Summer's a Comin' with Fabulous Discs from:

Anthony Braxton 4 CD Solo Set & Joelle Leandre Solo Contrabass 2 CD Set, George Schuller, Jenny Scheinman's Vocal Debut, John Tchicai/Kresten Osgood Quartet

A Dozen New CD's from FMR: Paul Dunmall, Paul Rogers, Keith & Julie Tippett, Frode Gjerstad Duos & Trio w/ William Parker & Hamid Drake, Mark O'Leary, Trevor Watts

Soren Kjoergaard/Ben Street/Andrew Cyrille, The Great Italian Auand label, John Cage DVD-A, OK/OK w/ Kyoko Kitamura, Kluster 3 CD Set & even more...




*****************


Yes, it's true - DMG doesn't have any sound samples at our site yet. [You out there. Yes, YOU! Don't hold your breath!]

- but you should listen to these podcasts for some real fun!

We 'sponsor' Margaret The Prog Lady at

http://www.eastvillageradio.com/modules.php?name=evrshow&showid=110

"A trip through rock's progressive past with Margaret (the Prog Lady). Expect occasional special guests, fun film facts and smooth interludes. Prog rock is the common denominator, but sidesteps will be made into the neighboring territories of Kraut, psych, "fusion," funk, weird jazz and non-boring folk. Plus other stuff that sounds good. This could be your father's radio show (if your dad was cool). "

So check it out any-time, anywhere in the world! You can even subscribe - and it's all FREE!


*****************




WOW! Must-Have Braxton box!

ANTHONY BRAXTON - Solo Live At Gasthof Heidelberg Loppem 2005: Compositions 307, 308, 309 [4 CD Set] (Locusloppem; Austria) "This four-disc set of live recordings from 2005, makes a more convincing case for Braxton's solo playing than any other document I've heard.
While the genius and invention of such seminal albums as For Alto (1968) and Compositions Series F (1972) cannot be disputed, Braxton's solo work has always seemed a distant mountain to be climbed rather than something in which to revel. To this long-time fan, its austerity springs from a compositional language and a style of playing that eschew and embrace tradition in what appeared as a strangely uncomfortable symbiosis. Live at Gasthof Heidelberg succeeds in part because of the way these pieces were recorded, but also because Braxton's approach to his material has broadened and deepened.
The music was obviously presented in an intimate space, and those easily distracted by audience noise should be warned that several attendees ruin pregnant pauses with acts of bronchial terrorism. The music is victorious however, and the close recording captures every detail of Braxton's alto work with extraordinary clarity and vividness, from crystalline pianissimo to devastating honks and shrieks. Listen to the first three notes of Composition 307A for the extreme subtlety of the recording.
Not content, Braxton interjects peaks and valleys of vocalization into several of the unfolding sound complexes. On the other end of the spectrum, Composition 308G opens with a crushing study of machine-gun articulation that still runs the dynamic gamut, each rise and fall in volume a minor miracle as the rat-a-tat rapid-fire notes continue unabated.
Similar superimpositions inform the whole set. Composition 307B is replete with key clicks and short bursts of inter-registral sound, but space is also a key factor. Composition 307G examines vibrato as timbral operator rather than as a mere ornament. Overall, while the recording certainly captures every nuance, there seems to be more moment to moment change in Braxton's rhetoric as he creates a mystical web of recurring long tones and terse timbral explorations, akin to his idol Stockhausen's moment forms.
The set functions, in fact, like a large-scale moment form; standards bespeak tradition, and they are interpolated cleverly throughout the set - nothing new in the Braxton discography but singularly effective in this context. You Go To My Head comes off especially well, capturing, in microcosm, the excitement and innovation evident throughout this important issue. For those interested in exploring Braxton's solo repertoire (and despite its cost), I can think of no better place to start." - Marc Medwin, Dusted magazine
4 CD set $65

JOELLE LEANDRE - Concerto Grosso: Live At Gasthof Heidelberg Loppem [2 CD Set] (Jazzhalo 21/22; EEC) Recorded live during the Locus Loppem-event at Gasthof Heidelberg Loppem (B) on January 29, 2005 (Disc Two) and on January 29, 2005 (Disc One) by Jean-Marc Foussat. French bassist Joelle Leandre has devoted much of her career to solo performance and Concerto Grosso is the latest in a line of unaccompanied releases. Like Derek Bailey (with whom she's recorded) or Cecil Taylor, Leandre has developed a language on her instrument that is dense and easily recognizable as her own. Her long bowing and percussive approach, coupled with her expressive vocalizing, are distinctive and deeply evocative. The Gasthof Loppem recording - released by the Belgian Jazz Halo label - captures two January 2005 sets across two discs (totaling 87 minutes). As with Bailey or Taylor, it's difficult to take her playing apart or to rank her performances against each other. She tends - here and in general - toward shorter improvisations; the fourteen pieces here never break the ten-minute mark. The recording is close and personal and the performance beautiful. Leandre is an artist who can't be known without being heard solo, and Concerto Grosso is an excellent place to start. - Kurt Gottschalk, AAJ
2 CD set for $28


GEORGE SCHULLER'S CIRCLE WIDE [a/k/a CHUMP CHANGE] With DONNY McCASLIN/BRAD SHEPIK - Like Before, Somewhat After (Playscape 60607; USA) Featuring: George Schuller- drum-set & other rattly things; Donny McCaslin- tenor & soprano sax, alto flute; Brad Shepik- guitar; Tom Beckham- vibes; Dave Ambrosio- bass and Jamey Haddad- percussion. This is Schuller's second recording with his longstanding working band, Circle Wide (formerly known as Chump Change), and the long-awaited follow-up to its 2003 homage to Miles Davis' pre-fusion transitional period, Round 'Bout Now (PSR#J021302). Three decades after the demise of Jarrett's underappreciated ensemble, Circle Wide reinvents six of its favorite tracks from the Jarrett catalog, some of which it has been performing live in New York for years, and documents two Schuller originals inspired by the source material.
"Keith Jarrett's American Quartet, featuring saxophonist Dewey Redman, bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Paul Motian, is generally regarded as one of the more exciting and influential working jazz bands of the 1970s," writes journalist Bill Milkowski in the liner notes. "Together [Schuller and Circle Wide] succeed in capturing the amazing elasticity and rarefied inside/outside aesthetic that Jarrett achieved 30 years ago."
CD $15


JENNY SCHEINMAN - Jenny Scheinman (The Vocal Album) (Koch 4483; USA) Featuring Jenny Scheinman on vocals & violin, Tony Scherr on guitar & vocals, Bill Frisell on guitar, Tim Luntzel on bass and Kenny Wollesen & Steve Jordan on drums. This is the much anticipated vocal debut disc from local violin sorceress, Jenny Scheinman, and you know what - it is f*cking great! This Jenny's fifth disc as a leader, but it is her first as a singer! What us most surprising is not how great this disc is but how long it took Jenny to unleash her gorgeous, heart-warming voice. I have always had a fondness for those tasty roots rock singers, from Linda Thompson to Carlene Carter to Syd Straw to Jesse Sykes. Jenny Scheinman can now be added to that long list. Jenny penned four of the eleven songs and has chosen some select covers by Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, Tom Waits and Jimmy Reed. The opening tune is a traditional song that was originally arranged and by Dylan called "I Was Young When I Left Home". It is poignant, stripped down, and done just right with minimal acoustic guitars, slide and violin. When Jenny sings "God's sending an angel" on her own "Come On Down", she sounds like she really means it. That chorus will get you every time, so "come on down!" These songs really make me smile, feel good and want to dance around the kitchen. "Rebecca's Song" is another lovely, haunting, laid back folk/jazz ballad that I found to be superbly bittersweet. Jenny also does a righteous, earthy version of Mississippi John Hurt's "Miss Collins," an interesting choice that works so well with its stripped down instrumentation and Tony Scherr's shining vocal harmony. I could on & on, since every track here is so wonderful, but I won't spoil it for you, dear listener. If this sounds like your cup of tea, then don't wait and grab this fine down-home treasure and make yourself feel good!
Jenny Scheinman will be singing these great songs for those of us who are want to hear them live at Joe's Pub on Lafayette on June 11th at 7:30. Word is that Ms. Scheinman also has a new instrumental CD that is being released for download only sometime soon. More about that one when we find out the story. - BLG
CD $15


JOHN TCHICAI / JONAS MULLER / NIKOLAJ MUNCH-HANSEN / KRESTEN OSGOOD - Coltrane In Spring (Ilk 141; EEC) Featuring John Tchicai on alto sax & vocal, Jonas Muller on piano & cornet, Nikolaj Munch-Hansen on bass and Kresten Osgood on drums. This meeting between Tchicai and some of the most active players on the contemporary Danish experimental scene, has turned out to be a highly rewarding and multifaceted one. The two generations expand the sound of jazz by bringing together the old and the new in a beautiful, imaginative and very soulful manner.
CD $17

SOREN KJAERGAARD / BEN STREET / ANDREW CYRILLE - Optics (Ilk 140; EEC) Although Danish pianist Soren Kjaergaard is only thirty, he has played on some 25 discs so far, a number with Michael Blake and Kresten Osgood. Soren wrote five of the eight pieces here with two trio collaborations and one by Andrew Cyrille. The title piece is first and the trio plays ever so delicately and peacefully. Each note is bathed in suspense with minimal acoustic bass and drums balancing softly in the void. This music is most often careful and cautious. On many of the pieces, veteran avant/jazz drummer, Andrew Cyrille seems to balance and provide an equal counterpoint for Soren's selective and minimal piano. On "Mallets," Cyrille's superb mallet-work is on display and is most melodic and enchanting. I love the way the trio moves into a more intense and explosive area on "Work of Art," all three erupting tightly together in a series of intense waves. Finally, this fine disc concludes with a most haunting ballad called "Radio House Requiem," ever so carefully crafted and softly balanced. - BLG
CD $17


ROBERT MUSSO/BILL LASWELL/LANCE CARTER - Live At The Bowery Poetry Club - November 11th 2004 [DVD] (MuWorks 31 DR; USA) Ltd Ed DVD-R exclusively sold ONLY by Downtown Music Gallery by arrangement with Robert Musso.
One-time trio improv performance by the stellar lineup of Bob Musso guitar, Bill Laswell bass, and Lance Carter drums! This was one of Lance's last performances before his untimely passing. For Fans of Machine Gun, Last Exit, Robert Fripp/King Crimson and other high-energy avant-rock!
DVD $16


OK|OK [KYOKO KITAMURA/MICHAEL McGINNIS/KHABU DOUG YOUNG/TONY MORENO] - Eating Mantis (RKM 10; USA) Featuring Kyoko Kitamura on vocals & laptop, Michael McGinnis on clarinets & percussion, Khabu Doug Young on guitar and Tony Moreno on drums. Kyoto Kitamura is an extraordinary experimental/jazz vocalist who has played here at DMG on numerous occasions and has knocked me our every time. Whether playing with Ras Moshe in duos, trios or quartets, or working with Steve Coleman, Kyoko always surprises with the unique sounds that her voice and laptop come up with. This is the long-awaited debut from her band, OK-OK, as it was well worth the wait. Commencing with "Enter Here," Kyoko's eerie voice is bathed in echoes with somber cymbals surrounding. "Hide and Seek" is a lovely, jazz-like ballad with sublime clarinet, guitar & drums surrounding Kyoko's voice, that builds to a high flying joyous conclusion. I love the quick-moving scat-singing that she does on "Kocchisthis" while the guitar, clarinet & drums swirl tightly around her voice. Even when Kyoko does a spoken word piece, she tells a story that is most intriguing. On "Underworld," Kyoko twists her voice bizarre shapes while Khabu answers with some spooky guitar chords. Most effective and somewhat disturbing. In a world where most pop(ular) music singers consistently play it safe, it is great to hear someone taking chances by using and extending her voice in a variety of challenging and convincing ways. - BLG
CD $15


****************


Twelve New releases on FMR!

PAUL DUNMALL/PAUL ROGERS - Regeneration (FMR 244; UK) Featuring Paul Dunmall on soprano sax, bagpipes & piano and Paul Rogers on 7-string bass. It is pretty rare to hear Paul Dunmall playing piano, but this is the first thing we hear on this fine duo effort by two improv masters and longtime collaborators & friends. Paul Rogers remains as the king of contrabassists playing his distinctive hand-made 7-string acoustic bass. He sounds particularly wonderful here, bowing that bass in his own way as a perfect foil for Dunmall's cautious piano. On the opening title track, the duo takes their time to explore their instruments. Dunmall plays carefully inside the piano while Rogers bows those quick, delicate, free sounds. This long piece is filled with suspense and Rogers is astonishing throughout. Dunmall switches to his bagpipes for "Tribes of Humanity" and twists those reeds into odd shapes as Rogers bows heavy, bent string accompaniment. After so many years and sessions together, this duo sounds like they are thinking together as one focused spirit, in a perfect balance. It often sounds like a friendly conversation between two old friends and I guess that is just what it is. For the final piece Dunmall whips out his soprano sax and Rogers plucks up a storm. Again, this duo seems to anticipate each other's moves and sail together in magnificent waves, spinning, swirling, cascading and dancing on the edge of the abyss. Just as long as this duo continues to provide us with manna, we will continue to dig in and have hope for a better future. Amen. - BLG
CD $16

PAUL DUNMALL/MARK SANDERS/BARRY EDWARDS - Mind Out (FMR 248; UK) Featuring Paul Dunmall on saxes, Barry Edwards on guitar and Mark Sanders on drums. There is little info on this disc other than that it was recorded at the University of West England in October of 2007. Manny & my favorite British reeds hero, Paul Dunmall, certainly needs no introduction and either does drum wiz, Mark Sanders, who has worked with many giants like Evan Parker, Jah Wobble, Elton Dean and Bruise. Guitarist Barry Edwards, on the other hand, is a new name for me.
"Mind Out" starts with tentatively and builds slowly through some strong swirling improv with shimmering, spacey guitar, tenor sax blasting and the drums weaving their lines around one another. What works best is Dunmall's warm tone, which tumbles in layers of lines while Edwards spins dream-like swirls and Sanders provides an ongoing rhythmic dialogue with both players. Dunmall plays his soprano on "Mind Games," starting out quietly but soon spinning more quickly as both the guitar and drums match his restrained yet sublime free-flowing spirit. Mr. Edwards takes an inspired Mark O'Leary-like fast yet subdued solo. This is a most well balanced trio that continually work together in a seamless stream events. This is yet another extraordinary work from the incredible Paul Dunmall and his righteous, creative comrades. - BLG
CD $16

DARTINGTON TRIO [KEITH TIPPETT/PAUL DUNMALL/JULIE TIPPETTS [DRISCOLL] - Dartington Trio: Live at the BBC/Live At The Vortex (FMR 133; UK) Finally released after being announced three years ago. This CD is now what the trio have agreed is worthy of being heard from what was originally supposed to be two different releases, this one [#133, originally self-titled and to be all BBC recordings] and the no-longer to be released #137 [Live At The Vortex]
CD $16

TREVOR TAYLOR/PAUL DUNMALL/EVELYN CHANG - Crossings (FMR 247; UK) The title 'Crossing' was penned by the group as a metaphor for the way in which their individual experience and music meet and interact, fueled by a common love of improvisation. Evelyn Chang is an exciting young concert pianist regularly giving concerts around the world, but who since meeting Paul Dunmall, discovered the totally different world of free improvisation and found a liberating force for her expression. Paul Dunmall need no introduction as one of the UK's finest saxophonists dedicated totally to free improvisation, and Trevor Taylor comes somewhere in between with experience as a free improviser as well as a life-time interest in other serious music as well, including electronics.
CD $16

FRODE GJERSTAD With WILLIAM PARKER/HAMID DRAKE - On Reade Street (FMR 256; UK) This is an excellent studio recording featuring Frode Gjerstad on alto sax & Bb clarinet, William Parker on acoustic bass and Hamid Drake on drums. Considering that Norwegian saxist, Frode Gjerstad's long career will soon hit its 40th year, it should come as no surprise that he has collaborated with many of the best improvisers worldwide. This is Frode's third disc with the incredible William Parker/Hamid Drake rhythm team and again, all three musicians rise to the occasion and performs immensely well. On "The Street" the energy surges forth and it feels as if we are riding on an immense wave of cosmic force. The rhythm team is like an elastic spring that keeps bending and springing back, whipping up a storm of heavy vibes. A monster trio that is too good to be true? Nope, they are just as amazing as they should be! - BLG
CD $16

FRODE GJERSTAD With DEREK BAILEY/PETER BROTZMANN/JOHN STEVENS - Duos (FMR 222; UK) Featuring Frode Gjerstad performing duos with Derek Bailey, Peter Brotzmann, John Stevens, Sabir Mateen, Paul Hession, Lasse Marhaug, Kevin Norton, Borah Bergman, Terje Isungeset, Nils Henrik Asheim and Steve Hubback.
CD $16

MARK O'LEARY TRIO - Ellipses (FMR 254; UK) Featuring Mark O'Leary on guitar & electronics, Stale Storlokken on synth & samples and John Herndon on drums. Considering that Irish daredevil guitar wiz, Mark O'Leary's career is not yet a decade old, he has already unleashed more than a dozen discs as a leader on various labels like Leo, FMR & Clean Feed. Each one of his dozen+ discs features a different trio or duo from around the world an each one is different in sound. This geographically unique trio features Mark on guitar & electronics, Stale Storlokken on synth & samples (worked with Terje Rypdal & is a member of Supersilent) and John Herndon from Tortoise & the Exploding Star Orchestra on drums.
'Ellipses' features three long pieces, each taking its time to evolve. The title piece is first and begins with some eerie electronic swirls. I like the way this piece unfolds by slowly adding layers of electronic sounds with Herndon's swirling percussion outlining the waves below the surface. When O'Leary finally enters on guitar, he has that great Terje Rypdal-like tone. He is soon burning fiercely, sounding like a mid-seventies era fusion guitar hero swimming (and occasionally drowning) in a tidal wave of electronic currents. On "Maskerade," the electronics are mesmerizing and often recall some of those 70's space-rock epics. Kinda like Terje Rypdal and Ginger Baker jamming with Tangerine Dream. The final piece is called "Theme from Jack Johnson" and I don't think it is a Miles Davis cover, since it is so mutated. The powerful drums are the central part of this piece with layers of electronic sounds swirling all around. Eventually Mark's furious guitar enters and starts soaring faster and faster. Watch out! When he soon stops, he lets the electronics and drums continue to build in waves together. Coming back in to polish off some incredible Tisziji Munoz-like runs, higher and higher, faster and faster. A fusion lover's dream? Perhaps, but still pretty f*cking exciting! - BLG
CD $16

TREVOR WATTS MOIRE MUSIC - Moire Music: 1985 (FMR 250; UK) Featuring Trevor Watts, Lol Coxhill, Simon Picard & Keith Beal - saxes, Peter Knight & Steve Dunachie - violins, Veryon Weston - piano, Ernest Mothle - bass guitar, Nana Tsiboe - marimba/talking drum/congas and Liam Genockey - drums. FMR are proud to present the CD release of the classic album Trevor Watts' MoirŽ Music! Recorded live during the Arts Council Contemporary Music Network Tour in January 1985 and featuring an all star line up, this classic British jazz recording finally gets its debut on CD!!!!! "Watts has wed the flexibility and organic strength of the jazz idiom to the rigorous drive and depth to be found, for instance, in the music of Philip Glass, bringing an energy and fire to substantial composition. MoirŽ Music - for the head, heart and feet." - Kenneth Ansell
CD $16

MICHEL LAMBERT/RAKALAM BOB MOSES - Meditation On Grace (FMR 256; UK) Two wonderful drummers and creative spirits that combines their forces and become an amazing interconnected rhythmic duo.
CD $16

FRANCOIS CARRIER/MICHEL LAMBERT - Kathmandu (FMR 236; UK) Featuring Francois Carrier on alto sax and Michel Lambert on drums. This fine duo disc was recorded at two concerts in Kathmandu in Nepal in October of 2006. Francois Carrier and Michel Lambert are both Montreal-based musicians who have worked together and recorded for labels: Leo, Justin Time, 482 Music and Spool. They've collaborated with American musicians like Paul Bley, Uri Caine and Dewey Redman. This is their first duo recording, made during their journey to the magical place of Nepal. Right from the first note of "White Summit," we know that we are in for something quite special. There is a precious balance and spirit that is evoked in this recording. There is calm vibe at the center of this piece, a quiet blending of the free spirits. You can tell that both of these musicians have been working together for a while since they seem to think along the same path and connect on different levels. On "Dancing Light," the drummer plays a quick, intense, agitated beat while the sax jumps into the void and dances on the quickly shifting rhythmic energy. What I find most memorable about this duo is that they most often deal with these elegant yet free melodies that they caress and develop without having to resort to the usual screaming insanity of "free jazz". Quite a superb offering on all levels. - BLG
CD $16

BOB GLUCK TRIO With MICHAEL BISIO/DEAN SHARP - Sideways (FMR 251; UK) "Bob Gluck Piano and Electronics, Michael Bisio bass, Dean Sharp This stunning trio recording brings a uniquely creative yet disciplined edge to jazz performance. All three musicians are known for their blend of virtuosity and deep musicality. The trio's watchwords are collaboration, listening and response, and collective dynamism. Structured tunes flow in and out of free improvisation, taking the performers and listeners alike to unexpected imaginative places. Critics have noted bassist Michael Bisio's "diverse array of timbre and technical skill," Dean Sharp's percussive "mystery and grace," and Bob Gluck's "melding old and new into a sensory melange of auditory awakening." Gluck's piano sounds subtly range between the purely acoustic and digitally transformed, joined by Sharp's broadly ranging sonic array of percussion and Bisio's distinctly physical approach to the string bass."
CD $16

TERJE ISUNGSET/STIAN WESTERHUS - Terje Isunset/Stian Westerhus (FMR 249; UK) Terje Isungset is one of Europe's most accomplished and innovative percussionists. With over two decades experience in jazz and Scandinavian music he is taking these types of music far beyond their traditional boundaries, becoming more like a cross between a sound artist and a shaman. Stian Westerhus on the other hand is one of Norway's hardest working young improvisers working in bands such as Puma, Monolithic, Bladed, Khan and Fraud as well as in solo format. Having been blessed with little or no respect for the guitar Stian Westerhus seeks to push the boundaries for live use of the instrument with- out loosing the melodic instinct. On this album he uses mainly the baritone guitar as his main weapon of choice.
CD $16




JOHN CAGE - Three Twenty-Eight [DVD-Audio] (OgreOgress 328; USA) Featuring performances of John Cage's "Three" (1989), "Twenty-Eight" (1991), "Twenty-Six with Twenty-Eight" 91991) and "Twenty-Eight with Twenty-Nine". The musicians include Susanna Borsch on recorders, the Prague Winds, Christina Fong on violins & violas, Karen Krummel on cellos, Michael Crawford on basses and Glenn Freeman on percussion, bowed piano & production. Over 2 hours in length and superbly recorded. "Three" is for solo recorder with layers of other recorders added, giving this an almost electronic drone sound. The recorder was the favored instrument of Renaissance era, but here the sound is more mysterious, the stark layers adding a more twisted ambiance. Each of the ten parts of "Three" deals with a different texture of approach. "Twenty-Eight" is performed by Prague Winds, an eight-piece wind ensemble. The winds include flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, French horns, trumpets, trombones and tubas. The extreme dynamic range of these instruments is quite rich and stunning to hear. Once again the layers of drones are fascinating and seem to be shifting throughout the long work. Christina Fong is featured on strings with the Prague Winds on "26 with 28" and the sound is even more disturbing, like a giant Church organ wheezing and trying to cover us up in eerie audio sludge. On "28 with 29," the sound expands even further with the Prague Winds, Freeman on bowed piano & percussion, the three string players. The thick layers of drone waves is more ominous than ever as it covers us with a sense of foreboding. The bowed piano and sizzling percussion add a layer of unnerving drama that is too hard to deny. Overall, this is a most impressive display of varying textures and cosmic drones. - BLG
DVD-Audio for $23 (Over 2 hours)


TERRY RILEY - The Last Camel in Paris, Theare Edouard VIII, Paris, 10 November 1978 (Elision Fields EF102; USA) Recorded in Paris, France more than a year before the release of that milestone album Shri Camel, this is the best live recording I've heard of American composer Terry Riley's legendary organ concerts. Performed on a modified Yamaha YC-45D portable electric organ tuned in just intonation through his legendary Time Lag Accumulator system of tape loops and echoes, his composition/improvisation has a mellow evening psychedelic trance feel. Influenced by his studies with the late Hindustani raga master vocalist Pandit Pran Nath, he travels through a post-minimalist territory of drones and modal improvisations in a fifty-four minute performance. Although this recording shares musical themes with the studio recording of Shri Camel, one of the main differences is technological. The delay system in the studio was digital, while the live system was analog tape. I'm always waiting for something new to pop out of Riley's archives and into circulation. This one is a gem. If Elision Fields can come up with this for release, I have high hopes that there are additional jewels in the vault perfect for release and consumption by the hordes of listeners like me hungry for more. Guest review by David Beardsley.
CD $16


KLUSTER [CONRAD SCHNITZLER/DIETER MOEBIUS/HANS-JOACHIM ROEDELIUS (CLUSTER)] - Kluster 1969-1971: Klopfzeichen/Zwei-Osterei/Eruption [3 CD set] (Water 194; USA) "Founded in 1969, German ambient space-rock pioneers Kluster were originally a trio featuring Conrad Schnitzler, Hans-Joachim Roedelius, and Dieter Moebius. During their brief lifespan (before Schnitzler left in 1971 and the duo renamed themselves Cluster) they recorded three LPs, all of which are available here. The first two records, Klopfzeichen and Zwei-Osterei, recorded in 1969 and 1970 respectively, were sponsored and released by a church run record label (Schwann) and as a result of contractual obligation featured religious themed text on the first side of each. The trio's third album Eruption was a live recording of the band's last concert together in 1971. All three are amazing examples of pioneering ambient music featuring guitar, percussion, keys, and cello heavily processed with echo, filters, and tape machines to create an effect unlike anything else that was being made at the time. Absolutely essential and seminal progressive music. Contains liner notes."
3 CD set for $27


KALASHNIKOV - "Bang Bang" [2 CD Set] (Veal 0005/Funhole 11; USA) Jamie Saft and Mike Pride have become an inseparable duo lately; sharing such groups as Whoopie Pie, Angel Ov Death, and now Kalashnikov. Kalashinikov consists of Saft on bass & synths with Pride on drums, vocals, flutes + whistles. This recording highlights the low-end side of Jaime Saft's explorations, displaying his heavy plodding bass tones that any Melvins fan would be proud, while Pride's "improv-metal" drumming shines light on his years with MDC.
"Bang Bang" presents an alter-universe consisting of empowering yet doomy ambience that compelling takes you through thundering workouts, eerie space ambience, and cornball hookie-pokie jazz with ease. Yet what separates this project from the various other shared releases is the accompaniment of Mike Pride's schizophrenic vocals; ranging from death metal cookie monster grunts, basenji wails, all the way to Makigami Koichi dada style vocalizations (there is even a moment when Pride tries hand out as stand-up comedian). I am compelled to point out a very special treat, which is the guest vocals of Yoshiko O'Hara (front woman from the metal doomsters Bloody Panda) which makes me crave more of her vocals. Jonathan Moritz (of Evil Eye and Trio Caveat) also guests on sax on the same track O'Hara sings on. This is what Zappa would have ended up doing if he were still alive, flying that freak flag high and mighty. RECOMMENDED! - Chuck Bettis/DMG
2 CD Set for $22


****************


The AUAND Label is a fabulous modern jazz label based in Italy and run by Marco Valente. Since dropping copies off last year (2007), I have finally heard all of their dozen discs and realized how extraordinary each one is. We now have all in stock and each one is highly recommended:

GIANLUCA PETRELLA With JAVIER GIROTTO/PAUL ROGERS/FRANCESCO SOTGIU - X-Ray (Auand 9001; Italy) Featuring Gianluca Petrella on trombone, Javier Girotto baritone saxophone, quena & soprano sax, Paul Rogers on 5-string double bass and Francesco Sotgiu drums. Outstanding! Considering that this is the debut disc from the Auand label and that we've only heard of one member of this Italian quartet previously, (British) bass master Paul Rogers, it is certainly a surprise that this disc is one of the best little known gems that we have encountered in quite a while. It turns out that the leader, trombonist Gianluca Petrella, has since signed to Blue Note and has two fine discs out that garnered little of no attention.
'X-Ray' blasts open with a most impressive burning tune called "Broken Head," the rhythm team exploding powerfully right from the first note. Petrella takes the first of many amazing trombone solos here. The title track features some tantalizing harmonies for the trombone and bari sax with more of that most impressive bass and drum work. That barely contained excitement factor reminds me of the undeniable energy found in the classic 'Dedicated to You, But You Weren't Listening' album by the Keith Tippett Group! Three members of this quartet contribute all of the material here and each piece is a standout in one way or another. Javier's "G8" features some tight complex bari sax and trombone interplay while Paul's "Femtosecond" is a slow, mysterious work for poignant bari sax and a most enchanting melody overall. It almost sounds as if they are about to break into "Silent Night," but perhaps this is just wishful thinking as the dog days of summer approach. "Crunch," also by Paul, contains some immensely propulsive bass and drums underneath an incredible chorus of bari sax and bone blasting bravado! One of the great things about this disc is how well it is recorded, the powerful and resourceful rhythm team is immense and vibrant throughout, cushioning and pushing the trombone and saxes into turbulent yet tight territories time and again. Another interesting point is that there are a few superb ballad-like pieces on the second half of this disc and each one is a gem. The final piece, "Araucanos," features Javier on flute (or quena) & soprano sax and is a most haunting piece with a solemn melody that you will not forget for a long time to come. When I played this disc for my friends on our way to the Victo Fest, each one was knocked out by this magic music. Now it is your time to reap the rich rewards of Gianluca Petrella's 'X-Ray'. - BLG
CD $16

DOMINO QUARTET [SEAN BERGIN / GIANLUCA PETRELLA / ANTONIO BORGHINI / HAMID DRAKE] - Radio 3 Sessions (Auand 9008; Italy) Featuring Sean Bergin tenor sax & flutes, Gianluca Petrella on trombone. Antonio Borghini on double bass and Hamid Drake drums. The (Italian-based) Auand label appears to do a great job of bringing together selective international groups with creative musicians from both sides of the Atlantic. The Domino Quartet is another fine example with Dutch reeds wiz Sean Bergin, Chicago drum master Hamid Drake with two great Italian musicians. Trombonist, Gianluca Petrella, has an amazing quartet disc out on this same label, as well as two fine but overlooked discs out on Blue Note. Three of the four members of this quartet contribute pieces to this disc.
Starting with "Navigation #14," the walking bass-lines keep switching tempos while both horns play righteous, bluesy harmonies, bending their notes together perfectly. "Aimlessley" (sic) is certainly not aimless, but it does have a short free section. I dig the way Sean's swaggering tenor works with Gianluca's equally spirited trombone. "Zulu Wedding" features some strong earthy flutes, crafty hand drums and occasional trombone punctuation. Antonio's "Red Lights" recalls a Duke Ellington-like laid-back and bluesy melodic with some mighty fine old-school tenor sax wailing. Double bassist, Antonio Borghini, the least known member of this quartet is consistently strong throughout this disc and often at the center, the heart and bottom of each piece, working perfectly with Hamid Drake. His writing on each of his three contributions is also the most memorable ones of the batch. This consistently solid disc concludes with one cover tune, Mingus' "Peggy's Blue Skylight," which gets a most festive and passionate reading. A most thoughtful and righteous conclusion to another gem from the grand Auand catalogue. - BLG
CD $16

PAOLO ANGELI/ANTONELLO SALIS - MA.RI (Auand 9005; Italy) Featuring Paolo Angeli on prepared Sardinian guitar and Antonello Salis on piano & accordion. This amazing duo disc was recorded at three different concerts in Bologna, Italy in February, March & December of 2002. Nobody plays guitar quite like Paolo Angeli and it helps that nobody has that unique custom-made guitar that Paolo owns and plays. Antonello Salis has a few discs on Splasch and has recorded with Evan Parker, Nana Vasconsuelos and Riccardo Fassi. Starting with "Craul" the duo jump into a twisted, percussive exchange with Paolo banging on his strings while Antonello plays both inside the piano and on the keyboard with intense abandon. This is an extraordinary duo that is constantly changing in the way they attack their respective strings. Since Paolo has a unique system of pick-ups for his guitar, he can select certain strings and manipulate or distort them at will. It as if some scary electric guitar fragments soar in at times when you least expect it. Considering this is just a duo, it is amazing how many different sounds and approaches are used throughout each piece. Antonello seems to be drawing from older classical traditions at times, as well as providing other surprising twists and turns. Their first long piece ends with a delightful broken music box sort of melody. "Carta D'Imbarco" features some haunting accordion and more acoustic sounding guitar, the blend is just right. Paolo uses a bass drum pedal (on his guitar?) that adds even more suspense to this piece. Still, it is Antonello's bizarre accordion playing that is from another world. Midway through "Vasche," Antonello starts rubbing the strings of his piano while Paolo also plays some bent melodies along with him. Perfect music to make one's skin crawl. An unexpected delight is the duo's version of The Beatles "Mother Nature's Son," which gets turned inside out yet retains the charm of that sweet melody. The duo ends with a wonderfully mysterious piece called "MA. RI," in which the accordion wheezes melodically while we hear some heavy alien breathing. Strange yet truly transformational. - BLG
CD $16

FRANCESCO BEARZATTI BIZART TRIO + ENRICO RAVA - Hope (Auand 9007; Italy) Featuring Francesco Bearzatti - tenor sax & clarinet, Emmanuel Bex - organ & electronics and Aldo Romano - drums with special guest Enrico Rava on trumpet. I hadn't heard of Italian reeds wiz, Francesco Bearzatti, or Emmanuel Bex before this disc, it turns out that Mr. Bearzatti has three CD's out on the Auand label, as of now (5/08). The other members of this quartet are pretty well now: Enrico Rava has long been the busiest of all jazz trumpet heroes from Italy with some dozens of discs out on ECM, Soul Note and Philology. Aldo Romano remains one of the most creative and in-demand drummers for nearly as long, having worked with Don Cherry and Steve Lacy.
Starting with "T Tango," which is a pleasant sort of tango with some lovely trumpet from Enrico and cheesy organ from Emmanuel. "Soap Bubble" features some tasty old-school tenor from Francesco with lovely trumpet harmonies. "From Halab to Damascus" has a nice middle-eastern groove with some sly snake-charming clarinet up front. There is something about that cheesy organ that I dig when it's used right. Most of this disc is laid back with some sunny melodies that sound just right for the tenor sax and trumpet, who seem to favor the more melodic side of things. Out of nowhere comes "End of This Love" with some heavy rockin' guitar from Enrico Terragnoli (who records for the El Gallo Rojo label). While I do dig this cut, it does sound quite out of place amongst the more somber and melodies ditties. Drummer Aldo Romano actually plays some lovely acoustic guitar behind Rava on "Assenza," an instrument that I didn't know he played. When Francesco switches to clarinet, the music sounds like the soundtrack to an Italian movie, quirky and fun. "Body-Trap" has a great, funky organ groove with some fine, simmering tenor by Francesco. It sounds like a song that Naked City might cover. Francesco Bearazatti does have a strong, warm tenor tone, well-seasoned sounding well beyond his youthful appearance. For the concluding piece, "Hope," bits of echoed drums and funky sampled voices add an odd sort of charm to this long, dub-like, soundtrack-ish work. - BLG
CD $16

FRANCESCO BEARZATTI SAX PISTOLS With STOMU TAKEISHI & DAN WEISS - Stolen Days (Auand 9011; Italy) Featuring Francesco Bearzatti on tenor sax, clarinet & electronics; Stomu Takeishi on electric bass and Dan Weiss on drums. For Italian saxist, Francesco Bearzatti's third disc on the Auand label, he chose the fine NY-based rhythm team of Stomo Takeishi (Threadgill's Make a Move, Dave Tronzo & Myra Melford) and Dan Weiss (for Dave Binney, Carl Maguire & a leader on his own) on drums. Besides the originals of Mr. Bearzatti, this trio does select some odd choices of covers like Nirvana and a Led Zep suite. Starting with "Resurrectio" this trio blasts off into punk space with what sounds like electric guitar but must be distorted electric (?) sax! Stomu's thick, eerie, fretless el. bass is featured on "Black Hole Sun" with some heavy sax from Francesco, which again sounds more like lead guitar than sax. I like the way the trio strip down "Smells Like Teen Spirit" down its bare essentials with the drums only keeping rocking power at the center. What is odd/unique about this disc is that it does often rock out with the sax sounding more like an electric guitar. Francesco even plays the dreaded wah-wah sax on "Ri-Virus" which doesn't sound all that bad, the rhythm team sounds consistently interesting no matter what. I wasn't sure why any jazz folks would want to do a Led Zeppelin medley, but it is an odd yet strangely appealing choice. "Black Dog"? "Heartbreaker?" "Moby Dick?" Should I lie and say that I actually like those songs? Hmmm. A barrel of fun either way you look or listen to it. - BLG
CD $16

FRANCESCO BEARZATTI BIZART TRIO With EMMANUEL BEX/ALDO ROMANO - Virus (Auand 9002; Italy) Francesco Bearzatti sax, clarinet; Emmanuel Bex organ, electronics; Aldo Romano drums. Special Guests: Enrico Terragnoli guitar on # 4,10; Mauro Ottolini trombone on # 4,7,8; Stefano Senni double bass on # 6; U.T. Gandhi percussion on # 4,6
CD $16

GIANCARLO TOSSANI'S SYNAPSER - Beauty Is A Rare Thing (Auand 9006; Italy) Featuring Achille Succi on alto sax & bass clarinet, Giancarlo Tossani on piano, Tito Mangialajo Rantzer on double bass and Cristiano Calcagnile on drums The Auand label, out of Italy, has uncovered a wealthy modern jazz scene with a dozen fine discs out and a number of Italian musicians who we haven't heard of until now. Pianist Giancarlo Tossani is not very well known even in Italy, yet he is a mighty fine pianist. He is also a fine composer and wrote seven of the nine songs here with a striking Ornette cover and an adaption of a piece by J.S. Bach. "Faites Votre Remix" opens with strong (M-Base-like) tight alto sax and piano interplay. "Audioglobe" is a delicate, haunting piece with some lovely bass clarinet. While Succi repeats this hypnotic phase over and over, the quartet swirl around him in magical circles, spinning a dreamy web. Drummer, Cristiano, is a marvel as he provides the creative (rhythmic) force behind nearly every piece. On "Souvenirs from the Future" he dances around the drums while Succi plays his bass clarinet on top of each beat. Giancarlo often writes these pieces that are moderately paced a dream-like with Succi's haunting bass clarinet floating on top, with a bit of echo added to give the clarinet a more cerebral quality. The title piece is by Ornette Coleman and is taken slower with a lovely laid-back vibe and sublime alto sax from Achille. All four members of this fine quartet are gifted musicians and each gets a chance to shine. It is difficult to tell at times who the leader is except for the fact that Tossani wrote most of the pieces. Another wonderful jazz treasure that will most likely never be heard on WBGO. For shame! - BLG
CD $16

GIANCARLO TOSSANI'S SYNAPSER - Coherent Deformation (Auand 9012; Italy) Achille Succi alto sax, bass clarinet; Giancarlo Tossani piano; Tito Mangialajo Rantzer double bass; Cristiano Calcagnile drums
CD $16

PAOLO SORGE TRINKLE TRIO With MICHEL GODARD/FRANCESCO CUSA - Trinkle Trio (Auand 9003; Italy) Featuring Paolo Sorge on guitar & electronics, Michel Godard on tuba and Francesco Cusa on drums & percussion. Once again the consistently inspired Auand label from Italy introduces to some new musicians well worth hearing. I had never heard of either Paolo Sorge or Francesco Cusa, before this disc, however I do know tuba wiz, Michel Godard, from his work with Rabih Abou-Khahlil, Sylvie Courvoisier and Louis Sclavis.
This disc is unique tribute to Thelonius Monk with the trio covering just the songs of Monk with only the opening and closing pieces by Mr. Sorge. The opening piece is a spirited freer work for crafty drums and intense jazz/rock guitar with tuba just used as occasional punctuation. Monk's "I Mean You" is next and the melody is played by the tuba with Paolo altering his guitar into odd fragments while the drums just play a skeletal rhythm. On "Evidence," the drums spin quickly while the guitar and tuba play the melody in their own strange way. Michel plays in high flying tuba solo while Paolo plays dreamy chords underneath.
CD $16

DAVE BINNEY/JEFF HIRSHFIELD - A Small Madness (Auand 9004; Italy) Featuring David Binney on alto sax & electronics and Jeff Hirshfield on drums. This fine duo disc was recorded in the studio in 2002 and released in 2003. Considering that downtown alto sax great, Dave Binney, now has some 10 discs as a leader, this one is his only duo recording. The odd thing is that it doesn't sound like a duo, since Binney is also playing electronics that adds bass and/or guitar-like parts to the duo's sound. Dave wrote all but two of the pieces here, with one cover by Wayne Shorter and one more traditional song. The opening piece is Shorter's "Dolores" and there are no electronics involved or needed as the duo do a splendid version of this hard swinging standard, originally found on the 'Miles Smiles' album. Dave's synth adds an eerie aura on "The Mystery of Influence," yet the duo still swings together superbly after the synth ends. "Mallari" sounds like a dreamy, old folk song and Dave plays it with a touching grace, his warm tone closer to tenor than alto sax. Tanya Henri adds a lovely vocal flourish on this piece which fits perfectly. I dig the way the title track seems to balance between a swinging and funky groove with some strong alto by Dave, the synth is a bit on the cheesy side tone-wise though. There is one live track (from the 55 Bar) here and it is a smokin' duo excursion that works perfectly as just one solid duo. Overall, this entire disc works well since this duo sounds as if they are hooked up to the same thing. - BLG
CD $16

JULIAN ARGUELLES / RONAN GUILFOYLE / JIM BLACK - Live In Dublin (Auand 9009; Italy) Featuring Julian Arguelles on tenor sax, recorders; Ronan Guilfoyle on acoustic bass guitar and Jim Black on drums. British born saxist, Julian Arguelles, has certainly gotten around and played in a number of important bands, working with Django Bates, later period Brotherhood of Breath, Carla Bley Big Band, Kenny Wheeler & John Taylor. Julian has a-half dozen discs as a leader, as well as playing for/with his brother drummer Steve Arguelles. I am not familiar with the bassist on this disc but everyone show know of that local sensation, the great Jim Black on drums. Most of the six pieces on this disc are long and includes covers by Ornette, Don Cherry and the standard, "I Wish I Knew." Ornette's mid-sixties classic, "Broadway Blues" is first and sounds different on tenor sax especially with Jim Black's unique drumming. The trio eventually hit their stride when the play the theme and Julian takes a long, spirited solo. Julian's only original tune, "FASA," features him on two recorders at once with Jim using chains and metal objects on his drums, giving this piece a charming folky sort of sound. Don Cherry's rarely heard "There is The Bomb" is next and it has some fine festive laid-back tenor from Julian. That old standard, "I Wish I Knew" is done as a most poignant ballad with skeletal percussion from Jim Black, exquisite bass and Julian's marvelously touching tenor. The bassist, Ronan Guilfoyle, contributes a great, uptempo groove tune called "Tenski" with some truly spirited drums. The final piece is oddly enough called, "Grunge" and it is a hard rocking tune with smokin' tenor and Jim Black's thwacking drums! This is a fun-filled gem through and through. - BLG
CD $16

ROBERTO CECCHETTO - Downtown (Auand 9013; Italy) Roberto Cecchetto electric and acoustic guitars, loops; Giovanni Maier double bass; Michele Rabbia drums, percussion, loops
CD $16




New Gem from the El Gallo Rojo Label & Some restocks:

EINFALT - CM 12 x 12 (El Gallo Rojo 314-20; Italy) Featuring Stefano Roveda on violin & piano, Andrea Faccioli on acoustic guitar, Giulio Corini on acoustic bass and Nelide Bandello on drums & percussion. Once more, the El Gallo Rojo label presents a fine (acoustic) quartet with musicians I am not yet familiar. After a stark intro of soft bowed bass, the band explodes with some intense free acoustic guitar and violin fronted insanity. Too much! It sounds like the quartet is playing some partially charted material with some intricate interplay and tightly connected sections. I dig the way the guitarist plays while muting the strings throughout "Something from Nothing" while bass and violin play a series of back and forth bowed fragments. On "Song Has Its Own Needs," I am reminded of a stripped down version of Oregon with Ralph Towner-like guitar and somber bowed bass and/or violin. Both the violin and guitar play of lovely folky melody on "Dedicated Boxes." Both the guitar and violin are rubbed or bowed into a dark, bent-string area on "Absent/Shown" that is most chilling. Things go even further out on "Rusty Bone" where no-one plays their instruments in a conventional way, yet they evoke skeletal spirits nonetheless. What I find most interesting about this is that this quartet often tells stories without dealing with any obvious song structure at times. And then when you least expect it, they break into a great, dramatic, structured section. The cover features two statue heads lying on an old wooden floor looking right at us. Hmmm. It seems oddly appropriate to the contents within - BLG
CD $12

..and Restocks from El Gallo Rojo that sold out super-quick:

ROLLERBALL - La Clinica Del Rasoio (El Gallo Rojo 314-18; Italy) Featuring Piero Bittolo Bon on alto & bari saxes, Beppe Scardino on bari sax, Enrico Terragnoli on guitar, Danilo Gallo on double bass and Massimiliano Sorrentini on drums plus a couple of guest guitarists. Rollerball shares two members with Orange Room (reviewed above), both saxists, Piero and Beppe. While Scardino wrote all of the material for Orange Room, all members of Rollerball contribute to the composing with just one cover by Wayne Horvitz.
Enrico's "Il Silenzio Del Capitano" reminds me of the quirky, unpredictable charm of the Lounge Lizards with a few odd free sections thrown in. In between jazz and rock with an odd sense of humor. At points it sounds as if the band members are playing in separate rooms, yet they come together for some of silly yet tightly constructed sections. Since each member contributes a song or two, every song is quite different. "Roketto Panchi" has a surf-like feel with funky saxes, twangy guitar and cheesy organ. Perfect music to dance to at a sixties oriented party. On many of these songs, the guitar will play the parts while one of the saxes solos. The bari sax also does a great job of playing those funky parts time and again. What is surprising is when a song suddenly shifts and moves in an unexpected direction. Danilo's "Hushpukena" features distant drums with a strong acoustic bass solo at the center. Eventually both bari saxes start to wail in either side of the room, providing a rather hypnotic haze with spirited drums holding things together just right. What these guys do best is create a spooky film noir sort of vibe. Guitarist, Enrico Terragnoli, plays some sick, noisy Ribot-like guitar on "Self Service Toy," a song that deconstructs as it goes. Some tunes begin freely yet soon fade into strong groove or other charted territories. I dig the way their guitarist will play this one slightly twisted riff over and over while the bari sax takes a strong, spirited solo. The guitarist builds into a tortured post-punk noise storm while the drums takes a fine rambunctious solo. There are constant surprises in store throughout this entire disc, no doubt Mikey will be grooving to this twisted gem soon. - BLG
CD $12

ORANGE ROOM - Orange Room (El Gallo Rojo 314-17; Italy) Featuring Beppe Scardino on bari sax & all compositions, Francesco Bigoni on tenor sax, Piero Bittolo on alto sax, Pasquale Mirra on vibes, Antonio Borghini on double bass and Federico Scettri on drums. Considering that I was not previously familiar with any of the musicians in this fine sextet, both Mikey & I were completely flaggerghasted! The three-sax frontline is particularly strong, tight and spirited. The rhythm team of vibes, acoustic bass and drums is also superb throughout. "Unexpected 27" is an unexpected delight. The first sax solo just erupts and is followed by an incredible, furious vibes solo and bass solo. "Rapina A Mano Disarmata" brings things down to a slower pace with lush harmonies for saxes and vibes. The title piece is the longest track and is even slower and filled with suspense. The bari sax and drums play an intense duo together before the rest of the sextet joins them for an impressive, tight ensemble section. The other saxes also take strong solos while the rhythm teams swirls around them. What I like most about these pieces is that they are episodic: the pieces evolve as different members solo. There is restless, exciting quality to all of the pieces. On "Orange Room Symphony," the vibes takes the first long solo while the sextet flows and swings in waves around him. Later all of the saxes solo together in a powerful yet tight eruption of free spirits. While the rhythm team plays this one repeating phrase on "Venus," the saxes play a series of rich, chamber-like harmonies, which are both free yet centered by the bari's deep, dark tone. Beppe's delightful Gerry Mulligan-like baritone is featured on "Livorno," along with more thoughtful, laid-back solos and superb vibes. This is yet another winner from an unknown Italian sextet. - BLG
CD $12

STEFANO SENNI SAUL BASS - Psychocandy (El Gallo Rojo 314-16; Italy) Featuring Stefano Senni on double bass & songs, Enrico Terragnoli on guitar, Dario Volpi on guitar and Walter Paoli on drums. 'Psychocandy' is the name of an old album by Jesus & Mary Chain, to whom this disc is dedicated, along with The Smiths, Alfred Hitchcock, Otto Preminger and Charlie Haden. This band (SSSB), play their own version of bent post punk melodies with layers of odd guitars. "Frantic Romantic" is a long piece that works its way through different sections. It is quite cinematic and evokes different scenes as it evolves. Both guitarists do swell jobs of creating haunting images and deserted western towns. I really dig the intricate double guitar parts on "Ida Y Vuelta," with layers of acoustic and electric guitars swirling together, very cool. Stefano, who is their double bassist and main songwriter, does a consistently good job of providing his bass as the center of these tunes while both guitarists play layers of parts around him. I get the feeling that this disc will sell better in the store when I play it and folks are surprised that haven't heard of any of these musicians before. Way better and more inventive than any indi-rock I've heard in a long while. Have I been missing out on some band that you think is great? Let me know, I am always open to suggestions from the informed. Another undiscovered gem from the fine folks at El Gallo Rojo. - BLG
CD $12

MESHUGE KLEZMER BAND - Musiker (El Gallo Rojo 314-19; Italy) Second swell disc from the Meshuge Klezmer Band featuring Fabio Basile on guitar, J Kyle Gregory on trumpets, Roberto Lanciai on alto & bari sax, Andrea Ranzato on accordion, Maria Vicentini on violin, Stefano Corsi on bass, Zeno De Rossi on drums plus special guest Amy Denio on clarinet. If you thought that traditional-sounding klezmer music couldn't come from Italy, well think again! The Meshuge Klezmer Band cover diverse material from legendary klex composers like Dave Tarras, Naftule Brandwein and Lee Musiker, as well as more traditional songs. "Gypsy" sounds like a slowed down gypsy song with lovely, melancholy violin, accordion and trumpet. Tarras' "The Roumanian Fantasy" features some heavy guitar, powerful drums and an ancient-sounding melody. Another treat is Tarras' "Tango," with haunting sax and trumpet solos. I love the blend of bari sax, trumpet, guitar, violin and accordion on "Tanz! Bulgar." Many of these songs have familiar melodies that I know that I've heard from other klezmer bands. If I didn't know any better and someone added a bit a scratchy record authenticity, I would think that much of this was the original versions of these klez classics. It is often the arrangements, the way the violin, accordion and horns blend together that makes this so special and heartfelt. Quite possibly better than anything I've heard from Radical Jewish Culture section of the Tzadik catalogue in recent memory. - BLG
CD $12

ENRICO TERRAGNOLL ORCHESTRA VERTICAL - L' Anniversaire (El Gallo Rojo 314-4; Italy) Featuring: ENRICO TERRAGNOLI guitars, acoustic bass guitar, kazoo, CLAUDIA BIDOLI vocals, FABRIZIO PUGLISI piano, GIORGIO PACORIG fender Rhodes, OSCAR MARCHIONI hammond organ, THOMAS SINIGAGLIA accordion, DANILO GALLO double bass, percussion, STEFANO SENNI double bass. ZENO DE ROSSI & ALESSANDRO DE ROSSI drums, percussion. Songs which let their sophisticated construction slide onto the rails of the most hypnotic and mysterious rhythm that exists. A few light and measured mambo steps which resonate, perhaps in a Paris of the soul, suspended in an undefined stylistic moment. Electric guitars, accordions, percussion. Instruments sprinkled with care like flavours on top of a dish. A 'vertical' orchestra, a result of the clever additions contrived by Enrico Terragnoli and, at the peak, the seductive voice of Claudia Bidoli which depicts the most private panoramas of the soul. The precious spices used in the recording are no other than some of the most personal and creative musicians on the new Italian scene.
CD $12



THANK YOU - Terrible Two (Thrill Jockey 198; USA) "Thank You is an athletic rhythm/action unit, made up of Jeffrey McGrath, Michael Bouyoucas, and Elke Wardlaw. They are three free individuals, subsumed into a collective form that spits out dank, skittering tracks filled with light and dark. Musical ideas are introduced and have conversations with one another, each track filled with new articulation and insight. The basics of drums, organ, and guitar build the foundation, but are augmented by whistles, cowbell, hobo harmonica, snappy loops, car horns, and whatever else might be at hand."
CD $14




Restock from the great FMR label:

DARTINGTON TRIO [KEITH TIPPETT/PAUL DUNMALL/JULIE TIPPETTS [DRISCOLL]] - Live At The Priory (FMR 161; UK) Another exquisite gem from three of our favorite British musicians. This was recorded live at The Priory in Southend-on-Sea as part of the Southend International Jazz Festival in August of 2004.
CD $16

AMALGAM [TREVOR WATTS] - Samanna (FMR 125; UK) Trevor Watts (Alto and percussion), Dave Cola (guitar), Colin McKenzie (bass guitar), Pate Cowling (bass guitar), Liam Genockey (drums)
CD $16

AMALGAM [TREVOR WATTS et al] - Deep (FMR 120; UK) F**king incredible! Featuring Trevor Watts on alto sax, Dave Cole on electric guitar, Harry Miller on contrabass and Liam Genockey on drums. Recorded on November 17th of 1977 at Riverside Studio and without a doubt on the most astonishing dates we've heard in quite a while.
CD $16

AMALGAM [TREVOR WATTS/KEITH ROWE/COLIN McKENZIE/LIAM GENOCKEY] - Over The Rainbow (FMR 132; UK) Featuring Trevor Watts on alto sax, Keith Rowe on guitar, Colin Mackenzie on electric bass and Liam Genockey on drums. Recorded live at Wimbledon November, 1979.
CD $16

AMALGAM [TREVOR WATTS/JOHN STEVENS/JEFF CLYNE or RON HERMAN] - Play Blackwell & Higgins (FMR 146; UK)
CD $16

AMALGAM [TREVOR WATTS/KEITH ROWE/LIAM GENOCKEY et al] - Wipeout [3 CD Box Set] (FMR 111; UK) The three discs feature live recordings of twelve original Amalgam performances and features excellent guitar improviser Keith Rowe and regular drummer Liam Genockey, plus the electric bass work of Colin MacKenzie and George Lyle. [Note: This had to be transferred and mastered from vinyl as master tapes were lost]
CD $45

BORAH BERGMAN/FRODE GJERSTAD - Rivers In Time (FMR 130; UK)
CD $16

TONY BIANCO'S MONKEY DANCE With DAVE LIEBMAN - Monkey Dance (FMR 188; UK)
CD $16

PETER BROTZMANN/PEETER UUSKYLA/PETER FRIIS NIELSEN - Flying Feathers (FMR 91; UK)
CD $16

CALLING SIGNALS [FRODE GJERSTAD/PAAL NILSSEN-LOVE/ILVIND ONE PEDERESEN/NICK STEPHENS] - Dreams In Dreams (FMR 177; UK)
CD $16

NICK DIDKOVSKY/PAUL ROGERS/KEVIN NORTON - The Bright Lights, The Big Time (FMR 163; UK)
CD $16

PAUL DUNMALL/TONY BIANCO/JOHN EDWARDS/JOHN ADAMS - Out From The Cage (FMR 107; UK)
CD $16

PAUL DUNMALL SEXTET With PAUL RUTHERFORD et al - Shooters Hill (FMR 141; UK) Featuring Mr. Dunmall on tenor sax (only), Paul Rutherford on trombone, Jon Corbett on trumpet, John Adams on el. guitar, Roberto Bellatalla on bass and Mark Sanders on drums.
CD $16

PAUL DUNMALL - Solo Soprano Saxophone (FMR 167; UK)
CD $16

PAUL DUNMALL/PETER BRANDT/TONY MARSH - Deep Well (FMR 207; UK)
CD $16

PAUL DUNMALL/TONY ORELL/JIM BARR - Deep See (FMR 217; UK)
CD $16

JAMES FULKERSON - Wood Stone Desert (FMR 151; UK)
CD $16

FRODE GJERSTAD/PAUL HESSION - Mayday (FMR 144; UK)
CD $16

FRODE GJERSTAD/KEVIN NORTON - No Definitive (FMR 150; UK)
CD $16

FRODE GJERSTAD/NILS HENNIK ASHEIM - The Shortest Day (FMR 155; UK) Frode Gjerstad (saxophones), Nils Hennik Asheim (organ)
CD $16

GREEN ROOM [CHUCK LYALL/DAVID GARRETT] - Tin Man (FMR 201; UK) Green Room features Chick Lyall on acoustic piano, computer, flutes & multi-timbral modules and David Garrett on percussion, prepared piano, prepared dulcimer, thumb piano & sampling.
CD $16

STEVE HUBBACK//TOM SWINDLE, dir. - Forged From Dreams: The Sonorous Sculpture, Music And Life Of Steve Hubback [DVD] (FMR DVD 01; UK) This is an extraordinary film that documents the long journey of Welsh percussionist and instrument-maker, Steve Lubback.
DVD $16

INTUITIVE ART ENSEMBLE [PAUL DUNMALL/PHILLIP GIBBS/TREVOR TAYLOR...] - Now (FMR 121; UK) Paul Dunmall (saxophones and invented instruments), Phillip Gibbs(Guitar), Andrew Ball (Piano), Neil Metcalfe (flute), Hilary Jeffreys (trombone), Trevor Taylor (percussion, sound sculptures).
CD $16

HILLARY JEFFERY - Solotrombone & Electronics (FMR 129; UK)
CD $16

HILLARY JEFFERY - Solotrombone & Electronics 2 (FMR 210; UK)
CD $16

JOHN LLOYD SEXTET With JOHN EDWARDS/MARK SANDERS et al - Praxis (FMR 47; UK) John Lloyd, alto and soprano saxophones; Marc Stutz-Boukouya, trombone; Aleks Kolkowski, violin; Stan Adler, cello; John Edwards, bass; Mark Sanders, percussion. Recorded 28 August 1997 at Colchester Arts Centre.
CD $16

MAGDA MAYAS/CARLOS GALVEZ/KOEN NUTTERS/MORTEN J OLSEN - Dirty In The Different Tradition (FMR 173; UK) 2004 recordings by this piano/doublebass/percussion/bass-clarinet quartet of N-Collective members.
CD $16

KEVIN NORTON - Quark Bercuse: Solo Percussion Vol I (FMR 172; UK) Inspired by Steve Lacy, Anthony Braxton & Haewon Min (pianist & Kevin's wife), this Kevin Norton's first ever solo percussion record
CD $16

MIKE OSBORNE With HARRY BECKETT/CHRIS McGREGOR/HARRY MILLER /LOUIS MOHOLO - Outback (FMR 07; UK) [Probably] recorded 1970.
CD $16

MIKE OSBORNE With JOHN SURMAN/ALAN SKIDMORE/HARRY MILLER/EARL FREEMAN/LOUIS MOHOLO- Shapes (FMR 10; UK) Recorded at Pye Studios in February 1972.
CD $16

HOWARD RILEY/MARIO CASTRONARI/TONY MARSH - Wishing on the moon (FMR 14; UK) Howard Riley, piano; Mario Castronari, bass; Tony Marsh, drums. Recorded at The Premises, London on 24 May 1993.
CD $16

PAUL ROGERS/PAUL DUNMALL/TONY BIANCO - Cosmic Craftsmen (FMR 185; UK)
CD $16

PAUL ROGERS/EDWARD PERRAUD - Two Loose (FMR 231; UK) Featuring contrabass giant, Paul Rogers, on his 7 string A.L.L. acoustic bass with 14 sympathetic strings and Edward Perraud on percussion. Amazing!
CD $16

SIMON ROSE - Procession: Solo Alto Saxophone (FMR 213; UK)
CD $16

GARY SMITH - Forgotten Room With Chairs (FMR 52; UK)
CD $16

JOHN SURMAN With TERJE RYPDAL/MALCOLM GRIFFITHS/JOHN TAYLOR /CHRIS LAURENCE/JOHN MARSHALL - Morning Glory (FMR 13; UK)
CD $16

TREVOR TAYLOR - New Music for Percussion, Sound Sculpture, Tape and Live Electronics (FMR 85; UK)
CD $16

KEITH TIPPETT - Linuckea (FMR 70; UK) Keith Tippett, piano; David Le Page, violin; Christopher George, violin; Malcolm Allison, viola; Phillip Sheppard, cello Recorded at Gateway Studios, Kingston, in March 2000.
CD $16

VANISHING PICTURES [DIRK WACHTELAER/PAUL LYTTON et al] - Vanishing Pictures (FMR 76; UK)
CD $16


*****************


Copies back in stock of ALL the original MASADA Quartet's Studio Recordings!

MASADA [JOHN ZORN/DAVE DOUGLAS/GREG COHEN/JOEY BARON] - Masada 1 (ALEF) (DIW 888; Japan) Tracks from recording session #1 February 20th 1994 at RPM
CD $18

MASADA [JOHN ZORN/DAVE DOUGLAS/GREG COHEN/JOEY BARON] - Masada 2 (BEIT) (DIW 889; Japan) Tracks from recording session #1 February 20th 1994 at RPM
CD $18

MASADA [JOHN ZORN/DAVE DOUGLAS/GREG COHEN/JOEY BARON] - Masada 3 (GIMEL) (DIW 890; Japan) Tracks from recording sessions #1 February 20th 1994 at RPM and #2 June 22, 1994 at Power Station
CD $18

MASADA [JOHN ZORN/DAVE DOUGLAS/GREG COHEN/JOEY BARON] - Masada 4 (DALET) (DIW 923; Japan) Tracks from recording session #1 February 20th 1994 at RPM
This CD is shorter than the other Masada titles in this series, hence the lower price
CD $16

MASADA [JOHN ZORN/DAVE DOUGLAS/GREG COHEN/JOEY BARON] - Masada 5 (HEI) (DIW 899; Japan) Tracks from recording session #3 July 16 & 17, 1995 at Power Station
CD $18

MASADA [JOHN ZORN/DAVE DOUGLAS/GREG COHEN/JOEY BARON] - Masada 6 (VAV) (DIW 900; Japan) Tracks from recording session #3 July 16 & 17, 1995 at Power Station
CD $18

MASADA [JOHN ZORN/DAVE DOUGLAS/GREG COHEN/JOEY BARON] - Masada 7 (ZAYIN) (DIW 915; Japan) Tracks from recording session #4 April 16th 1996 at Power Station
CD $18

MASADA [JOHN ZORN/DAVE DOUGLAS/GREG COHEN/JOEY BARON] - Masada 8 (HET) (DIW 925; Japan) Tracks from recording session #5 August 1 1996 at Avatar
CD $18

MASADA [JOHN ZORN/DAVE DOUGLAS/GREG COHEN/JOEY BARON] - Masada 9 (TET) (DIW 933; Japan) Tracks from recording session #6 April 21, 1997 at Avatar
CD $18

MASADA [JOHN ZORN/DAVE DOUGLAS/GREG COHEN/JOEY BARON] - Masada 10 (YOD) (DIW 935; Japan) Tracks from recording session #7 September 15, 1997 at Avatar
CD $18

And...

MASADA [JOHN ZORN/DAVE DOUGLAS/GREG COHEN/JOEY BARON] - Sanhedrin: Unreleased Studio Recordings [2 CD set & book] (Tzadik 7346; USA) Twenty-nine sterling studio performances never available before from what many consider to be one of the most important instrumental ensembles of the past quarter century. Over two and a half hours of rare alternates, many even more exciting than the original releases, were handpicked by Zorn from the legendary sessions of 1994-1997 and are accompanied by a lush booklet filled with photos, scores, written tributes and remembrances. This pioneering band, that spearheaded Radical Jewish Culture and helped bring Jewish music into the 21st Century, continues to inspire Jews and music lovers the world over with an original musical language of honesty, imagination and originality drawing on many pasts and looks toward a myriad of futures. This is where it all began.
TZADIK ARCHIVAL SERIES
2 CD set + book for $30


*****************


DAUNIK LAZRO/JOE McPHEE - Elan/Impulse (In Situ 590075; EEC)
CD $18

AMIS QUARTET [JOE McPHEE/JEROME BOURDELLON/ANDRE JAUME /DAUNIK LAZRO] - For Frank Wright (Usine 1003; EEC)
CD $17

JOE McPHEE & JEROME BOURDELLON - Manhattan Tango (Usine 1008; EEC) Featuring the legendary Joe McPhee on pocket trumpet & voice and Jerome Bourdellon on bass, C and piccolo flutes. Recorded live Alain Kirilli's loft in Tribeca in April of 2000. French flutist Bourdellon has a solo CD out on Khokhot and of course, we all love anything that Joe McPhee does.
CD $17

JOE McPHEE & JEROME BOURDELLON - Music For A New Place (Usine 1002; EEC)
CD $17

DAUNIK LAZRO/EVAN PARKER/JOE McPHEE - McPhee/Parker/Lazro (Van d'Oeuvre 9610; EEC)
CD $18

JIMMY GIUFFRE - Talks And Plays [2 CD set] (CELP 41; EEC)
2 CD Set for $30

ALAIN SOLER/JOE LOVANO - Durance (CELP 28; EEC) Alain Soler (g), Joe Lovano (Ts ss), "Momo" Barbarisi (elb), Jean-Luc Lafuente (b), Antoine Lisolo, Alain Antoni (dm).
CD $17

BARRE PHILLIPS With JEAN-MARC MONTERA - Naxos (CELP 14; EEC)
CD $17


*****************


SPECTRUM - Milesago [2 CD Set] (Aztec 33; Australia) "Spectrum's second album Milesago is one of the key Australian releases of the '70s and a progressive rock milestone. The double album was originally released on EMI's Harvest Records imprint (home to artists such as Pink Floyd, Kevin Ayers, The Move and Deep Purple) -- and you couldn't find a more appropriate label for such spaced-out progressive psych! With its striking Ian McCausland cover art restored, Milesago is presented here as a deluxe 8-panel digipak 2CD set. The album was remastered in 2008 by Gil Matthews and is augmented with 7 bonus tracks: 2 from the 1972 Sunbury festival a 20+ minute 'Some Good Advice; (!) and a live version of their classic single 'I'll Be Gone,' 2 single edits, a non-LP B-side, an excerpt from the Australian film Dalmas, rounded off with an advertisement for Camel cigarettes! The liner notes from noted Australian rock writer Ian McFarlane include a new interview with Mike Rudd and are packaged in a 24 page booklet filled with many rare photos."
2 CD set $26

STAR SPANGLED BANGER - Star Spangled Banger (Aztec 34; Australia) "Star Spangled Banger was a short-lived studio project that resulted in a sole, self-titled album and single on the Melbourne Havoc Records label in 1973. With Havoc closing soon after its release, the album was quickly deleted and, over the years, has grown in stature, becoming one of the rarest Australian records ever. We are happy to rectify this problem with our deluxe CD reissue of this hugely enjoyable mix of English-flavored progressive rock (Family, Cressida), reflective piano ballads, with a hint of Bonzo Dog DooDah Band like lunacy. Principal songwriter John Brownrigg (vocals, guitar), Ron Walters (vocals, piano, organ) and drummer Paul Doo formed Star Spangled Banger in 1972 from the ashes of their former band, The Sect. Brownrigg originally hailed from Liverpool and had played in several bands during the Merseybeat boom of the early '60s -- as his own brick on the Cavern Club wall of fame attests. Signed to Havoc in late 1972, the band were put into the studio with engineer/producer (and soon to be Aztec) Gil Matthews. Armed with a stack of sound effects records, the album was recorded at odd hours (in between Matthew's day job at Havoc and his night-time one as new drummer for the Aztecs) and resulted in an eclectic mix of progressive rock, protest songs and ballads -- with a healthy dose of humor (witness: 'Fancy Underpants!'). Added to this mix are: explosions, backwards tapes, crazy keyboards, nuclear explosions, crashing aeroplanes and fuzzed-out psych guitar. The title track, released as a single, is a long lost progressive classic and we have added a previously-unreleased edit of it as a bonus track. Digitally remastered by Gil Matthews, including a 24-page booklet with rare photos, liner notes by Ted Lethborg and a recent interview with John Brownrigg."
CD $22


THE SAVAGE RESURRECTION - The Savage Resurrection (Mod Lang 07; USA) "The reissue of the Savage Resurrection's self-titled LP. Originally released on Mercury in 1968, the record is now a coveted psych artifact. More importantly however, The Savage Resurrection is seen as one of the most essential definitions of the West Coast acid rock style. Guitarists Randy Hammon & John Palmer's performances throughout the recording are highly regarded, and the album as a whole has influenced a generation of psychedelic enthusiasts, not least Bevis Frond. This official reissue is sanctioned by the band, who have finally regained the rights to this album. It has the entire 10 track LP, plus 3 previously-unreleased rehearsal recording tracks. Liner notes by top West Coast psych expert Alex Palao & Nick Saloman, original album cover artwork, never before seen pics & more."
CD $15


CHICK COREA & RETURN TO FOREVER With AL DiMEOLA or BILL CONNORS/STANLEY CLARKE/LENNY WHITE - Anthology: The Classic Quartet [2 CD set] (Polydor/Concord; USA) The ultimate anthology is the first to include the definitive tracks from all Return To Forever albums in on double CD package. All tracks have been digitally re-mixed and re-mastered from the original session tapes - all supervised by RTF: Return To Forever. The classic RTF lineup of keyboardist Chick Corea, bassist Stanley Clarke, guitarist Al DiMeola and drummer Lenny White. The Two CD set of a brand new collection of Chick Corea's classic jazz-rock fusion band Return To Forever's classic and chart-topping albums, Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy [which has Bill Connors instead of Al DiMeola] (1973) , Where Have I Known You Before (1974), No Mystery (1975) and Romantic Warrior (1976).
CD $20


*****************


IF YOU'RE ALREADY SUBSCRIBED TO OUR NEWSLETTER, BUT SOMEHOW YOU'RE NOT RECEIVING THEM IN YOUR INBOX..

Many of your incoming emails are being blocked and you don't know it! Many emails like our newsletter are frequently blocked by aggressive spam filters being used by nearly all email services.

To help avoid this problem and get our newsletter:

Hotmail Users: Place the domain " downtownmusicgallery.com " on your Safe List, so that you can receive our emails. The safe list can be accessed via the "Options" link next to the main menu tabs. Also place the email address dmg@downtownmusicgallery.com in your address book.

AOL: Place the domain " downtownmusicgallery.com " in your Address Book. Also add the email address dmg@downtownmusicgallery.com to your address book.

Yahoo! Mail: If one of our e-newsletters is filtered to your 'bulk' folder, open the message and click on the "this is not Spam" link next to the "From" field. The same goes for any other e-mail you receive that doesn't belong there. Add the address dmg@downtownmusicgallery.com to your address book.

Other email services [Earthlink, GMail et al]: Place the domain " downtownmusicgallery.com " on your email filter's whitelist. You may need to search your email help menu for details on how to do this. Depending on software/version, they may call it a "whitelist," a "good list" or similar name. Adding the address dmg@downtownmusicgallery.com to your address book will help too.