The Contemporary Jazz Quintet: Actions 1966-67
The album also shows its age, and that's a good thing. Nowadays, jazz experiments unfortunately border on noise, giving listeners inconclusive results. On Actions, recorded during '66 and '67, concepts of structure, melody, and rhythm are tweaked, prodded, and scrutinized. Though at times disorienting, the Danish group maintains a musical resiliency throughout the album's five numbered "Actions."
Niels Harrit's saw, in particular, comes unexpected at first: a loopy, weird sound in the opening moments that eventually convinces you of its merits. Released on Atavistic's almost always excellent Unheard Music Series, this recording is a worthy trip to an alternate time and space. Dig that saw action!
Track Listing
Action II; action III; Action IV; action V; Action VI
Personnel
Steffen Andersen, bass; Hugh Steinmetz, trumpet; Franz Beckerlee, alto sax; Bo Thirge Andersen, drums; Niels Harrit, saw
Album information
Title: Actions 1966-67 | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Atavistic Worldwide