The Kevin Norton Ensemble and Anthony Braxton (Barking Hoop: For Guy Debord (in nine events)

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

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

Recent articles (1,632 total)

Published: February 1, 2001

Drummer/percussionist and highly regarded composer, Kevin Norton exhibits his writing and arranging expertise on this intriguing release inspired by filmmaker and writer Guy Debord. With this effort, Norton garners some extra special support from longtime musical associate Anthony Braxton, as For Guy Debord (in nine events) comprises one extended piece, segmented into intersecting movements.

Norton and Braxton commence this composition with a flirtatious vibes and alto duet, whereas woodwind specialists Bob DeBellis and David Bindman, alter the tone and direction whether performing on flutes or saxophones as the musicians skillfully engage in deft expressionism and mutable conversation.

Throughout, the band pursues circular themes and Afro-Cuban rhythms as the soloists up the ante with heated exchanges via yearning cries and propulsive motifs, yet it’s not all about lengthy soloing and bravado as Norton injects disparate elements into this thoughtful and artfully conceived opus.

Other highlights include, bassist Joe Fonda’s semi-austere arco lines and classical undercurrents in conjunction with the soloist’s contrasting dialogue as Norton’s concepts and implementations provide the listener with a solid base for his or hers psyche to run rampant. And other than the artist’s stature as a first call session musician, he has rapidly become one of the finest composers/improvisers on the modern jazz scene! Highly recommended!

Barking Hoop (recordings) Kevin Norton website

Track Listing: For Guy Debord (in nine events)

Personnel: Kevin Norton; drums/percussion: Anthony Braxton; alto, sopranino saxes and contrabass clarinet: David Bindman - tenor and flute (and conga drum): Bob DeBellis -flute and alto sax: Joe Fonda; bass

Style: Modern Jazz