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Jeff Lederer with Mary LaRose: Schoenberg on the Beach
by Jerome Wilson
Saxophonist Jeff Lederer has used several unexpected inspirations for musical projects over the years, such as Shaker hymns and the writings of Herman Melville. Schoenberg on the Beach may be the most audacious thing he has ever done. It blends the compositions of Arnold Schoenberg and Anton Webern and the sounds of Coney Island together into an intriguing song cycle performed by a team of exceptional jazz musicians. Schoenberg lived in Los Angeles in the latter part of ...
Continue ReadingNicolas Politzer: Visiones
by Mike Jurkovic
At first encounter, as the Cecil Taylor infused “Fandango" kick-starts Argentinian drummer Nicolas Politzer's highly recommended Visiones, a keen perception of falling, or at least cliff-side vertigo, accompanies the rancorous performance. But do not let go. Hang on. There is resolution. Politzer's angular musicality makes for some fiery and spirited discussions with well-travelled bassist Michael Formanek, (Mary Halvorson, Tomas Fujiwara, Fred Hersch) and equally far-afield pianist Santiago Leibson, (Francisco Mela, Gerald Cleaver, Camila Nebbia), which can (and do) ...
Continue ReadingAki Rissanen, Michael Formanek, Jin Jim and Jeff Sipe Trio
by Len Davis
New releases from Aki Rissanen, Michael Formanek from Damaged Goods and German band Jin Jim with Johann May. Experimental Trio from Austria EKKO 3, and from the UK Paroksha with Marco Anderson. We finish the hour with high energy rock from Mark Lettieri, Fernando Molinari, Isobar, Commodore from Argentina, and The Jeff Sipe Trio.Playlist Aki Rissanen “Day After Yesterday" from Hyperrreal (Edition) 00:00 Michael Formanek “Verdigris" from Damaged Goods (Cuneiform) 05:47 Jin Jim “Turning The Page" from New ...
Continue ReadingNew Music From Formanek's Elusion Quartet And More
by Bob Osborne
On this show the featured album is the new release from Michael Formanek's Elusion Quartet. There is also new music from Jim Alfredson, Laila Ferman, Guzmán Calzada & Sofía Scheps, Louis Stewart & Noel Kelehan, Joëlle Léandre with Craig Taborn & Mat Maneri, Juan Pastor / Chinchano, Javier Red's Imagery Convertor, Buselli Wallarab Jazz Orchestra, and, The Nimmons Tribute.Playlist Show Intro 00:00 Jim Alfredson “Verna" from Family Business (Posi-tone) 00:43 Michael Formanek Elusion Quartet “Rewind" from As Things ...
Continue ReadingMichael Formanek Elusion Quartet, Illegal Crowns, and Iyer / Aftab / Ismaily
by Maurice Hogue
Debuting this episode are new albums from bassist Michael Formanek and his Elusion Quartet (Tony Malaby, Kris Davis & Ches Smith), Illegal Crowns (Mary Halvorson, Taylor Ho Bynum, Benoit Delbecq & Tomas Fujiwara, and the trio of {m: Vijay Iyer}}, Arooj Aftab & Shahzad Ismaily with their Love In Exile. I expect to see all of those on best-of lists at the end of the year, and Love In Exile may well appear in many genres. It's a bit uncategorizable. ...
Continue ReadingMichael Formanek Elusion Quartet: As Things Do
by Troy Dostert
The Elusion Quartet has become one of bassist Michael Formanek's more formidable ensembles, even if it is a more recent project than his long- standing work with Tomas Fujiwara and Mary Halvorson in Thumbscrew, or the many recordings he has made with prominent saxophonists ranging from Tim Berne to Marty Ehrlich and Ellery Eskelin. Although As Things Do is only the second release by the group, it is a superb album in every respect and a strong contender for year-end ...
Continue ReadingIngrid Laubrock: The Last Quiet Place
by Jerome Wilson
Saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock always seems to search out new instrumental configurations for her music. This time out, she and her musical and life partner, drummer Tom Rainey, collaborate with a quartet of accomplished string players, guitarist Brandon Seabrook, violinist Mazz Swift, cellist Tomeka Reid, and bassist Michael Formanek. Together they create stimulating music which can be many things. At different times it sounds formal, urgent, placid, and violent. “Afterglow" and “Anticipation" explore some of the classical possibilities of ...
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