Space (Roscoe Mitchell - Thomas Buckner - Gerald Oshita): New Music For Woodwinds/ An Interesting Breakfast Conversation

This 2-CD set (for the price of one) signifies material originally issued on the relatively obscure “1750 Arch Records” label, featuring renowned “Art Ensemble of Chicago” saxophonist, Roscoe Mitchell vocalist, Thomas Buckner and the late woodwind expert, experimentalist, Gerald Oshita.

Back in 1979 these artists formed the adventurous “Space” trio, whereas the 1981 recording New Music For Woodwinds And Voice (Disc 1), features the bands’ melding of unconventional reed instruments with Buckner’s “extended voice” techniques. Throughout, Buckner’s baritone voice stands as the equalizing factor thanks to his cleverly executed interactions with the saxophonists’ pumping lines, intuitive phraseology and symmetrically devised rhythmic encounters. On “SVSA, Scene 1,” from the 1984 LP An Interesting Breakfast Conversation (Disc 2), Buckner injects an operatic demeanor atop the saxophonists’ free jazz style improv. However, one of the key factors here, pertains to the musicians’ democratic mode of execution. Basically, no one steals the spotlight on either of these outings, as Mitchell toggles between, soprano, tenor, alto, bass saxophones and Eb clarinet, while Oshita performs on Conn-o-sax and sarrusaphone, besides working with conventional reeds. Consequently, this nicely compiled reissue offers an abundance of curiously interesting propositions, largely due to the musicians’ inspiring performances and penchant for implementing an expansive sonic palate.

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