Jon Rose / Chris Abrahams / Clayton Thomas: Artery

This music is energetic, bizarre and exhilarating, though finesse might not be the right term here. It's more about frenetic in-your-face improvisation, catapulted by Rose's energized staccato lines and unusual effects-based treatments, and the other artists' penchant for soaring to lofty zeniths. Think of circular passages, fractured themes and veering dialogues coagulating into microtonal dissertations and rambunctious group-based interplay.

On "The Elastic Lamina, Abrahams' frenzied harpsichord progressions counterbalance the other musicians' bullying intensity; a medieval muse attains equal ground with shrieking lines and aggressive statements. They institute descending, spirally moving passages on "The Feeding Lumbar, and generally render a mindset akin to mad scientists at work or play.

Listeners who are already familiar with Rose's work should find a great deal of interest here, as the overall theme is based upon medical terms. But a note of caution: this album is not for the faint of heart. However, if you're simply yearning for some delectably off-kilter, insightful and periodically spellbinding music, then this disc may fit the bill.

Visit Jon Rose on the web.

Comments