Jazz Articles about John Law

John Law: Deeper into the Music

by Jakob Baekgaard
November 4, 2009

Classical music and jazz are often perceived as two radically different art forms that cannot be merged. Historically, the idea of a so-called “third stream" that is able to combine the language of jazz and classical music into a coherent whole has proved rather difficult to translate into praxis, and yet it is undeniable that a bond, however fragile, exists between the two musics. This was evident from the very beginning, with pianist Scott Joplin's ambition to create a musical ...

John Law / Sam Burgess / Asaf Sirkis: Congregation: The Art of Sound Volume 4

by Jakob Baekgaard
August 13, 2009

In music, the material of the artist is sound. Music is the shaping of sound. It's no coincidence, then, that British pianist John Law has named his ambitious tetralogy The Art of Sound. The final installment, Congregation: The Art of Sound Volume 4, finds Law working with the same trio--bassist Sam Burgess and drummer Asaf Sirkis--as he did on the very first release in the series, The Art of Sound (33 Jazz, 2007).

One of the advantages of ...

John Law Quartet: Abacus

by Glenn Astarita
September 1, 2001

Classically trained pianist, John Law took a shining to jazz while in his 20’s and eventually teamed up with some of Europe’s best and brightest free jazz artisans yet subsequently decided to tone matters down a bit. Here, Law aligns with American drummer/composer Gerry Hemingway for a spirited set also featuring Law’s longtime associates, saxophonist, Jon Lloyd and bassist, Tim Wells.

Marked by the leader’s linear lines, spaciously perpetuated statements and limber left-hand, right-hand coordination, the quartet pursues peppery rhythms ...