Axel D

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Euphorium_freakestra: Free Acoustic Supergroup

by Mark Corroto
July 5, 2023

Thanks to pianist and director Oliver Schwerdt, the Euphorium_freakestra is and always has been a glorious experiment in organized disorganization. The double CD Free Acoustic Supergroup is the ensemble's seventh release. Schwerdt's experiments began with the single disc Ðal Ngai (Euphorium Records, 2004) and eventually the group's 3-CD Grande Casino (Euphorium Records, 2018). Ðal Ngai included the guest artists Friedrich Schenker and Günter Baby Sommer. Other releases found the ensemble hosting musicians such as Thomas Lehn, Barry Guy, and Bertrand ...

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Axel D: Object 1

by Mark Corroto
May 4, 2003

They say writing about music is difficult. Try playing music dedicated to static, nonmusical objects.

That’s what Locust Music’s new Object Series sets out to accomplish. Improvisers are given objects such as the bowling ball, brillo pad, and chest x-ray depicted on the cover of this recording and asked to react to the visual.

Non-animal and non-vegetable materials have inspired musicians throughout history; think of train songs and car songs. But what about stationary things ...

like 147

Axel D: Claque

by Derek Taylor
July 1, 2000

On the surface the two geographical parts of this trio seem like a somewhat unlikely gathering of talents: German brassman Dörner is perhaps best known stateside for his work with the Berlin Contemporary Orchestra and Alexander von Schilippenbach. Lonberg-Holm and Zerang are Windy City regulars as well as frequent bandmates. The opportunity for the three to convene presented itself in a Chicago studio and fortunately for us they capitalized on it.

The techniques favored by all three players are anything ...