Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Nicole Mitchell/Tomeka Reid/Mike Reed: Artifacts

4

Nicole Mitchell/Tomeka Reid/Mike Reed: Artifacts

By

Sign in to view read count
Nicole Mitchell/Tomeka Reid/Mike Reed: Artifacts
Flutist Nicole Mitchell, cellist Tomeka Reid and drummer Mike Reed are three of the most prominent members of the third generation of Association for Advancement of Creative Music (AACM). Each one is a consummate musician; equally adept at composing and improvising. Each one of them has forged their boldly unique artistic path with an instantly recognizable sound

Their collaborative album Artifacts is a compelling and exquisite work that augments their innovative individual styles with a superb almost telepathic camaraderie. On it they interpret nine gems penned by other AACM members.

The trio reconstructs pianist Muhal Richard Abrams' gripping "Munkt Munk" with taut and crystalline harmonic structures. Out of this tense and angular musical framework emerge stimulating exchanges with hints of free flowing dissonance.

The dynamic tracks are filled vibrant performances that are woven intimately into the fabric of the compositions. Drummer Steve McCall's "B.K.," for instance, has an undercurrent of eastern romanticism. Within it Mitchell's incandescent lines flow as they alternate between cool indigo glow and fiery spontaneous flourishes. The tune also has a pulsating core that Reid's walking lines and Reed's percussive beats build. The latter takes an exciting and thunderous solo that ushers in the energetic conclusion.

A definite primal spirituality imbues the "medley" of saxophonist Fred Anderson's "Bernice" and guitarist Jeff Parker's "Days Fly By With Ruby." Reed's raw thumping kit, Mitchell's howling flute and Reid's wailing strings open this composite piece as it transforms from a mystical chant to a quietly melancholic song. Mitchell and Reid intone long, mournful lines over Reed's percolating, visceral rhythm. Mitchell and Reid and cello engage in a, delightfully atonal, circular improvisation that is filled with both passion and angst. The duet gradually takes on a bittersweet boppish tone with Mitchell and Reid trading crisp and clever phrases with a mellifluous edge.

Expressive and frantic at times, tender and impressionistic at others this cohesive and fascinating record is a reflection of a shared artistic vision. One that not only brings together three contemporary masters of extemporized music but also spans half a century and defines an intrepid and revolutionary movement that keeps going strong.

Track Listing

Composition 23B; Jo Jar; Bernice / Days Fly By with Ruby; Clowns; Have Mercy on Us; BK; I'll Be Right Here Waiting; Munkt Munk; Light On The Path.

Personnel

Nicole Mitchell: flutes, electronics; Tomeka Reid: cello; Mike Reed: drums.

Album information

Title: Artifacts | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: 482 Music

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

What Was Happening
Bobby Wellins Quartet
Laugh Ash
Ches Smith
A New Beat
Ulysses Owens, Jr. and Generation Y

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.