Funny Rat

[Д.Д.]

John B, I think you will really enjoy the Harriet Tubman disc.

[John B]

John B, I think you will really enjoy the Harriet Tubman disc.

I found a copy on half.com for $3 and ordered it. I'll let you know what I think.

[John B]

Another extremely high recommendation for all of my friends at Funny Rat:

The Ganelin Trio - Catalogue: Live in East Germany

I believe this is the recording that started Leo Records. Smuggled out of the USSR, released in 1980 with the disclaimer, "musicians do not bear any responsibility for publishing this tape."

If he had never done another jazz release we should still be thanking Leo Fagin for making this music available.

This just might be the best Ganelin / Ganelin-related album I have heard.

[Д.Д.]

Another extremely high recommendation for all of my friends at Funny Rat:

The Ganelin Trio - Catalogue: Live in East Germany

I believe this is the recording that started Leo Records. Smuggled out of the USSR, released in 1980 with the disclaimer, "musicians do not bear any responsibility for publishing this tape."

If he had never done another jazz release we should still be thanking Leo Fagin for making this music available.

This just might be the best Ganelin / Ganelin-related album I have heard.

This is one of the few Leo Ganelin's I don't owe, so I can't comment on it.

I am on and off with Ganelin Trio. I still feel that the music more often than not fails to grab me. There is often a lot of self-indulgent unfocused noodling (particularly in later works) - at the same time their best works (like Poco A Poco and Con Anima (the most "jazzy" Genelin I've heard) are among the most exciting music I've experienced. All members are excellent (I would even say, unique) musicians, and Tarasov is one of my favorite drummers (I saw him doing a solo concert.. phew), with limitless fantasy and natural groove.

Analogy with AEoC is very appropriate... save for the fact that Ganelin Trio sounds absolutely different . Just something about the approach of total immersion into the music is similar. Also, the same penchant for percussion...

I am still not done working through the Ganelin Trio catalog. So far my recommendation would be to go for Poco A Poco. It is uncharacteristic for the trio in that it consists of many short pieces (mostly composed), making the music more focused and diverse that usual hour-long "music events".

[Steve Reynolds]

first off, the Ganelin Trio desreves it's own thread

love Con Affetto - my detailed comments are elsewhere on the net - anyone interested can PM me or go where they are

just rec'd the double disc on Leo documenting a 1985 concert

when my electricity is back tommorow, I'll give it a spin

I also love Poco-a-Poco and like Ancora Da Capo (prefering the second version on the CD)

would love to hear Catalogue some day but I'm so glad to have received Ttaango...In Nickelsdorf that I can hardly spit

[king ubu]

Sam Rivers now on Jazz on BBC3:

Playlist

Sam Rivers recorded at Queen Elizabeth Hall during the London Jazz Festival on the 13th November

Sam Rivers Trio:

Sam Rivers: Saxophone, flute, piano

Douglas Mathews: bass and bass clarinet

Anthony Cole: drums, tenor sax

Artist Sam Rivers

Title Impromptu for you

Composer Sam Rivers

Duration 6'48"

Artist Sam Rivers

Title Ripples

Composer Sam Rivers

Duration 4'36"

Artist Sam Rivers

Title Impromptu

Composer Sam Rivers

Duration 14'59"

Artist Sam Rivers

Title Beatrice

Composer Sam Rivers

Duration 5'54"

Interval:

Kevin Le Gendre talks to Sam Rivers

Sam Rivers Rivbea Orchestra UK:

Sam Rivers: Saxophone, flute

Douglas Mathews: bass

Anthony Cole: drums

Saxophones:

Tony Kofi

Jason Yarde

Martin Speake

Iain Ballamy

Pete Wareham

Trombones

Trevor Mires

Roland Bates

Ashley Slater

Tuba:

Andy Grappy

Trumpets:

Byron Wallen

Chris Batchelor

Tom Rees-Roberts

Danny Marsden

Artist Sam Rivers Rivbea Orchestra UK

Title Pulsar Suite

Composer Sam Rivers

Duration 5'36"

Artist Sam Rivers Rivbea Orchestra UK

Title Revival

Composer Sam Rivers

Duration 11'35"

Artist Sam Rivers Rivbea Orchestra UK

Title Jubilee

Composer Sam Rivers

Duration 7'18"

Artist Sam Rivers Rivbea Orchestra UK

Title Willow

Composer Sam Rivers

Duration 12'20"

Listen here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/radio3_aod.shtml?jon3

There's some problem with sound, though. What a pity!

[Д.Д.]

Sachimay Records. I have only two of their releases - Bhob Rainey's "Ink" and DeChellis/Arnal "The Dirigibles Between Similarities " (just obtrained at Drimala sale) - both are outstanding! I'll be buying more.

Sachimay just intiated a new imprint - Intervention Series - CD-Rs for $3 (!).

[John B]

Have any of you heard the Territory Band 2 album Atlas?

The band on this album is:

Jim Baker - piano

Jeb Bishop - trombone

Axel Doerner - trumpet

Kevin Drumm - electronics

Per-Ake Holmlander - tuba

Fredrik Ljungkvist - reeds

Fred Londberg-Holm - cello

Paul Lytton - drums

Tim Mulvenna - percussion

Dave Rempis - saxophones

Ken Vandermark - reeds

Ken wrote all of the tunes. I think there are many similarities between this disc and the excellent Atomic / School days double album, although this one is a lot more abstract and less "in the pocket." Kevin Drumm, in particular, stands out from the ensemble. Every time I thought the music was moving along comfortably I'd do a double-take when Drumm's electronics jolted my brain out of its groove.

The music on this disc is nowhere near the electro-acoustic improvisations one would find on an Erstwhile disc. It is, however, a very interesting experiment using a limited palette of some of the same concepts and musicians (Drumm, Doerner) that inhabit that other sound world.

This one is going to take a little bit longer for me to get my head around than Nuclear Assembly Hall, but I think it will most definitely be worth it.

[Steve Reynolds]

better than Nuclear Assembly Hall by quite a bit to my ears

Drumm is part of the reason

still need to spin the Schooldays discs a few more times

[John B]

still need to spin the Schooldays discs a few more times

I've got their album In Our Times up on deck to listen to tomorrow for the first time.

[Nate Dorward]

FWIW there's a new Territory Band disc out, too--leftovers from the same session, I believe. It's a double CD but it's only just over 80 minutes of music between the two (including one alt-take). I've only listened to the 1st disc, it's OK without really doing a lot for me.

[gnhrtg]

"In Our Times" is a good one too (Nilssen-Love and Bishop stand out, in particular), I like it better than "Crossing Division," but I think "Nuclear Assembly Hall" is the best release by either band. I actually enjoy the first Territory Band album more than the second (haven't heard the third yet but not in any rush to do so). What usually gets on my nerves is the arranged parts, I'm happy with the transitions and most of the blowing but as for the relatively lengthier arrangements, I could have done with fewer and shorter. Just a thing, Axel Doerner plays a very nice, laid-back, and short break in the first track of either 1 or 2.

I also agree re-the enthusiastic recommendations for Catalogue.

edit: John B, you did get my PM, yes?

Edited December 12, 2004 by gnhrtg

[Д.Д.]

Will get a Territory Band from Chuck Nessa.

Now how about Public Eyesore label - and this particular release? Looks interesting...

Edited December 12, 2004 by Д.Д.

[Д.Д.]

Received a present from INTAKT records: Han Bannink compilation CD from Italian Musica Jazz magazine. Three never-before-released tracks (two of them from a '79 concert with Brötzmann and Mengelberg).

There is also a press-release mentoning two new INTAKT releases in January-February: Schlippenbach 5-tet's 3-CD "Monk's Casino" and Irene Schweizer-Omri Ziegele duo. Good news. I guess I just need to cancel my INTAKT subscription beforee they send me the 3-CD thing - I can only imagine how much they will charge for it (they charge Sfr. 25 for single CD = $21... not a big surprise they afford some presents to subscribers once a year).

[Д.Д.]

Listened to Bennink comilation disc. Good stuff! Was particulalry impressed by Bennink-Evan Parker duo fromthe psi CD "The Grass is Greener". Will get it for sure. There is also one track from CD called "October Meeting 1991 - 3 Quartets" (BIM) - Braxton, Mengelberg, Dresser and bennink playing some standard - now this is some good standard playing from Braxton (and an exciting rhythm section).

[gnhrtg]

There is also one track from CD called "October Meeting 1991 - 3 Quartets" (BIM) - Braxton, Mengelberg, Dresser and bennink playing some standard - now this is some good standard playing from Braxton (and an exciting rhythm section).

Indeed, and the disc from which that track comes is recommended, more later.

[Nate Dorward]

You really like The Grass Is Greener? I'd thought it a real dud, actually--an old review of it--

http://www.ndorward.com/music/parker_grass.htm

[ejp626]

Peter Brötzmann Chicago Tentet, "Be Music Night" featuring 10 poems by Kenneth Patchen, read by Mike Person. Recorded in Chicago, November 2004, to be releases on Okkkadisk in May 2005

Hey, I almost went to this show but wasn't feeling that well that night. I might pick this up, depending on the reviews.

[Д.Д.]

You really like The Grass Is Greener? I'd thought it a real dud, actually--an old review of it--

http://www.ndorward.com/music/parker_grass.htm

I liked one 2-minute track that was included on Bennink compilation CD - that's all I've heard.

[John B]

Michael Ehlers was in attendance at the fantastic Fred Anderson, William Parker, Hamid Drake show last night, so, hopefully, some of this music will end up being released. He mentioned a previous show in Montreal, so this seems to be an Eremite tour, which I hadn't realized. If you have a chance to see these guys I highly recommend doing so. Fred has more stamina than most people half his age and it is a joy to listen to Hamid and William listen to each other and interact.

[Rob C]

Peter Brötzmann Chicago Tentet, "Be Music Night" featuring 10 poems by Kenneth Patchen, read by Mike Person. Recorded in Chicago, November 2004, to be releases on Okkkadisk in May 2005

Hey, I almost went to this show but wasn't feeling that well that night. I might pick this up, depending on the reviews.

I did go to the show, and I probably won't bother to pick up the disc. It was just okay.

[Д.Д.]

Michael Ehlers was in attendance at the fantastic Fred Anderson, William Parker, Hamid Drake show last night, so, hopefully, some of this music will end up being released.  He mentioned a previous show in Montreal, so this seems to be an Eremite tour, which I hadn't realized.  If you have a chance to see these guys I highly recommend doing so.  Fred has more stamina than most people half his age and it is a joy to listen to Hamid and William listen to each other and interact.

Incidentally, thonight I was listenig to Fred Anderson - "Kidd" Jordan - Hamid Drake - William Parker: "Two Days In April" (Eremite).

Captivating listening experience - despite some shortcomings.

It is really fascinating to hear the contrast between Anderson and Jordan (they are more or less of the same age, btw). Anderson is very much in the confort zone - playing bluesy lyrical "traditional" free jazz the way he might have been playing it for decades. All played in the fairly limited (and beautifully sounding) middle range of the tenor sound spectrum (no altissimo screeming, no low-end growling either), with a few cliches (particualrly this fast repetative three-note pattern... Joe Henderson used to overdo it it as well sometimes). Rhythm section tends to lock into grooves (what a surprise), and in Anderson-Drake-Parker passages it all sounds just way too comfortable.

All is different when Jordan jumps in. I found that I couldn't help but focus on his playing exlusively - it is mesmerizing. To begin with, Jordan has an amazing sound here - more aggressive, biting and piercing than Anderson's, with more insane Ayler vibrato, and using the whole tenor's range - particularly seeminly effortless altissimo wailings which sound absolutely unique. Jordan's technique is impressive (as far as I can judge), he can play as fast as anyone. To me Jordan sounds here like he is constantly searching, probing and investigating. He sounds definitely less relaxed and comfortable than Anderson - but I like it this way... as if he is not content with what he plays, so he keeps pushing and pushing, always trying to explore something new. IMO, he also listens more intently to other playsrs of the band than other members - particulalry to Anderson, who he seems to be provoking from time to time (in a couple of moments he takes Anderson's phrases and develops them to something totally insane, as if saying "hey man, with this you can go HERE and HERE and HERE") - but it does not seem to me that Anderson is responding too much. Additional porblem comes from the rhythm section - Drake and Parker are just not "free" enough for Jordan, which is particularly obvious when Anderson lays out. You can't do the groove vamp when there is a shuttle launch into stratosphere behind you. Then there are a couple of rather lengthy Parker solos... . Drake is doing his same good thing, like elsewhere.

OK, to cut the long story short, excellent disc with some phenomenal playing by Kidd Jordan.

Edited December 14, 2004 by Д.Д.

[Chuck Nessa]

FWIW there's a new Territory Band disc out, too--leftovers from the same session, I believe. It's a double CD but it's only just over 80 minutes of music between the two (including one alt-take). I've only listened to the 1st disc, it's OK without really doing a lot for me.

Not from the same sessions. Atlas was recorded feb 2001 and Map Theory is from Sept 2002.

[John B]

IMO, he also listens more intently to other playsrs of the band than other members - particulalry to Anderson, who he seems to be provoking from time to time (in a couple of moments he takes Anderson's phrases and develops them to something totally insane, as if saying "hey man, with this you can go HERE and HERE and HERE") - but it does not seem to me that Anderson is responding too much. Additional porblem comes from the rhythm section - Drake and Parker are just not "free" enough for Jordan, which is particularly obvious when Anderson lays out. You can't do the groove vamp when there is a shuttle launch into stratosphere behind you. Then there are a couple of rather lengthy Parker solos... . Drake is doing his same good thing, like elsewhere.

OK, to cut the long story short, excellent disc with some phenomenal playing by Kidd Jordan.

I saw this group:

Fred Anderson, Kidd Jordan, Hamiet Bluiett, Jeff Parker, Harrison Bankhead, Hamid Drake

a few months back at the Chicago Jazz Festival. Kidd, Fred, Hamiet and Hamid were all fantastic. I think Kidd and Fred really work well together. I think Fred really listens and responds well to Kidd, he just does so in his own way. He converses with Kidd, rather than being led by where Kidd has gone.

I couldn't hear a note Jeff Parker played the whole set.

Edited December 14, 2004 by John B

[John B]

for those of you willing to explore the electro-acoustic waters I have some new and some revised recommendations:

The first two ErstLive discs are both fantastic. The first (Rowe/Beins) is more accesible, at least to my ears. The second (Rowe/Lehn/Schmickler/Nakamura) took me longer to get into, but might be the more rewarding of the two, over time. Either way, EL001 is a hell of a lot of fun.

I've also started listening to the new 3cd set by MIMEO (basically every European musician who has appeared on Erstwhile, with a few exceptions) called Lifting Concrete Lightly. My expectations weren't very high, as the music was part of an installation piece, with crowds wandering the gallery and musicians inhabiting various areas o the building. I was wrong. Based on the first disc and a half this will easily make my top 10 list for the year. I would not recommend this one to someone just dipping their toes into the eai waters but, for someone aleady interested in exploring this genre, it is a fascinating and reasonably priced set.