Jazz Articles about John Surman

John Surman / Jack DeJohnette: Invisible Nature

by AAJ Staff
March 1, 2002

Reed player John Surman and drummer Jack DeJohnette go back a long way. More than three decades ago, these players met in London for regular jams; their paths have intersected regularly ever since. Their first record as a duo, The Amazing Adventures of Simon Simon, defined a spacious, open feel. Now back for more with Invisible Nature (with live performances recorded over two days in Europe), both players make use of electronics to expand the range and texture of their ...

John Surman: Coruscating

by AAJ Staff
December 1, 2000

Consistently one of ECM's more prolific and experimental artists, John Surman has chosen to remain in Europe for the most part, and thus he remains unknown to many but the most determined jazz listeners and devotees of the baritone saxophone.Born in 1944, Surman, perhaps because of his separation from the American jazz mainstream, has develops a grace on his instrument that carries Gerry Mulligan's style a step further. By investigating electronics and British folk tradition, as well as ...

John Surman: Coruscating

by Glenn Astarita
December 1, 2000

Few would debate multi-reedman John Surman's significance to the Euro-jazz scene or perhaps modern jazz in general. And with his latest offering titled Coruscating, the distinguished artiste performs alongside longtime musical associate, bassist Chris Lawrence to compliment a string quartet specifically assembled for this occasion.

With this release, the band imaginatively parallels the perception of light, polarity and radiance with contrasting elements spoken through the musician's lucid yet at times, subdued dramatizations. Here, Surman renders spectral themes via his distinctive ...