Cosmosamatics: Reeds & Birds / Three

Original drummer Jay Rosen is back behind the kit for the 24-minute live version of "Avant-Garde Destruct" that concludes Reeds & Birds and when Marcus brings out his baritone for his gentle "12 Seasons of Love", the first of four tracks recorded live in Amsterdam in 2003 that comprise the back half of Three. After Rosen solos to start "Requiem for Anne Frank", Marcus enters on baritone and delivers a characteristically profound performance. Of all the horns in his repertoire, the baritone may be where Marcus slow-burns brightest.
Consider a Sonny Simmons revival a sign that things are looking up. And for my CD dollar, Michael Marcus is the most expressive and consistently rewarding reedist around. On Three and Reeds & Birds you get both of them in a trio unlike any other.
Personnel: Sonny Simmons (saxophone), Michael Marcus( saxophone), Jay Rosen (drums), Clifford Barbaro (drums on Reeds & Birds only)
Track Listing:
Three: Futura; Tonal Magnitudes; Cool Burn; Bring On the Funk; 12 Seasons of Love; Avant-Garde Destruct; 'Round Midnight; Requiem for Anne Frank
Reeds & Birds: Intoxicating Galaxies; Cheryl (take 1); Drifting on a Reed; 49th St. Stomp; Ballad Medley: Autumn in New York/In a Sentimental Mood; Bird Feathers; Cheryl (take 2); Avant-Garde Destruct (live)