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Danny Kamins: Disruptor

By Mark Corroto
December 8, 2021
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Does saxophonist Danny Kamins's solo recording Disruptor act as an introduction to the various ensembles of which he is a member? Or do those group recordings prepare us for this solo outing? Kamins, a Houston resident and director of the jazz program at Rice University can be heard in the improvising trios CARL and Etched In The Eye, and on the excellent (Balance Point Acoustics, 2021 ) with Rebecca Novak, Sandy Ewen, Damon Smith, and Jerome Bryerton. We can answer 'absolutely yes' to both questions.

You might have guessed, Disruptor was recorded in the year of the Covid-19 pandemic. Besides the 57 second alto saxophone "Opening" with its chattering bird calls, the remaining pieces focus on circular breathing. Kamins' technique, whether on bass clarinet, alto or baritone saxophone, is to present sound as meditation. Except, we' are not talking 'get some quiet rest' meditation. His sound often mimics a metallic hum and rattle as he explores the very edges of his overblown reed instruments. He does so on "For Elliot" on baritone saxophone and "French Dip" with bass clarinet, both walking a knife edge balancing control and overblowing. His baritone saxophone creates wave upon wave of rhythmic sound with "Things That Don't Resolve, But Become More Linear," which gives the impression of multiple musicians until you realize it is Kamins high energy workout. This is impressive stuff and an excellent introduction to Kamins' group interactions.

Track Listing

Opening; For Elliot; French Dip; Things That Don’t Resolve, But Become More Linear; Bee Chamber; Dexedrine Submarine.

Personnel

Danny Kamins

saxophone

Additional Instrumentation

Danny Kamins : alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, bass clarinet.

Album information

Title: Disruptor | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Noise Pelican Records

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