Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » The Industrial Jazz Group: Hardcore

The Industrial Jazz Group: Hardcore

By AAJ Staff
March 1, 2001
View read count

Perhaps this disc aims for high irony or some kind of inside joke, but the group is anything but "industrial" and their music defies any definition of "hard core." One might perhaps expect machine-like coordination or loud thrusting noise, but this quintet led by Andrew Durkin sticks to the open space of improvisation around (often) arranged accompaniment. The pieces span a reasonable variety of styles, with a generally upbeat and swinging feel. Occasional electronic tinkering adds an aura of mystique, and the two "Fantasies" play with classical themes in the jazz context.

As for Hardcore, the music is too open-ended and playful to fit this category as well. On the creative side of traditional straight-ahead swinging jazz, both the arrangements and the improvised solos display a refreshing level of innovation. Certainly not ground-breaking or monumental, the sounds on this disc nevertheless offer something special to the curious and open-minded listener. Hardcore deserves a listen and reveals depth upon close examination.

Track Listing

Daphne's Dream City; Valley of the Smokes; What Is Music For? (part one); Fantasy on Eine; The Man in the Godzilla Suit; Lucky Duck; Cozy 'n Tooty; Skeeter Goes Legit; Fantasy on Cozy; Plus or Minus Eleven; What is Music For? (part two); What is Music For? (part three); Art & Commerce preview; Art & Commerce; Godzilla Redux.

Personnel

Evan Francis: flute, alto saxophone; Mike Dodge: clarinet, tenor saxophone; Aaron Kohen: bass; Drew Hemwall: drums; Andrew Durkin: piano.

Album information

Title: Hardcore | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Ugly Rug Records

Tags

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make 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.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves 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.