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Mark Whitecage: Research On the Edge
by Derek Taylor
Mark Whitecage is inching ever closer to the status of most recorded CIMP session-man. With a total of eleven dates for the label under his belt the only other musicians who usurp him in terms of prolificacy for the label are bassist Dominic Duval and percussionist Jay Rosen (who also turns up on this date!). Musically however he is the farthest thing from the old stereotype of session player. Rather than one who arrives at a gig, plays his requisite ...
Continue ReadingMark Whitecage's Other Quartet: Consensual Tension
by Glenn Astarita
On “Murmurings”, Whitecage (alto) and Mateen (tenor) trade some serious heat while Fonda and Sorgen swing or rumble and tumble in support of the clever and fire breathing improv from the saxophonists. “Drum Reso” emits notions of being a nursery rhyme for children who are destined to become modern or free jazz musicians when they grow up. Here, Whitecage and Mateen converge to state an almost childlike theme, which develops into something complex. On this piece we hear Joe Fonda’s ...
Continue ReadingMark Whitecage Quartet: Caged No More
by Glenn Astarita
A 1997 release, Caged No More may serve as a metaphor for multi-reedman Mark Whitecage and his boundless array of musical propositions, formats and stylizations. Here, Whitecage along with longtime associate’s cellist, Tomas Ulrich, bassist Dominic Duval and drummer-percussionist Jay Rosen, stylistically demonstrate the fine art of improvisation! Recorded live at The Spirit Room in Rossie NY, The Quartet gain significant strides via the always stellar production and artful live recording techniques which has become a noteworthy commodity of the ...
Continue ReadingMark Whitecage: Split Personality
by Glenn Astarita
Sadly, the fine Swiss label Hat Art, now called Hatology has suffered from poor distribution in the United States and import-like prices. Hat Art was a purveyor of the “new jazz”. Important jazz icons such as Anthony Braxton, Joe McPhee, Gerry Hemmingway and many others have explored uncharted musical waters due to the backing and vision of this innovative and classy outfit. Thankfully, Mr. Schuller along with Producer Marc Lambert have provided jazz lovers with a string of artistic and ...
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