Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Evan Parker / Ned Rothenberg: Live at Roulette

372

Evan Parker / Ned Rothenberg: Live at Roulette

By

Sign in to view read count
Evan Parker / Ned Rothenberg: Live at Roulette
Multi-reedists Evan Parker and Ned Rothenberg have spent their careers challenging the accepted notions of jazz and music in general. It isn't a crusade or rebellion, but rather a personal search manifested in their vast and varied discographies, a relentless probing that characterizes much of Live at Roulette.

Recorded in October of 2006—and named one of the top ten shows of that year by AAJ-NY—the hour-long set is as absorbing as it is challenging. "Who Asked Racine opens the set with popped notes and multiphonic screeches, before Rothenberg's alto plunges to a beguiling whisper, instantly drawing Parker to the airy depths of his register before his tenor begins a wayward, dissonant ascent. It's the first of many instances of near extra sensory communication between the pair.

The album's five tracks—each averaging about ten minutes in length—are more accurately described as a collection of improvisational episodes. Impetus and response are nearly indiscernible on "Stick, Twist or Bust, a hypnotic performance pairing Parker's wry soprano with the woody resonance of Rothenberg's bass clarinet. The improvisation gains momentum and focus to a bubbling, contrapuntal section where a jaunty, low-register ostinato from Rothenberg sustains Parker's effervescent high-note runs. From this mid-performance climax, the duo somehow manages to build incrementally to an even higher plane, with Rothenberg's clarinet leaping back and forth, and finally joining Parker for a whistling conclusion.

Live at Roulette is certainly one of the most important releases of the year thus far and considerable consolation for those of us who missed the show.

Track Listing

Who Asked Racine?; Brew For The Birds; Stick, Twist or Bust; On Alto On Tenor; On Core En Cours.

Personnel

Evan Parker
saxophone, soprano

Evan Parker: reeds; Ned Rothenberg: reeds.

Album information

Title: Live At Roulette | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Tzadik

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create 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.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve 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.
View events near New York City
Jazz Near New York City
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.