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Marja Mortensson: Mojhtestasse
by Ian Patterson
The passing on of musical tradition is fundamental to any culture, but so too is innovation, which breathes new life into old ways. Mojhtestasse, the second album by Norwegian south Saami singer Marja Mortensson, continues her revival of the yoik tradition--a unique, chant-like vocalisation--that has been dormant in her family for several generations. Mortensson's wordless chant-cum-improvisations ...
Annie Chen Octet: Secret Treetop
by Jack Bowers
Over the years, jazz has widened its horizons to encompass a broad range of music that many of those who practiced and/or appreciated the more traditional forms might not recognize, let alone endorse. Among the more recent genres is “world music," which embodies various rhythmic and harmonic elements of jazz without assimilating its core values. On ...
Anna Mia: Miasophy
by Mike Jurkovic
The music heard on Miasophy by Ukrainian singer Anna Mia and her distinctly ethereal quintet is a haunting, robustly compelling listen. Like spectral apparitions, her voice and the band conjure oddly shadowed, yet decisively intimate cabaret atmospheres, drawing you back to the whole or a particular song when you least expect it. The band, ...
Steven Wilson: Home Invasion: In Concert at the Royal Albert Hall
by Glenn Astarita
One component of progressive rock composer/vocalist/guitarist/ Steve Wilson's widespread appeal pertains to his rather boyish charm and heartfelt vocal delivery. A strong composer and supreme melody-maker, the artist seduces the audience with the notions of living and breathing the experiences and implications of a song's lyrics. And he helped pave the way for post progressive rock ...
Kihong Jang: They Brought A New Kind of Music To Me
by David A. Orthmann
Kihong Jang's debut record as a leader is the antithesis of the hectic, anxious character of many contemporary jazz releases. The guitarist's unassuming approach contains an impressive degree of depth and certainty for a young musician. The disc's six tracks offer affably swinging sounds that aren't particularly knotty, convoluted or strained. Original compositions, choice of tempos ...
Dave Rempis: Icoci
by John Sharpe
In avant jazz, as in other artistic endeavors, talent alone isn't enough. Success requires a large slice of luck too. Chicago-based reedman Dave Rempis knows that as well as anyone. As a consequence he works hard at making his own luck: he concentrates on running a string of regular outfits; assembles a network of supportive venues; ...
Charlie Porter: Charlie Porter
by Nicholas F. Mondello
Charlie Porter is an album that is musically and structurally reminiscent of those iconic M.C. Escher prints: dizzying ziggurats, waterfalls to some/nowhere and eye-teasing figure-ground images. Porter, with the able assistance of his local colleagues -all ace musicians -has created an intriguing, intelligent recording that simmers and boils over with ingenious original compositions, stellar musicianship, and ...
Draksler - Eldh - Lillinger: Punkt.Vrt.Plastic
by Glenn Astarita
Nascent drumming superhero Christian Lillinger and bassist Petter Eldh handle the rhythms in the riotously exciting, balls to the walls quartet Amok Amor, as the fun-factor and thrills a minute impetus morphs into this rapidly-moving trio featuring mega-talented Slovenian pianist, Kaja Draksler. At times the musicians run their course via ample doses of counterpoint ...
Ingrid Laubrock: Two Works For Orchestra With Soloists
by Mark Corroto
Large ensemble recordings are just not attempted these days. That is unless one is blessed with Lincoln Center's budget or you happen to be Anthony Braxton or maybe Maria Schneider. Further, to assemble a large cast of 47 musicians plus two conductors for a recording that features written classical music, free improvisation conduction, and superstar soloists ...
Fish-scale Sunrise: No Queen Rises
by John Sharpe
Dutch reedman Ab Baars goes out of his way to avoid sentiment in his playing. He plots courses that veer willfully from melodic to shrill, but always remains in control. The most striking aspect of Fish-scale Sunrise, named after a poem by Wallace Stevens, is how much this approach to improvising is reflected in his composing ...
