unceasing oblique commentary.

There is an ease and sophistication in their interplay. Each track goes through multiple moods. Duos and solos emerge naturally from the flow. On "Set Theory," after a minimalist passage punctuated by unexpected drum crashes, Belogenis brooding tenor keens over an arco drone and rumbling drums which pick up an abstract Latin vibe. The piece finishes with the reedman's full-toned soprano spiraling ever higher, wafted on a loose bass vamp. More fine moments come on "InfinTrinity": Morris' swirling bow work blends winningly with falsetto tenor early on, while later the saxophonist's guttural choked over-blowing provides another highlight. "The End of Certainty" acts as a ballad-style coda, packing intense mournful soprano saxophone and a sinewy plucked bass feature within its seven-minute span, to round off this sometimes inspired document in style.

Track Listing: Set Theory; InfinTrinity; The End of Certainty.

Personnel: Louie Belogenis: tenor and soprano saxophones; Joe Morris: bass; Charles Downs: drums.

Record Label: Ayler Records