Jazz Articles about Joel Futterman

Joel Futterman, William Parker, Chad Fowler, Steve Hirsh: The Deep

by Karl Ackermann
August 4, 2022

The Deep brings together the quartet of pianist Joel Futterman, bassist William Parker, saxophonist Chad Fowler, and drummer Steve Hirsh. Individually—and collectively—they have been the catalysts for many who wander to the farther bounds of jazz. This leaderless group has recorded in distinct member formations, with Futterman and Parker dating back to Authenticity (Kali Records, 1998). Fowler, on his Mahakala label, has issued post-2020 releases with each of his bandmates. The Deep comprises a single title track drawing on many ...

Joel Futterman & Steve Hirsh: Warp & Weft

by Mark Corroto
March 18, 2022

Neuroscientists, psychologists, philosophers, and modern Buddhist practitioners have all grappled with the concept of consciousness. On one hand, the science-oriented folk propose consciousness to be stuff that designates the 'me' inside a person vis-à-vis the world, whereas the more spiritual approach eschews a dualistic definition in favor of a universal or 'one' consciousness. If we take up the debate using improvised music as an example, specifically Warp & Weft by Joel Futterman and Steve Hirsh, the 'me' falls away leaving ...

Edward 'Kidd' Jordan, Joel Futterman, William Parker, Hamid Drake: A Tribute to Alvin Fielder - Live at Vision Festival XXIV

by Troy Dostert
July 9, 2020

When the free jazz world lost drummer Alvin Fielder in 2019, it lamented the passing of someone who had in many ways worked to expand the reach of avant-garde jazz, to widen its accessibility to fans and students alike. His well-known status as a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and Black Arts Music Society, not to mention his participation on seminal recordings like Roscoe Mitchell's Sound (Delmark, 1966), should not overshadow his presence ...

Avant Piano and Saxophone Duets: Interaction & SAMA

by John Sharpe
June 12, 2010

Joel Futterman / Kidd Jordan Interaction Self produced 2010 Matthew Shipp/ Sabir Mateen SAMA Not Two Records 2010 Sax-piano duets have an illustrious lineage. The vast majority have relied on compositional signposts to direct their musings, something avoided on these two studio dates that unite seasoned musicians who have made infrequent joint forays into the territory. First up is the appropriately named Interaction from ...

The Joel Futterman / Alvin Fielder / Ike Levin Trio: Traveling Through Now

by Henry Smith
January 29, 2009

Free jazz has always defined itself more by what it is not than by what it is. With an embrace of complete freedom of form comes a nearly infinite realm of musical possibility that has continued to expand since its cultural relevance began in the early 1960s. As various interpretations arose, a sort of nonlinear historiography developed including, among others, the spiritual jazz of John Coltrane, the “small instruments" sound of the Art Ensemble of Chicago, the big band reconfigurations ...

Joel Futterman & Ike Levin: Enigma

by Rex Butters
August 30, 2006

This most recent collaboration between two spontaneous musicians, pianist Joel Futterman and reedman Ike Levin, finds them pushing the empathic envelope to discover new, blazing soundscapes in which to ply their art. Futterman, a reclusive genius with a rehearsal habit that stretches eight to ten hours a day, displays staggering technique with unending production of ideas. His partner, a Bay Area free music firebrand, matches Futterman's creative stamina, burning brightly and serving up a feast of musical fireworks on this ...

Joel Futterman / Ike Levin Trio: Live at the Noe Valley Ministry

by Frank Rubolino
May 12, 2003

On their initial 2001 trio recording ( Lifeline, Bay Records), Joel Futterman, Ike Levin, and Kash Killion demonstrated their comprehension of the interpersonal requirements for constructing music of complexity and artistic integrity. This follow-up expands on the parameters of spontaneous communication so skillfully honed on their first joint venture. Performed in concert at a West Coast venue, the music captures the immediacy of the moment and the trio's responsiveness to the collective vibrations.

The three merge as one ...