Charles Downs: Inner

It has been a long time coming for Charles Downs' debut recording as a leader. He began his career in the 1970s playing as Rashid Bakr with the likes of Cecil Taylor, Jemeel Moondoc, William Parker and others before reverting to his birth name in the new century. Since then, he has performed as part of the Flow Trio with Joe Morris and Louis Belogenis, as well as playing with Larry Ochs, Joe McPhee, and Peter Brötzmann, among others. At the ripe age of 81, Downs has finally made his debut with Inner.

Consisting of a five-part improvisation, Inner demonstrates why Downs is considered one of the premier avant-garde drummers around (and, in fact, will appear on no less than four other recordings in 2026). His playing propels the improvisation without going too far out but is varied enough to allow his fellow musicians to stretch out.

Downs sets up a subtle but potent rhythm on the opening cut before being joined by the rest of the band:Jamie Saft on piano, Hery Paz on saxophone and Joe Morris on bass. There it becomes a full-out improvisation. Each part distinguishes itself, which provides a nice variety to the album that avant-garde albums sometimes lack.

Morris, who has played with Downs previously on both bass and guitar, is a sympathetic accompaniment to Downs' beats. Saft has also recorded with Downs previously and has a sound somewhere between Taylor's eccentricities and Thelonious Monk's quirky rhythm. Paz is the wild card, going full-screech or subtle wailing, whatever best complements his fellow musicians. His playing is a revelation of both wildness and control and shows incredible empathy for the music. Downs has chosen wisely with the band, finding musicians who not only enhance and embellish his playing but each other's.

As Downs takes back the reins at the end of the fifth part and quietly brings the album to a halt, one hopes that this is the start of many more recordings with him in charge.