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Taylor Ho Bynum 9-tette: The Ambiguity Manifesto
by Karl Ackermann
Taylor Ho Bynum's The Ambiguity Manifesto, with its oxymoronic title, is the third album in what the cornetist-composer calls an “accidental trilogy." Following his Firehouse 12 Records releases Navigation (Possible Abstracts XII & XIII) (2013) and Enter the Plus Tet (2016), Bynum recognized a form--however unconventional--both in the composition and performing of these large ensemble works. With a 9-tette made up of members of his sextet and Plus Tet, Bynum adds Stomu Takeishi on electric bass. Bynum cites ...
Continue ReadingMarilyn Lerner / Ken Filiano / Lou Grassi: Live At Edgefest
by John Sharpe
Three stalwarts of the improvised music scene combine to persuasive effect on the limited edition LP Live At Edgefest. An excellent sound allows Canadian pianist Marilyn Lerner and the NYC-based pairing of bassist Ken Filiano and drummer Lou Grassi to be heard as part of a truly egalitarian collective. A strong group dynamic is evident straight from the off and consistently on show throughout four freely wrought pieces. At times the discourse takes on a percussive dimension reminiscent of the ...
Continue ReadingMichael McNeill Trio: Flight
by Hrayr Attarian
On his second release as a leader Flight pianist Michael McNeill elegantly embellishes his own intricate compositions with bold spontaneity. He imbues the melodic elements of the album with subtle angularity and maintains a strong lyrical sense even while flirting with dissonance.The contemplative “Za," for instance, has a crystalline harmonic structure within which McNeill has carefully woven silent pauses that enhance its intimacy. His sparse chiming keys and drummer Phil Haynes' low rumble support bassist Ken Filiano's eloquent ...
Continue ReadingMichael McNeill Trio: Flight
by Budd Kopman
Michael McNeill and his trio (bassist Ken Filiano and drummer Phil Haynes) return after Passageways with the marvelous Flight. The first notes of “Placid Ruffled" indicate McNeill's classical background and compositional intent. The album is extremely well recorded, allowing, at least with headphones, for every overtone and their interactions to be heard clearly (especially in “Land"). This sound world envelopes the ear and prepares the way for music that lies between the purely abstract, tunes and sound paintings. ...
Continue ReadingMichael McNeill Trio: Passageways
by Hrayr Attarian
The rhythm trio is a well-established and ubiquitous format in jazz. Its fluidity and flexibility allow for a wide range of expression from traditional to advanced with the majority of recordings being solidly in the mainstream. Pianist Michael McNeill's exhilarating and innovative debut recording Passageways pushes the harmonic boundaries of the ensemble into unique and intriguing territories.The classically trained Buffalo native leads his intimate group through five of his own originals that allow ample room for spontaneous creativity. ...
Continue ReadingMichael McNeill Trio: Passageways
by Eyal Hareuveni
Michael McNeill's debut as a leader introduces a fresh perspective to the popular piano trio format. His compositions don't progress in a linear manner, nor do they strive to settle on time-tested harmonic or rhythmic structures; instead, they insistently explore the sonic possibilities within the immediate, fragile and equal interplay that the Buffalo, NY-based pianist-composer has with his improvisation-experienced trio mates, double bassist Ken Filiano and drummer Phil Haynes. McNeill has a mature, personal voice, developed through ...
Continue ReadingAndrea Wolper: Parallel Lives
by Dan Bilawsky
Andrea Wolper isn't just a jazz singer. Hearing her mid-song monologue with bass accompaniment, during her own “The Girls In Their Dresses," makes it clear that she's actually an actress choosing to communicate through the medium of jazz, and an utterly original one at that. On Parallel Lives, Wolper explores the music of Joni Mitchell, Hoagy Carmichael, Richard Rodgers, and Duncan Sheik, to name just a few, and she brings a dramatic flair to the work of each and every ...
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