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Roland Dahinden: Talking with Charlie - An Imaginary Talk with Charlie Parker
by Glenn Astarita
There have been numerous Charlie Parker tributes over the years, which is to be expected, yet Swiss trombonist, composer Roland Dahinden is no stranger to thinking outside the box via his contemporary classical experience, performing pieces written for him by the likes of Anthony Braxton, John Cage and Daniel Wolf. He's also a jazz improviser and ...
Francois Houle - Alexander Hawkins - Harris Eisenstadt: You Have Options
by Glenn Astarita
The late co-founder of the Vancouver Jazz Festival, Ken Pickering, recommended British pianist Alexander Hawkins to consummate this trio featuring Canadians: drummer Harris Eisenstadt (drums) and clarinetist Francois Houle. And, based on the output of this exquisite studio set, it was a sound decision to align with the pianist, who for several years has performed with ...
Delta Saxophone Quartet: Bowie, Berlin & Beyond
by Glenn Astarita
This first-rate UK-based saxophone quartet has been in existence since 1984, and it is celebrated for its thought-provoking reimagining of well-known works from progressive rock icons such as King Crimson on Crimson! (Basho Music, 2016), and a cunning slant on Soft Machine, Dedicated to You... But You Weren't Listening (Moonjune, 2007). Here, the musicians derive inspiration ...
Jonathan Finlayson: 3 Times Round
by Glenn Astarita
As a solo artist, trumpeter/composer Jonathan Finlayson (Steve Coleman, Henry Threadgill) has been forging a rapid growth-pattern, conspicuously illustrated here, on his third release for Pi. On his previous solo outings for the label, Finlayson was the lone horn player with his band Sicilian Defense. Now, he broadens his scope by employing eminent saxophonists, Steve Lehman ...
Rent Romus: Deciduous/Midwestern Edition Vol. 1
by Glenn Astarita
This West Coast USA experimental record label always spreads its wings. Part of the fun is anticipating what comes next. Here, label head and distinguished multi-reedman Rent Romus and musical associates pay homage to the avant-garde jazz spirit of the Midwest, citing the birthplace for AACM and innovators such as Albert Ayler, Rahsaan Roland Kirk and ...
The Eclectic Maybe Band: The Blind Night Watchers' Mysterious Landscapes
by Glenn Astarita
Among other positive opinions, UK-based Discus Music cranks out one audiophile quality album after another. The experimental label does not cut corners, and taking into consideration the disparate soundstages, tonal attributes and instrumentation, the music often simulates 3D-like sonic characteristics. These factors also come in handy when demoing stereo equipment at your local high-end dealer. Otherwise, ...
Tone Masseve: Amp L'étude
by Glenn Astarita
This is a posthumous release by guitarist Tone Masseve, whose vision led him to reformulate celebrated classical pieces by Chopin, Bach and others into the rock idiom. At the time, Masseve said, “In my childhood I was exposed to many different musical styles and genres. Although I am really a blues player, I also love the ...
Evil Genius: Experiments on Human Subjects
by Glenn Astarita
It would be an uplifting experience to see this trio go at it in a live setting. For those who need comparisons, think of a cross-pollination between some of John Zorn-produced kinetic avant-garde jazz fusion, psych and rock ensembles along with Frank Zappa influences, and punk jazz groups. Guitarist Max Kutner is the lead ...
Solon McDade: Murals
by Glenn Astarita
This is the debut release by ace Canadian bassist and Juno Award winner, Solon McDade. And it's a welcome surprise, to say the least. Think of classic small ensemble Prestige or Blue Note recordings with a modern uplift and state-of-the-art recording processes to conjure a good idea of the quintet's deportment and stylization. McDade is an ...
Schnell: Live at Sowieso
by Glenn Astarita
This international trio spares no effort with its plight to create hyper-mode bebop like gamma rays streaming through the universe at light speed. It's a rather amazing live set, that was probably meant to be performed in front of an audience and not in a cloistered studio setting. To say it's invigorating doesn't tell the whole ...
