Jazz Articles

Kenneth Patchen: Reads With Jazz In Canada

by Mark Corroto
October 7, 2004

Funny how poet Kenneth Patchen's message is even more poignant today, two generations down the road. His antiwar pacifism was eclipsed by the overindulgent “beat generation" poets, who claimed him as a father, then quickly chose to become his prodigal sons. His message of love, blurred by their self-obsession, has come around again. Patchen's words for a troubled cold war world are suitable in these post-9/11 unsettled times.

Patchen's poetry and prose has always had a strong following ...

Matt Bauder/Jason Ajemin: Object 3

by Mark Corroto
July 8, 2004

The third installment in Locust Music’s Object series, recordings inspired by selected objects, finds saxophonist Matt Bauder and bassist Jason Ajemian contemplating what looks like some sort of computer disc drive. But does it really matter? Prior efforts were focused on bowling balls and brillo pads. Not quite stuff found in Emily Dickinson's house.

The single 31-minute track was made in down state Illinois on a summer’s night. The pair play a continuous dirge over the sounds ...

Dragons 1976: On Cortez

by Rex Butters
June 8, 2004

Some serious cool rises like dry ice steam off of On Cortez , the new release by Dragons 1976, comprised of alto player Aram Shelton, drummer Tim Daisy, and bassisst Jason Ajemian. Despite their associations with Ken Vandermark, Scott Rosenberg, Jeff Parker, Triage, and Wrak, here they create moody, bluesy threads that unravel according to plan. Their less-is-more aesthetic serves them well as they patiently roam dark terrains.

“Canopy” cruises like a primered Buick. Shelton plays it minimal in an ...

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 ...