Jazz Articles about Chris Speed

Chris Speed: Emit

by Glenn Astarita
December 1, 2000

With his fourth solo CD, saxophonist/clarinetist Chris Speed continues his distinct assault on modern jazz as Emit may in fact represent the artist’s finest achievement as a leader thus far. Along with three of his longtime band mates from the peppery Balkan based band, “Pachora”, Speed and trumpeter Cuong Vu make for an auspicious front line horn section in concert with the all world rhythmic pairing of bassist Skuli Sverrisson and drummer Jim Black.

Basically there’s not one track to ...

Chris Speed Trio: Iffy

by Glenn Astarita
May 1, 2000

After releasing two noteworthy and thoroughly – cutting edge – recordings for the “Songlines” modern-jazz label, saxophonist/clarinetist/composer Chris Speed adds new meaning to the phrase – power organ trio – with his latest endeavor and first recording for “Knitting Factory Records”, titled Iffy. With this outing, Speed utilizes the laudable talents of keyboardist Jamie Saft who is rapidly evolving into a dynamo of lofty proportions and the equally adept, hard hitting drummer/bandleader Ben Perowsky, as the Trio pursues power-organ grooves ...

Chris Speed: Deviantics

by Glenn Astarita
June 1, 1999

Multi-reedman Chris Speed is a busy man these days. Speed’s involvement with cutting edge bands or artists such as “Orange Then Blue”, “Pachora”, James Emery, Jerry Granelli and Tim Berne’s “Bloodcount” put him in the heart or forefront of 90’s style modern jazz. Deviantics is Speed’s 2nd solo release, both of which are on the Songlines label.

Chris Speed has graduated from the so-called “young lion” status and is without a doubt a star who has most certainly, risen! A ...