Mark Whitecage Trio: Fractured Standards & Fairy Tales

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

Recent articles (1,632 total)

Published: January 1, 2001

The “Mark Whitecage Trio” packs a mighty punch on Fractured Standards & Fairy Tales - “Live on Tour in TOURS Vol. 1”. A limited edition release on the independent “Acoustics” label, the musicians weave noticeable elements of whimsy with subtle EFX induced treatments along with piping hot interplay and cunning improvisational speak. On the twenty-minute opener and title track, the band investigates complex rhythms amid metamorphic style grooves and sweeping undercurrents as Whitecage renders blistering lines whether performing on clarinet or alto sax.

The band engages in a quasi-blues ballad during the opening moments of “Suite Albert” yet pick up steam thanks to Whitecage’s gritty yet explosive choruses on alto sax. Here, you might surmise that the artist’s horn was padded with sandpaper! Essentially, the band takes off into the ozone as this piece evolves into a boisterous free jazz motif, marked by bassist Dominic Duval’s punishing lines and drummer Jay Rosen’s polyrhythmic blitz. On “French Medley”, Rosen and Duval perpetuate a maddening swing pulse while Whitecage injects brief doses of humor along with a few conspicuous quotes and a hearty nod to Albert Ayler-esque marching band/free-jazz type delirium. Throughout, the musicians pursue a polytonal canvass of variegated motifs and invigorating rhythmic sequences. However, it’s not all about technique and bravado, as the “Mark Whitecage Trio” should be counted among the improvisational elite! Recommended.

If you would like additional information and/or wish to order this CD you should contact Rozanne Levine via email at: rozmark@bellatlantic.net.

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( Mark Whitecage - European website )

See additional reviews of Mark Whitecage’s recent recordings for the “Acoustics” label in the “All About Jazz” December, 2000 modern jazz review section.

Track Listing: 1) Fractured Standards & Fairy Tales 2) Suite Albert 3) Morbet Mein Beck 4) French Medley 5) Encore

Personnel: Mark Whitecage; alto saxophone, clarinet & electronics: Dominic Duval; bass & electronics: Jay Rosen; drums & percussion

Record Label: Acoustics
Style: Modern Jazz