Kirk Knuffke / Joe McPhee Quartet + 1: Keep The Dream Up

Synergy might be the best way to describe the result of this assemblage of musicians. Cornetist Kirk Knuffke and saxophonist Joe McPhee combine their various ensembles to create an effect much greater than the sum of their separate parts. Knuffke has worked extensively with bassist Michael Bisio in duo and trio formats, plus in the bassist's quartet Accortet. Likewise Bisio and McPhee have a lengthy relationship, performing in settings from duos to quintets. Add to the mix drummer Jay Rosen, McPhee's associate from Trio X, and German saxophonist Christof Knoche (who sticks to bass clarinet here), a collaborator with Knuffke in Butch Morris' orchestras.

The synergism of this quartet (sometimes trio and sometimes quintet) is certainly attributed to the flexibility and responsiveness of the participants. Best evidence of this might be the meditative track "Use Of Clay" which opens with Knoche's hushed bass clarinet, followed by the whispering cornet of Knuffke, brush work of Rosen, and Bisio's bowed bass. When McPhee's tenor saxophone enters, the energy peaks before turning once again inward. This introspective approach is heard throughout. Rosen's percussive attack opens "Cracks Into Burning" which spurs Bisio to turn his bass into a percussive instrument by rapping knuckles on wood while Knuffke percolates cornet notes throughout. McPhee contributes to the equation on "Take Me To The Spring" as the three horns interlace for the briefest moments of harmonizing equanimity. Ditto for "They Will Say" which adds bass and drums into the weave of the three horns, ending with Rosen's robust drum solo.

We hear McPhee recite his poem "Invocation," a bonus to any performance, on the final track. He is accompanied Knuffke, Bisio, and Rosen to add to his resonating voice. McPhee is also heard quoting poet Carl Sandburg's words, along with Knuffke, "the buffaloes are gone and those who saw the buffaloes are gone" on the track "Buffaloes," which is driven on by a mighty pulse and thunderous performance.

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