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Norton / Celusak / Eulau: The Iron Monkey Trio
ByKevin Norton is arguably the most recognizable of the trio’s members. A frequent collaborator in Anthony Braxton’s Tri-Centric musical endeavors, he’s increasingly assumed leadership roles in the latter half of the 90s and into the dawn of the new millennium. Andy Eulau has vibrant Braxton ties as well through participation in a recent project for CIMP. Bob Celusak is the resident mystery man with only cryptic snatches of his background afforded in the liners. An active saxophonist for over three decades (save a nine year lapse in the 80s), this marks his first commercially released recording! Encountering his brusque, pointedly direct tone and phrasing on these ten tracks I have to echo producer Bob Rusch’s sentiments in voicing my surprise at his long overdue debut. Better late than never though, I suppose.
Norton contributes the majority of compositions, but the feel and dynamic of the trio is definitely communal. “O/R” opens things with a declamatory groove posited by the drummer and bassist over which Celusak blows Rollinseque ripples of notes. “Nardis” keeps the energy crackling as the three transfigure the familiar Miles Davis theme into a personalized paean to the Dark Magus. Celusak shows off sound on soprano that is at once tart and cloying and Eulau’s extended improvisation affects a similar marriage of disparate designs. Norton mixes things up with whisking brushes on the Eulau-penned “CIMPly the Blues” engaging in an extended exchange with the bassist that truly tests the mettle of both men in the most understated manner.
“This Loving Thing” and “Thoughts of the Iron Monkey” were recorded whilst Eulau was napping and feature saxophonist and drummer in energetic tandem to blistering effect. Taking things out on an ironic note, the disc’s shortest piece is the concluding three-part suite, ringing in at a mere four minutes. What’s most impressive is the palpable way in which these three players listen and respond to one another, reacting in and of the moment, while at the same time staying true to their distinct selves. The current state of creative improvised music may be a fount of substantial talent, but this particular trio shows itself as a geyser of unusual height and heat.
CIMP on the web: http://www.cadencebuilding.com
Track Listing
O/R/ Nardis/ CIMPly Da Blues/ This Loving Thing/ I Mean You/ December 19, 2000 (For Milt Hinton)/ Walking the Dogma/ Thoughts of the Iron Monkey/ Footprints/ Suite in Three Parts: a. He Ain
Personnel
Kevin Norton- drums, percussion; Bob Celusak- tenor & soprano saxophones; Andy Eulau- bass. Recorded: January 15 & 16, 2001, Rossie, NY.
Album information
Title: The Iron Monkey Trio | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: CIMP Records
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