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Sonny Simmons - Michael Marcus - William Parker - Jay Rosen: The Cosmosamatics
by Glenn Astarita
“Boxholder Records” infers that this inaugural outing represents a proposed ongoing collaboration between the somewhat legendary multi-reedman, Sonny Simmons, and the increasingly important saxophonist/flutist, Michael Marcus. Coupled with the fact that bassist, William Parker and drummer, Jay Rosen anchor down the rhythms, the implications are that of a modern jazz/improvising super-group! The soloists’ launch the proceedings ...
Lou Grassi's PoBand + Joseph Jarman: The Joy of Being
by Glenn Astarita
Venerable modern jazz drummer/group leader, Lou Grassi’s improvising “PoBand” aggregation, join forces with famed “Art Ensemble of Chicago” saxophonist, Joseph Jarman on this effervescent release titled, Joy of Being. The drummer’s compelling polyrhythmic attack provides the often steamy undercurrents for a production that is chock full of round robin type exchanges, and the soloists’ verbose proclamations. ...
Ellery Eskelin: Vanishing Point
by Glenn Astarita
Tenor saxophonist, Ellery Eskelin is without a doubt one of the most important figures in modern jazz improvisation. Based on several acclaimed recordings with drummer, Jim Black and accordionist/sampler expert, Andrea Parkers amid a few choice session dates, Eskelin's ultramodern visions and marvelous technique, looms rather large these days. However, with this release, featuring notables from ...
Chris Burn Ensemble: The Place 1991
by Glenn Astarita
“The Place” signifies a London theater where pianist, Chris Burn, and his ensemble, featuring an assemblage of noteworthy British free-jazz/improvising artists, performed these compositions during the “Crosswinds” festival. The opener “Presponse,” elicits notions of an avant-garde or offbeat Sci-Fi thriller due to a series of fragmented themes and brazenly stated undercurrents by saxophonist John Butcher, flutist, ...
Djam Karet: Ascension - New Dark Age Vol. 2
by Glenn Astarita
“Djam Karet’s” customary blend of hard driving and inventively implemented progressive rock is diverted to the background on their latest effort, which is a limited edition of only 750 copies. Otherwise, for those who have followed the group’s sixteen-year rite of passage through a series of idiosyncratic offerings are also aware of the musicians’ ambient-electronic and ...
Parker / Guy / Lytton / Schlippenbach / Lovens: 2 x 3 = 5
by Glenn Astarita
2x3=5 connotes the merging of two trios: pianist Alexander von Schlippenbach, saxophonist Evan Parker, drummer Paul Lovens and Parker's longtime associates, bassist Barry Guy and drummer Paul Lytton. However the thrust behind this fascinating seventy-seven minute presentation, resides within the artists' abilities to regenerate a hodgepodge of sub-themes into a series of propulsive statements marked by ...
Sven-Ake Johansson, Axel Dorner, Andrea Neumann: Barcelona Series
by Glenn Astarita
The musical implications portrayed here, seemingly hearken back to drummer, Sven-Ake Johansson’s flirtations with mechanistic noise music, most notably “Concerto for 12 tractors” and a concerto for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. With that notion in mind, the trio of trumpeter, Axel Dorner, Johansson and pianoharpist (a stripped down piano sans keys) Andrea Neumann engage in some unorthodox banter ...
Picchio dal Pozzo: Camere Zimmer Rooms
by Glenn Astarita
Motivated by the British Canterbury progressive rock scene, this Italian band had only released two albums during their reign in the 70’s as Camere Zimmer Rooms represents previously unheard studio material recorded between 1977-1980. Hence, during the early 70’s - 80’s, the European prog-rock movement was all about taking chances. In those days, musicians’ often incorporated ...
John Benitez Trio: Descarga In New York
by Glenn Astarita
With his first solo release, it is easy to see why John Benitez is one of New York City’s busiest first call bassists. The young artist has supported the “Mingus Big Band,” famed Afro-Cuban percussionist, Mongo Santamaria, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and many others, yet takes a leadership role with his trio and others for this frisky, ...
Keith Jarrett Trio: Inside Out
by Glenn Astarita
This 2001 release marks a departure from the Trio’s standards-based format and in pianist, Keith Jarrett’s words: “I mentioned to Jack (DeJohnette) and Gary (Peacock), during a tour in Europe, that perhaps we would scrap the format – the whole idea of having to use any material.” Recorded during two evenings at London’s “Royal Festival Hall,” ...


