DMG Newsletter for Friday, June 13th, 2014

Can't be in NYC for the fantabulous VIsion Fest? Have your OWN Festival with..

Magma: UNreleased 1974 Live! Steve Lehman Octet returns! Kali Z. Fasteau/Kidd Jordan/J.D. Parran! Paul Dunmall/Paul Rogers/Mark Sanders! David Boykin Trio! Tony Bianco Utoma Qt!

Agusti Fernandez/Mats Gustafsson! Mario Pavone Two Bass Sextet! Carrier/Lambert/Lapin! Ted Rosenthal Trio! Mikolaj Trzaska Riverloam Trio! Roy Nathanson's Sotte Voce!

David Binney/Adam Rogers/Wayne Krantz/John Escreet All-Stars! Ursel Schlicht DVD! Seamus Blake & Opus 5! Kirsten Carey's Ulysses Project!

Jeremy Steig's Flute Fever! Moebius/Story/Leidecker! Bremen! Philip Glass! Gabor Szabo/Bobby Womack!

Pat Mastelotto/Tobias Ralph: Toparama! plus More than a Dozen Discs from Crimso's Extended Family!

..and, Bruce Lee Gallanter's 30th Victo Fest Review!


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The DMG Free Weekly In-Store Performance Series Continues With:

Sunday, June 15th:
No In-Store During the Vision Festival! - See the schedule below

Sunday, June 22nd:
6pm: OMAR TAMEZ & ANGELICA SANCHEZ - Guitar & Synth - CD Release Set!
7pm: GENE MOORE/GENE JANAS/DAVE TAMURA/MATT LUCZAK!

Sunday, June 29th:
6pm: MACROSCOPIA Returns! Featuring: KEN SILVERMAN/DANIEL CARTER/CLAIRE De BRUNNER/TOM ZLABINGER - Guitar/Reeds & Brass/Bassoon/Contrabass!
7pm: BEN GOLDBERG/KIRK KNUFFKE/BILLY MINTZ - Clarinet/Cornet/Drums!

Sunday, July 13th:
6pm: THE CORE TRIO: THOMAS HELTON/SETH PAYNTER/JOE HERTENSTEIN + Special Guest STEVE SWELL!

Sunday, July 20th:
6pm: DEVIN BRAHJA WALDMAN/DANIEL CARTER/RUSSELL BAKER/WILL GLASS! - Alto ax/Reeds & Brass/Trumpet/Drums.

Sunday, August 3rd:
6pm: GARY POULSON & JOHN ENGLE

Sunday, August 17th Double Header:
6pm: TESLA COILS: BLAISE SIWULA/GIAN LUIGI DIANA/HARVEY VALDES!
7pm: HARVEY VALDES TRIO: SANA NAGANO/JOE HERTENSTEIN/HARVEY VALDES!

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Important Message on behalf of our good friend MARC RIBOT:

Benefit for the Frantz Casseus Young Guitarists Program
This Mon, June 16, 2014 - 7:00pm
ISSUE Project Room: 22 Boerum Place, Brooklyn 11201
$25 / $50 VIP

This special evening at ISSUE hosted by Marc Ribot and Howard Wolfson benefits the Frantz Casseus Young Guitarists Program in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti with a program of works by and in tribute to the great composer and teacher. Marc Ribot, along with two other disciples of Casseus: Italian classical guitarist Alberto Mesirca and Haitian guitarist Marc Mathelier, pay tribute in separate sets. The evening also features Trio Blastphemy (Curtis Hasselbring, trombone; Ben Holmes, trumpet & flugelhorn; Marcus Rojas, tuba;), vocalists Melanie Charles and Barbara (Perlow) Simon (who sung on Casseus' 1969 Haitiana recording reissued on Smithsonian Folkways) and Frantz's great nephew DJ Greg Caz.

The event also celebrates the publication of a new book of with newly found compositions, Frantz Casseus Guitar Works, compiled by Marc Ribot and Alberto Mesirca and published by Zimmerman.

7pm: VIP Ticket ($50)
Exclusive performance by Marc Ribot & Alberto Mesirca Reception with complimentary drinks and DJ Greg Caz Reserved seating for 8pm Performance

8pm: General Admission ($25)
Performances by Marc Ribot, Alberto Mesirca, Marc Mathelier, Melanie Charles, Barbara Simon, Trio Blastphemy

Before Marc Ribot made a name for himself as a pioneering force in NYC's downtown music scene and as guitarist for luminaries like Tom Waits, Wilson Pickett and The Lounge Lizards, he began his guitar studies as a teenager with close family friend, the Father of Haitian classical guitar, Frantz Casseus.

After Haiti was devastated by earthquake in 2010, Ribot founded the Frantz Casseus Young Guitarists Program in Port-Au-Prince, using funds from his former mentor's publishing, which he'd inherited after Casseus' death in 1993. The program, run jointly by the Haitian Music Company, Caracol and the Holy Trinity Music School, offers a haven for creativity and stability to low-income students.

You can read an article Marc wrote on Frantz Casseus in 2003 for Bomb Magazine


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Starting with..

An Unreleased Treasure - possibly classic Magma's BEST Live Recording - unheard until NOW!

MAGMA [CHRISTIAN VANDER/JANNICK TOP et al] - Zuhn Wohl Unsai: Live February 6 1974 Radio Bremen [2 CD set] (Made In Germany 1102; Germany) This amazing document has been lying in the archives at Radio Bremen for 40 years. A decade ago, when Cuneiform was licensing a lot of material from Radio Bremen, I tried to get permission from the band to release this incredible show and they said 'no'. Why they said 'yes' to someone else a decade later, I don't know, but the world is a better place because of it! This is the entire radio broadcast, featuring the touring version of the Kohntarhosz band: Christian Vander (drums, vocals) Claude Olmos (guitar) Gerard Bikialo (organ, piano) Jannik Top (bass) Klaus Blasquiz (vocals) Michel Graillier (piano, clavinet). This is one of the great Magma shows by what I think is one of the greatest of their 70s line-ups. NONE of this has been heard or released before, with the exception of a 6' excerpt on the Utopic Sporadic Orchestra CD. It was mastered directly off of the master tapes in the archives of Radio Bremen, and those German engineers have always really known how to record a live band. The tracks that are particularly amazing Sowiloi (Soi Soi) & Theusz Hamtaahk, as well as Mekanik Destruktiw Kommandoh and a drum solo! This is the real thing, kids; an unbelievably great recording by one of the strongest-ever lineups of one of the greatest, weirdest, truly original avant-garde rock bands that ever was and ever will be, because they don't put whatever it was that made them in the drinking water anymore. Hugely recommended! - Steve Feigenbaum, Cuneiform
2 CD set for $22


STEVE LEHMAN OCTET With MARK SHIM/JONATHAN FINLAYSON/TIM ALBRIGHT/CHRIS DINGMAN/JOSE DAVILA/DREW GRESS/TYSHAWN SOREY - Mise En Abime (PI 54; USA) Mise en Abime is the highly-anticipated follow-up to 2009's Travail, Transformation and Flow, by the Steve Lehman Octet. The hallmark of spectral music is the shimmering, otherworldly sonorities that are created through the precise juxtaposition of individual instrumental voices. The most prominent overtones of a given sound source provide the framework for microtonal harmonies that are organized according to frequency relationships, rather than the intervals of a musical scale. Using spectral techniques, Lehman conjures novel and unexpected sounds that often evoke the iridescent sheen of electronic music. Most improvised music that employs microtonal harmonies is static and anchored by an unchanging drone or scale. But Lehman is unique in that he composes microtonal music with a great deal of harmonic movement, where a chord based on a harmonic spectrum can easily modulate to another tonal center. When used as a platform for improvisation, the result can be thought of as a kind of 'spectral chord changes' for the soloist to negotiate and transform. "Steve's use of spectral techniques in jazz-inspired music is quite unprecedented," says his mentor Tristan Murail. Such fusion "can sound clumsy or strained, but Steve's music sounds very natural, very special, very personal." The octet is the same powerhouse ensemble featured on Travail: Mark Shim on tenor saxophone, Drew Gress on bass, Tyshawn Sorey on drums, Jonathan Finlayson on trumpet, Jose Davila on tuba, Tim Albright on trombone, and Chris Dingman on vibraphone. It, too, has made a giant leap forward in the last five years: extensive touring has honed the band into a streamlined machine, one that is uniquely equipped to tackle this complex music and connect with audiences around the world. Lehman had the luxury of performing this music throughout the East Coast, including a five-night run at The Stone in New York City, just prior to entering the recording studio. As a result, the band buzzes with a visceral energy throughout Mise en Abime, negotiating the album's unique challenges with aplomb.
CD $15


KALI Z. FASTEAU With KIDD JORDAN/J D PARRAN/MIXSHAWN ROZIE/RON McBEE - Piano Rapture: New Works On Piano (Flying Note 9016; USA) Featuring Kali Z. Fasteau on piano, electric piano & organ, Kidd Jordan on tenor sax, L. Mixashawn Rozie on soprano & tenor sax, flute & djembe, J.D. Parran on alto flute & alto clarinet and Ron McBee on percussion. Although Ms. Fasteau is a wonderful multi-instrumentalist, she concentrates here on piano and organ only fir the first time for an entire CD. She chose three great reeds players, each from a different geographical and historical background, as well as a fine percussionist. It turns out that Ms. Fasteau is as good on piano as she is on any other instrument she picks up. Her opening piano solo is something else: layers of quick waves all over the keyboard. Each piece but one is a duo or a solo piece. Each of the reeds players she has chosen sound great playing with her. Ms. Fasteau will play a repeating theme while the reeds play along and then solo in their own spirited way. Each and every sax, flute or piano solo sounds great, inspired , transcendent. There are two pieces which are dedicated to recently departed musicians and collaborators: John Tchicai and Roy Campbell. Both are stunning and heartfelt tributes. No matter what Kali Z. Fasteau does, she never fails to deeply touch those who give her a serious listen. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $14


New from FMR!

DEEP WHOLE TRIO [PAUL DUNMALL/PAUL ROGERS/MARK SANDERS] - That Deep Calling (FMR 370; UK) Featuring Paul Dunmall on saxes, Paul Rogers on bass and Mark Sanders on drums. This was recorded live the Lamp Tavern in Birmingham just about a year ago in May of 2013. It seems as though Mr. Dunmall has put his own Duns label on hold since he still have releases coming out on FMR and Slam. This is the second disc from the Deep Whole Trio although Mr. Dunmall has used the word 'Deep' in the name of several trios with him and his main collaborator Paul Rogers. Both Dunmall and Rogers have worked with drummer Mark Sanders on many occasions previously. I can certainly hear why Dunmall refers to this trio as "Deep", there is something powerful, spiritual going on. Churning, swirling, creating big waves like a hurricane force. In other words, deep and wide. Each of the three pieces here are long and evolve organically over time. "Can You Take It" has a suspense-filled brooding quality and features some superb bass from Paul Rogers and slowly builds to a grand conclusion. There is a point where Dunmall (on tenor) and Rogers (on bowed bass) play the same note over and over weaving their way tightly together. You can hear a tight connection or bond between these two masters who sound like they have been playing together for a long while. Paul Rogers plays a custom-made, opens "That Real Love" with an extraordinary bass solo, his sound and approach completely unique. When Mark Sanders comes in on drums, they ascend together higher and higher (or deeper & deeper), which allows Dunmall to make his own grand entrance (on soprano sax and jeez, what a solo!). The overall spirit here is that wonderful Trane-like vibe, this is healing music for those who need spirit music to help guide them through our troubled times. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $16

PAUL DUNMALL/PAUL ROGERS/PHILIP GIBBS - The Clouds Turned Silver (FMR 372; UK) Paul Dunmall on flute, soprano sax & bass clarinet, Philip Gibbs on guitars and Paul Rogers on bass. These three players have worked together on more than two dozen discs as well as in a trio with two single discs and a limited edition four CD set. One thing that is unique about this session is that Mr. Dunmall plays flute and bass clarinet, two instruments he rarely plays. The sound of this trio is more chamber-like yet freer and quite focused. This is also a studio recording by the great Jonathan Scott who always does a splendid job. The trio of flute, bowed bass and acoustic guitar is just incredible right from the beginning, the sound perfect. The the title track Rogers bows furiously while Gibbs plucks and taps at an equally fast tempo, notes swirling around one an other in tight spirals with Dunmall's soprano sax sailing within the web. Paul Rogers plays with a distinctive (custom-made?) bow which gets a deep, round sound. His low-end growl/drone on "The Darkness Descends" is quite hypnotic and works well with Dunmall's cautious bass clarinet and Gibbs' spidery acoustic guitar. The last piece, "Sixty" is a short solo bass piece which sounds like a lullaby. A sublime ending for another incredible gem from the great Dunmall/Rogers/Gibbs trio. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $16

TONY BIANCO'S UTOMA QUARTET With MIKE FLETCHER/MARK HANSLIP/COLIN SOMERVELL - Utoma Quartet (FMR 368; UK) Tony Bianco on drums & compositions with Mike Fletcher on alto sax & flute, Mark Hanslip on tenor sax, Colin Somervell on bass. Tony Bianco is a great drummer who has worked with Paul Dunmall, Dave Liebman and Elton Dean on some two dozen discs. Mr. Bianco does have another quartet disc out on the 33Jazz label but it has completely different personnel. I don't know much about the other members of this quartet although Mr. Hanslip and Somervell can be found on a few other discs for the FMR label. Bianco does mention in the liner notes that he first met these men as students when doing a workshop at the Birmingham Conservatory. He also says that this quartet was inspired a certain Elvin Jones band which featured two saxists: Dave Liebman and Steve Grossman. On the opening song, "Ninja", the Utoma Quartet have their own sound, slightly funky with both saxes playing circular lines around one another in tightly. Mr. Bianco plays like Elvin on "Gopi Dance", quietly spinning a mesmerizing web around his quartet until the reeds (flute & tenor) start playing those warm, floating harmonies. I dig the way both saxists those superb flowing lines rarely breaking a sweat. Both saxists are strong, inspired players and take a number of fine solos when they get their turn. What makes this disc special is the masterful drumming of Tony Bianco who does an amazing job of keeping things centered while spinning layers of lines keep each member connected. Mr. Bianco's inventive writing also keeps this quartet on their toes with odd twists and turns when least expected. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $16

RIVERLOAM TRIO [MIKOLAJ TRZASKA/OLIE BRICE/MARK SANDERS] - Inem Gortn (FMR 374; UK) Featuring Mikolaj Trzaska on alto sax & clarinets, Olie Brice on double bass and Mark Sanders on drums. By now, you should recognize the name of Polish reedsman, Mikolaj Trzaska, since he can be found on more than thirty releases working with Joe McPhee, Johannes Bauer, Peter Brotzmann and Ken Vandermark's Resonance Ensemble. Trzaska also has a dozen discs as a leader. British bassist Olie Brice I know from a few discs on the FMR label as well as a trio with Ingrid Laubrock. UK drum master Mark Sanders certainly needs no introduction here since he is the in-demand drummer for Paul Dunmall, Evan Parker and Jah Wobble. This is a strong, spirited free trio with all three members integral to the intense, creative sound. Mr. Trzaska lets out some extreme blasts at times, bending his notes in a Brotzmann-like way yet his sound is definitely his own. There are moments when the trio lays back, the bassist does some haunting bowing while Trzaska plays quietly ominous bass clarinet. This is a formidable, inventive and spirited date. Ommmm. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $16

THE BUTTON BAND [ANDREW BUTTON/ANDREW WOOLF/DAVE MANNINGTON/JONATHAN ORMSTON] - The Button Band (FMR 373; UK) The Button band's first album features all kinds of delights! recorded in London In June 2013 the band is Andrew Button guitar, Andrew Woolf tenor sax, Dave Manington bass, and Johnathan Ormston drums and percussion Although a seven track set of tunes somehow the players breath fresh live into what can be a well trodden format, proving theres live in the old dog that is mainstream jazz yet A breath of fresh air this recording introduces some truly delightful playing, simple , melodic but still creative and adventurous and overall the band together has a light but enquiring sound!
CD $16

CLOCKS AND CLOUDS [LUIS VICENTE/RODRIGO PINHEIRO/HERNANI FAUSTINO/MARCO FRANCO] - Clocks And Clouds (FMR 371; UK) Great improv from Portugese musicians Luis Vicente trumpet, Rodrigo Pinheiro piano, Henani Faustino double bass and Marco Franco drums recorded in lisbon by Joaquim Monte in April last year and featuring 7 pieces: Irredescence, ophidian dance, strangely addictive, compression test, trios, hunting song, and smoke blows back!
CD $16

FRANCOIS CARRIER/MICHEL LAMBERT/ALEXEY LAPIN - The Russian Concerts, Vol 1 (FMR 367; UK) Eloquent and passionate Canadian alto saxophonist jones forces with fellow and long time partner drummer Michel Lambert, and Russian drummer Alexey Lapin for a tour de force recording while on tour in Moscow! The Russian Concerts Vol. 1 is the first of two new albums from this unique Trio to come out on FMR Records this year. The music, entirely improvised by Francois Carrier, Michel Lambert and Alexey Lapin, was recorded during a series of four concerts in Moscow and St. Petersburg in April 2013. Volume 1 showcases four outstanding collective improvisations from their appearances at DOM Cultural Center and at the Nikitskaya Jewish Cultural Center in Moscow. The music strives to slip mundane bonds, to shoot skyward, to transgress gravity's hold and a communion with the firmament. These three architects of spontaneous sound have no interest in permanence or in personal glory but more in the act of striving, of attempting to scale the sky and touch the untouchable. This is why they build these sonic temples with their bare souls.
CD $16


More Agusti Fernandez - ALWAYS a Great Event!

AGUSTI FERNANDEZ & MATS GUSTAFSSON - Constellations (Clamshell 23; EEC) Featuring Agusti Fernandez on piano & prepared piano and Mats Gustafsson on soprano & bari saxes. Last week (June 3rd-8th, 2014), Joe Morris was in residency at The Stone and had his friend Agusti Fernandez play piano every second set throughout the week. I caught three of these sets and was knocked out by each performance, no matter who the personnel was. Mr. Fernandez left me with a couple of his newer discs, a solo and a duo effort and both are superb. No doubt you are familiar with the great saxist Mats Gustafsson who is a member of the Thing and who has long collaborated with Ken Vandermark, Peter Brotzmann and many others. What is interesting about this disc is that Mr. Gustafsson is known for blowing hard and heavy in most of his projects but here concentrates with a bit less volume but still goes the length with Fernandez. Agusti has been working inside the piano with wooden blocks and other material to change the sound of the strings and has become a master of these sonic manipulations. Oddly enough, Gustafsson sounds quite a bit like Evan Parker on soprano, playing those twisted lines which sound wonderful with Fernandez' equally fractured lines. Both of these men are master players and sound strong whether playing reflectively and going into the intense freer regions. This is an incredible duo on several levels. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $16

AGUSTI FERNANDEZ - A Trace Of Light: In Memoriam Joan Saura (1954-2012) (Sirulita 1302; EEC) A suite in 7 parts, recorded live at the MUG / Underground Munich, Munich by Hannes Schneider and Oliver Kunzner within the Piano Series Spring 2013. "On "Part I", Fernandez demonstrates the art of noise, using only extended techniques to generate sounds that are dark, ominous, compelling and intense, creating a sonic atmosphere that is unique and coherent at the same time, then "Part II", continues in the same vein, but more subdued, calmer, until out of the noise and chaos, "real" piano notes come tinkling in, with both left and right hand in the higher registers, moving like waves undulating in sync, superimposing and clashing, yet ever so lightly,with speed and confidence. Now that the instrument got its voice, it keeps it, with the stunning "Part III", probably the most minimalist piece, giving incredible space to silence, with notes acting as punctuation for the void, emphasising and intensifying what is not to be heard, gradually moving into playing on the inside of the piano, scratching strings, making them resonate and rumble. "Part V" is again fully voiced, with an improvisation full of surprise and phrases ending like question marks, gentle and playful, as if the darkness of the earlier tracks is being dispelled by joy and hope, even being intensified in "Part VI", which is indeed like photons oscillating to create light, or the sonic equivalent of it at least, notes vibrating in pure joy, with what quantum physicists would call wave-particle characteristics, getting gradually more gravitas and drama, keeping the same format yet diving down in the lower notes, a strange progression of sentiment without altering the arpeggios, then turning into darker regions again of internal rumbling, a magnificent piece of music. "Part VII" start ominous, then again little notes like raindrops, gentle fragile and sensitive. An incredible performance of one of today's leading pianists." [ltd time price; normally $15]
CD $12


DAVID BOYKIN TRIO With ALEX WING/JAMES WOODLEY - Live At Dorchester Projects (Sonic Healing Ministries 09; USA) Talk about how your new album Live at Dorchester Projects came about. "The Dorchester Projects is a creation of installation artist, potter, and urban planner Theaster Gates. He converted his home into a community center of arts and culture for residents of his Grand Crossing neighborhood. I was in residence there for eight weeks holding open rehearsals with my trio to give audience members an intimate look at my creative practice. We recorded the last two dates of the residency and released some of the material as [this] album." It seems like saxophone trios have been coming back into style in recent years. What was the appeal and challenge of playing in that stripped-down format? "Initially the decision to play in a trio [with the bassist Alex Wing and the drummer James Woodley] was one of practicality. The result of playing in this smaller ensemble is that there is more space sonically. It's less cluttered and some dynamic effects like changes in volume, intensity, and tempo are easier to create and more pronounced. "
CD $15
also available as LP for $18


New from Playscape!
[in stock Tuesday]

MARIO PAVONE With DAVE BALLOU/PETER MADSEN/ADAM MATLOCK/CARL TESTA/STEVE JOHNS - Street Songs (Playscape 070713; USA) Featuring Dave Ballou on trumpet & flugel, Peter Madsen on piano, Adam Matlock on accordion, Mario Pavone (compositions) & Carl Testa on basses and Steve Johns on drums. This is a much different sound for the ever-amazing bassist/composer Mario Pavone: his first session with two bassists on board and his first recording with an accordionist in his band. I am just checking it out now for the first time and it sounds fabulous. Should we expect any less from Mr. Pavone? Hell no! - BLG "Listing an accordion in a jazz sextet's lineup evokes either thoughts of avant-garde leanings or maybe kitschy hipsterism. Not so for bassist Mario Pavone. Street Songs includes Adam Matlock's bellows-driven squeezebox, not as a gimcrack ornament, but a link to the immigrant working class neighborhood music of Pavone's post-WW II youth. The musician's history is significant because his bass has anchored modern music including bands by innovators such as Paul Bley, Bill Dixon, Thomas Chapin, Anthony Braxton, and Wadada Leo Smith. As a leader he has released two dozen sessions with his previous being Arc Trio (Playscape, 2013). Pavone also leads his Orange Double Tenor sextet with Tony Malaby and Jimmy Greene. This sextet swaps the tenors for a second bassist, Carl Testa, and accordionist. The remainder of the bandmates are his frequent collaborators, drummer Steve Johns, pianist Peter Madsen, and trumpeter Dave Ballou. As customary for Pavone-led groups, the music contains compelling compositions by the bassist and smart arrangements, the duties shared by Pavone, Ballou, and Steven Bernstein. He navigates the opening track "Elkna" with a marching tone. Muted trumpet plays off the deep tones and tight bends of the piece. Matlock's accordion parades with the bass allowing for Madsen's Monk-like notes to spill forth. Pavone favors an intricate weave to his music with tight turns on "Streetsong," a sly and squiggly dance between players "Cobalt Stories," but also an urbane sense of swing, "Alban Berg." Ballou's horn completes the music here with crystal notes, gutbucket blats, and skittering waterbug expressions. The accordion flavors the music by separating the bowed bass of Testa from the plucked one of Pavone on "Deez." Its bellowed sounds make even the most cosmopolitan arrangements seem at home in the old neighborhood." - Mark Corroto, AAJ
CD $15

TED ROSENTHAL TRIO With MARTIN WIND/TIM HORNER - Rhapsody in Gershwin (Playscape 071613; USA) Ted Rosenthal an early winner of the Thelonious Monk Piano Competition has played George Gershwin's "Rhapsody In Blue" solo and with symphonic and jazz orchestras. Now he's recorded a version for jazz trio as part of the problem. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says Rosenthal has a real feel for the material: "As familiar as Gershwin's "Rhapsody In Blue" is you can overlook how radical it sounded. The slick symphonic jazz laced with blues feeling back in 1924 when jazz rhythm could still be rickety. Rhapsody's riffing themes are ready made for improvised variations and many jazz bands have recorded abridgments that zoom in on the best bits. Bucking that trend, Ted Rosenthal's Trio plays whole 17 minute thing. Ted Rosenthal reduces "Rhapsody In Blue's" lush orchestration but he also opens the piece up, making room for improvising and loosing up the rhythm. That's when these players really make the Rhapsody their own and make it modern again. As a pianist trained in and comfortable with jazz and classical music he gets Gershwin's sensibility. The composer could also walk the line between worlds. The trio also play some of his pop songs on their album "Rhapsody In Gershwin" to round out their portrait of the composer. Gershwin wrote three of those tunes for Fred Astaire but Rosenthal's trio might trust those springy melodies in Texas. His arrangement of "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off" recalls early homage of malls twist and turns. But the best moments on Ted Rosenthal's "Rhapsody In Gershwin" come in between those fancy passages where he really digs in as an improvising pianist. Is also when drummer Tim Horner gets to throw off the shackles. All of these Gershwin Chestnuts have been in Ted Rosenthal's repertoire for a long time and he shines some to a high polish. Case in point is his dryly witty mashup of "Someone To Watch Over Me" and Bill Evens's celebrated improvisation on two chords "Piece Piece". In a way, Ted Rosenthal's playing is one big conceptual mashup. He has a classical pianist reverence for the material and a jazz musician's way of running off of it."
CD $15


ROY NATHANSON'S SOTTO VOCE With CURTIS FOWLKES/SAM BARDFELD/JEROME HARRIS/TIM KIAH et al - Complicated Day (Enja/Yellowbird 7441; Germany) The consummate multitasker, Nathanson continually balances a schedule that's exhausting just to think about. Musician and bandleader, composer and poet, educator and actor, the downtown NYC mainstay is forever looking to expand his artistic reach. On Complicated Day, he's done so once again, augmenting the group's spoken word format with a greater emphasis on sung lyrics. Traditional song structures never defined Nathanson's free and post-bop jazz repertoire, but with Complicated Day, the inimitable artist breaks into new territory. Only in the fascinating musical mind of Nathanson could such an innovative compositional mix of songs be conjured up. Sotto Voce reaches beyond the cosmos to an enigmatic world where free jazz meets the far stretches of the human voice, yet resides within classic songwriting arrangements that emulate stories of romance, reflection, and hope. The band's idiosyncratic sound is masterfully realized by Nathanson on alto, soprano and baritone saxophones; Curtis Fowlkes on trombone; Tim Kiah playing bass; Jerome Harris on guitar and banjolin; Napoleon Maddox handling the beatbox; and Sam Bardfeld on violin. "Roy Nathanson is an extraordinary composer that leads this perky, irreverent group that somehow manages to orbit both the Marx Brothers and Sun Ra." - New York Magazine "Mr. Nathanson has a gift for counterpoint, meshing irregular riffs to mix spaciousness and propulsion. And he doesn't let one idiom contain him." - Jon Pareles, New York Times
CD $16


URSEL SCHLICHT With ROBERT DICK/TAYLOR HO BYNUM/CHRIS DAHLGREN/WACLAW ZIMPEL/MATTHIAS SCHUBERT/KLAUS KUGEL/CHRIS DAHLGREN/DAFNA NAFTALI et al - SonicExchange: Kassel Germany June 9 - September 16 2012 [DVD] (Mulatta 25; USA) The music of pianist Ursel Schlicht - who has recorded as leader or co-leader with Robert Dick, Hans Tammen, Steve Swell, Lou Grassi, Ken Filiano, Bruce Arnold, Reuben Radding, Robert Dick and Hans Tammen's Third Eye Orchestraon on labels as diverse as Nemu, Cadence, CIMP, Hybrid, Konnex, Muse-Eek and Leo Records - balances composed and improvised elements . Intercultural collaboration has been an important focus of her work. Her project SonicExchange in the summer of 2012 in Kassel, Germany, featured over 50 artists from nine countries!
DVD $14


KIRSTEN CAREY With PATRICK BOOTH/DEREK WORTHINGTON/BEN WILLIS/JONATHAN TAYLOR et al - The Ulysses Project (KC; USA) With Kirsten Carey guitar, Patrick Booth, tenor and soprano saxophones, Derek Worthington trumpet, Ben Willis bass, Jonathan Taylor drums. Also featuring: Heidi Madagame (voice), Corey Smith (narration/keyboards), Eric Schweizer (baritone saxophone), and Caroline Buse (violin). "The Ulysses Project is a suite dedicated to exploring the themes and the evolution of the characters in James Joyce's modernist classic Ulysses. The Project consists of ten songs arising from a variety of stylistic influences, from Ornette Coleman to rock to funk to taize hymns. The music is characterized, however, by an emphasis on free improvisation within constraints, in an attempt to create a musical interpretation of Joyce's meticulously chaotic prose. The plot of the Ulysses Project is somewhat different from the that of Ulysses itself. The Ulysses Project is both a celebration of Bloom and a jest at his expense. As the music journeys with Bloom through his day, it juxtaposes the ways he sees himself (or tries to see himself) against the cruel mockery others regard him with. There is also at least one song devoted to the remorse and unfulfilled desires of each main character ("Dedalus," "Rudy" /"Laughinglike," "O"). I tried to get inside Joyce's delicate balance of humor and mockery, lighthearted curiosity and solemnity. The conflict between the many different tones and voices in Ulysses is perhaps one of its most remarkable qualities, along with its notorious association with stream of consciousness writing - which is where improvisation comes in." - Kirsten Carey
CD $10


New on Criss Cross!

DAVID BINNEY With WAYNE KRANTZ/ADAM ROGERS/JOHN ESCREET/MATT BREWER/OBED CALVAIRE/DAN WEISS - Anacapa (Criss Cross 1370; EEC) Anacapa is David Binney's seventh recording for Criss Cross, his fourth for the label that comprises entirely original music, and the first on which he frames his distinctive alto and tenor saxophone concept with electric instruments and a global array of beats. Propelling the flow of the 8 groove-oriented compositions is an ace rhythm section of John Escreet on piano and Fender Rhodes, Matt Brewer on electric bass and either Obed Calvaire or Dan Weiss on drums; all but one of the tracks feature the two-guitar tandem of Wayne Krantz and Adam Rogers.
CD $16

JUSTIN ROBINSON With MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ/SULLIVAN FORTNER/DWAYNE BURNO/WILLIE JONES III - Alana's Fantasy: A Tribute To Dwayne Burno (Criss Cross 1371; EEC) Justin Robinson's adventurous alto saxophone sound is at the center of this powerful quintet session, a tribute to the late bassist and Criss Cross regular Dwayne Burno. Featuring Burno himself on bass in one of the last sessions before his untimely death in late December 2013. Alana's Fantasy finds Robinson and his esteemed colleagues in peak form, playing standards, originals, music by Jackie McLean, Thelonious Monk and more. Trumpeter Michael Rodriguez, a noted Criss Cross leader and sideman, joins Robinson in the frontline, while Sullivan Fortner makes his Criss Cross debut, and drummer Willie Jones III his first label appearance since 2008.
CD $16

OPUS 5 [SEAMUS BLAKE/ALEX SIPIAGIN/DAVID KIKOSKI/BORIS KOZLOV/DONALD EDWARDS] - Progression (Criss Cross 1369; EEC) On its third Criss Cross recording since they made their 2011 debut with Introducing Opus 5, Opus 5 - a collaborative quintet of New York A-listers Alex Sipiagin (trumpet) Seamus Blake (tenor sax), David Kikoski (piano and Fender Rhodes), Boris Kozlov (bass) and Donald Edwards (drums) - continues to uphold the high standards that its steadily increasing fan base has come to expect. Building on multiple tours over the last three years, and simpatico developed over their mutually extended tenure in various units devoted to Charles Mingus' music, they play the evocative tunes - three by Edwards, two by Kozlov, and one apiece by Blake and Sipiagin. With the intelligence, creative abandon and cohesion, burnishing Opus 5's stature as 21st century inheritors and extenders of the legacy left by such predecessor quintets as Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and Miles Davis' units of the 1950s and 1960s is intact.
CD $16

also available..

OPUS 5 [SEAMUS BLAKE/ALEX SIPIAGIN/DAVID KIKOSKI/BORIS KOZLOV/DONALD EDWARDS] - Pentasonic (Criss Cross 1351; EEC) The powerful all-star quintet Opus 5 returns with Pentasonic, the follow-up to their muscular 2011 debut Introducing Opus 5. It's a can't-miss linup with tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake and trumpeter Alex Sipiagin in the front line, David Kikoski doubling on piano and Fender Rhodes, Boris Kozlov on bass, and Donald Edwards on drums. Once again Opus 5 puts original music by the band's members in the forefront, but the choice arrangements of Charlie Parker's seldom-heard Charlie's Wig and Freddie Hubbard's classic Red Clay bring unique and unexpected angles to the session. Moody and ethereal, rhythmically skewed, always furiously burning, this is music that lives up to the name of everyone involved.
CD $16

OPUS 5 [SEAMUS BLAKE/ALEX SIPIAGIN/DAVID KIKOSKI/BORIS KOZLOV/DONALD EDWARDS] - Introducing Opus 5 (Criss Cross 1339; EEC) An empathetic power of five is at work in the collaborative project known as Opus 5, working in the long shadow of the great vintage quintets, ala Blakey and pre-electric Miles Davis. On the front line, tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake and rising star trumpeter Alex Sipiagin - a Russian in NYC - are bolstered by pianist David Kikoski, drummer Donald Edwards and another bold Russian emigre, bassist Boris Kozlov. In the song set are compositions by band members, George Cables' "Think of Me", "Braziliana" by Toninho Horta, and the reborn Russian folk tune "Sokol" honoring the Russian roots within the band.
CD $16


5th Limited Edition archival release on International Phonograph!

JEREMY STEIG With DANNY ZEITLIN/BEN RILEY/BEN TUCKER - Flute Fever [Ltd Ed] (International Phonograph 05; USA) Released 50 years ago ON COLUMBIA, "Flute Fever" has, until now, been a hard-to-find underground classic. Now available on CD, it has been lovingly restored with a gorgeous mini-jacket exactly duplicating the original Columbia LP cover and features spectacular fidelity, derived directly from the original master tapes. Accompanying Jeremy is the brilliant Denny Zeitlin on piano, as well as Ben Riley on bass and Ben Tucker on drums. Zeitlin spontaneously interacts with the other musicians while laying out perfectly structured, linear solos that enhance this magical recording date. Jeremy Steig's "Flute Fever" is probably the finest straight-ahead flute performance in jazz. It surely is one of the most exciting and original performances ever on the instrument. "Flute Fever, the 1963 Columbia Records debut by flutist Jeremy Steig, has somehow, until now, avoided release on CD. Thanks to reissue producer Jonathan Horwich, Steig's beautifully remastered and packaged freshman recording is now available. And it's not only Steig's premier as a recording artist, it's also a recording first for pianist for pianist Denny Zeitlin, on a quartet that's rounded out by veterans Ben Riley on drums, and Ben Tucker on bass. It's a blowing session - no group rehearsal, just some brief pre-recording discussions about how to approach some familiar tunes. But man, what a blowing session. The wild men of jazz are usually saxophonists. Flute players are more apt to roll with a laid-back and gentile approach to the music; but Jeremy Steig - as green as could be in terms of recording resume - comes out blowing like the devil on saxophonist Sonny Rollins' "Oleo." After a brief period of restraint on the tune's opening, Steig ratchets the energy level up to the clouds. Zeitlin, in the accompaniment mode, stays right with him, stabbing sharp statements into what amounts to a fire and brimstone flute rant. If Steig sounds as if he's trying to fly off the face of the Earth, Zeitlin - on a masterful solo - sounds like an architect designing an ornate edifice meant to last forever down here on the ground. And its worth mentioning: these guys were young. Steig, born in 1942, was 21. Zeitlin was twenty-five. Blowing sessions feature the familiar, and Flute Fever is no exception. "Lover Man" tests the young musicians' mettle on the ballad form. It's an eleven minute exploration of the tune, declared at its close, on mic, a masterpiece by then producer John Hammond. He was right. Steig's tone, as he blew the sad, sweet syllables - had a beautiful, rich purity. Zeitlin laid things down with a seasoned patience, soloing with an assured and impeccable grace. The quartet delves into "Well You Needn't," from the pen of Thelonious Monk, the standard "Willow Weep for Me," Miles Davis' "So What," the much-covered "What Is This Thing Called Love?" (with an alternate take included here) and another Sonny Rollins' gem, "Blues Seven." Flute Fever, Introducing the Exciting New Sound of The Jeremy Steig Quartet, Featuring Denny Zeitlin, an exceptional album, is now an exceptional CD, one of the finest jazz flute recordings to be found!" - Dan McClenaghan, AAJ
CD $20


FAKE THE FACTS [MATS GUSTAFSSON/dieb13/MARTIN SIEWERT] - Soundtrack (Trost 129; EEC) The latest release from Fake The Facts, an improv, noise, drone-electronics-groove-industrial-ambient project from Mats Gustafsson (saxophones, shaker, saxophone-generated ambient noise), Dieb13 (turntables, klopfer), and Martin Siewert (guitar, ring stinger, electronics). Recorded by Martin Siewert at G7, Vienna in January 2013. Mixed and mastered by Martin Siewert and Dieter Kova.
LP $24
also available on CD for $17


DIETER MOEBIUS/TIM STORY/JON LEIDECKER - Live at Macalester College (Bureau B 167; Germany) "Many brightly shining planets orbit the twin central star of Cluster (Hans-Joachim Roedelius and Dieter Moebius). To be clear: as soloists Roedelius and Moebius have long since worked with all kinds of musicians whose congenial contributions add even more color to the polychromatic Cluster world. Yet no matter how distinctly their guests' creativity is expressed, Cluster's character is consistently audible. Snowghost Pieces very much fits the pattern: Tim Story, a distinguished electronic musician who had previous experience of working with Roedelius (the Lunz project, for example) and Jon Leidecker (Negativland, People Like Us), one of America's leading sonic pioneers using his Wobbly pseudonym, recorded an album of extraordinary complexity together with Moebius. All 11 pieces on the CD are rooted in hypnotic rhythm but are swept along in a bonanza of bizarre sound and noise which almost overwhelms the listener with information overload. Snowghost Pieces is no place for minimalism. On the contrary, new musical surprises come thick and fast, a blur of electronic and acoustic sounds. Moebius, Story, and Leidecker always keep harmony within their grasp, sometimes even dropping in little melodies; there is a deeply humane quality to their improvised interaction, never descending into noisy abstraction. The three musicians ensconced themselves in Brett Allen's exceptionally professional studio, high in the outlandish mountains of the state of Montana. The intimate studio atmosphere and surreal surroundings undoubtedly played their part in the creation of this fantastical music, the players availing themselves of abundant technical possibilities in the most brilliant and empathetic fashion. Snowghost Pieces is by no means a Cluster album, but to revisit the image at the top of the page, the distant reflection of the central star shone over the album recording sessions, radiating warmth for a whole week. The planets continue to circle in space." --Asmus Tietchens
CD $17


With the HOT NEWS that a re-imagined KING CRIMSON septet with early member Mel Collins on saxes - back in the fold after 40 years! - Jakko Jakszyk on vocals and guitar, THREE drummers - Pat Mastelotto, Gavin Harrison, and Bill Rieflin - and of course Tony Levin & Robert Fripp - will be doing at least 18 shows in the U.S. this fall..

..we are pleased to announce the latest release from the KC Brotherhood!

PAT MASTELOTTO/TOBIAS RALPH With TONY LEVIN/ROY POWELL/LORENZ FELICIATI/MARKUS REUTER/ANGELICA SANCHEZ/DAVID ROTHENBERG/BILL MUNYON et al - ToPaRaMa (7D Media 1413; USA) Following up their tour-only CD Rama, virtuosic drummers from the Crimson ProjeKCt, Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson, XTC) and Tobias Ralph (Screaming Headless Torsos, et al), present their first duo recording ToPaRaMa through Trey Gunn's 7D Media label. Featuring popular progressive players like Tony Levin, Roy Powell, Markus Reuter and Lorenzo Feliciati as guests, ToPaRaMa is much more than a drum record. Busting genres and time signatures, Mastelotto and Ralph treat listeners to varying grooves over soundscapes, vocal interludes and full out jams with a common thread running between all the compositions.
CD $15

..as well as reminding you of powerful recent releases from the Crimso family that we have in stock!

PAT MASTELOTTO - Recidivate: Traps & Buttons [2 CD set] (7D Media 1115; USA) This two-disc recording documents Pat's ongoing love affair with the recording studio. Pat Mastelotto (of King Crimson, Mr. Mister, XTC, others), shares MANY UNRELEASED TRACKS, remixes, and some previously released cuts from his recordings with: Steven Wilson [4 cuts] of Porcupine Tree, Robert Fripp [6 cuts], Tony Levin [6 cuts] and several other Crim's. This is Pat's own brand of rock electronica, IDM and world music played with some of the finest from Finland, Sweden, Italy, England, Canada, France, and the US. This 42 track, CD collection also summarizes Pat's TU series - TU, Tuner, KTU, Tunisia and mpTU - and even contains tracks from the out of print BPM&M, one of which features Robert Fripp's sampled voice!
2 CD set for $22

THE CRIMSON PROJEKCT [ADRIAN BELEW POWER TRIO With JULIE SLICK/TOBIAS RALPH + STICK MEN: TONY LEVIN/PAT MASTELOTTO/MARKUS REUTER] - Official Bootleg: Live USA 2012 (TCP 01; USA) The Crimson ProjeKCt is a combination of two groups: guitarist Adrian Belew's Power Trio with bassist Julie Slick and drummer Tobias Ralph, and Stickmen [Tony Levin stick and bass, Pat Mastelotto drums, Markus Reuter touch guitars]. Adrian, Tony and Pat are all longtime, and most recent, members of King Crimson - and their individual studio and live CV is a veritable 'Who's Who of Rock History' from John Lennon and David Bowie all the way to every major progressive band. The two groups originally toured [since 2010] as a double bill act, that would then come together as Crimson Projekct for a third set of all-KC tunes. These live recordings showcase CP playing classic [post-'80 except for Red] Crimso repertoire while on tour with Dream Theater in 2012.
CD $15

STICK MEN [TONY LEVIN/PAT MASTELOTTO/MARKUS REUTER] - Power Play (7D Media 1411; USA) Tony Levin: Chapman Stick & Voice, Pat Mastelotto: Traps & Buttons, Markus Reuter: Touch Guitars U8 & Soundscapes. Beware! This is Stick Men's first official live album. Powerful, intricate, heavy, and atmospheric. Features many pieces from the successful Deep album as well as the most requested live tracks "Breathless" (a rarely performed composition by Robert Fripp) and Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite". And on top of this there are two stunning virtuoso improvisations that only Stick Men can deliver. Recorded live on the Deep Tour, USA 2013. "For those of us who have that King Crimson jones, the Stick Men do a great job of filling our needs. Although they are merely a trio, they have an intense, throttling sound, Crimson-like sound. The interlocking sound of the two stick (or touch guitar) players with that the demonic sustain sound just right. Master bassist and lead stickman, Tony Levin, does a bit of spoken word which also fits within whatever piece they do. One of the highlights of this disc is hearing a version of Crimson's "Breathless", which was rarely done live and sounds swell here! Considering that this is a live performance, the sound is also superb! 68 minutes long and consistently fabulous! - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $15

STICK MEN [TONY LEVIN/PAT MASTELOTTO/MARKUS REUTER] - Deep: Deluxe Edition with 'A Little Deeper' Documentary [CD + DVD] (7D Media 1312; USA) Third album, 2013. Stick Men is as unique a rock trio as there ever could be. Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson, John Lennon) plays the Chapman Stick, Markus Reuter (Tuner, Centrozoon) plays his self-designed Touch Guitar, Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson, Mr. Mister, XTC) plays acoustic and electronic drums - this does not sound like three guys! Their newest and best work yet, Deep features heavy rock pieces Concussion, Horatio, the 11 minute tone poem Whale Watch and the musically amusing Nude Descending Staircase. Mixed by Machine (Producer for King Crimson, Clutch, Lamb of God), this is a must have for King Crimson and Progressive Rock fans! The bonus DVD includes a wonderful 5.1 DTS mix of the entire album and hi-res versions of the stereo mix. All of this uncompressed at the highest fidelity. Also included is a 65 minute documentary and concert film A Little Deeper And finally there are two alternative versions of Crack in the Sky in both Italian and Spanish. DVD is NTSC all region.
CD $21
also available as CD alone (7D Media 1313) for $15

STICK MEN [TONY LEVIN/PAT MASTELOTTO/MARKUS REUTER] - Open: Improvisations (7D Media 1313; USA) Second album, 2012. Stick Men is comprised of Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson) on acoustic drums and electronic percussion, Tony Levin (King Crimson) on Chapman Stick, and Markus Reuter on Touch Guitar. The recording is a departure from the previous two of the band (Soup and Absalom) -- it is all improvised, though based on prepared themes by the band. Improvisation is an important part of the band's live shows, and this is the first time they've focused on that aspect for a CD release. Anyone who has heard anything from Stick Men's hundreds of shows worldwide will know what to expect here
CD $15

STICK MEN [TONY LEVIN/PAT MASTELOTTO/MARKUS REUTER] - Absalom [CD ep] (7D Media 1314; USA) 2011. 30 minutes. Stick Men's 2011 mini-album Absalom sees the peerless King Crimson rhythm section of Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, John Lennon) and Pat Mastelotto (XTC, Mr. Mister) creating a unique brand of power trio music with touch guitarist, Markus Reuter (replacing original member Michael Bernier). This eclectic progressive rock band plays like no other!
CD $13

STICK MEN [TONY LEVIN/PAT MASTELOTTO/MICHAEL BERNIER] - Soup (7D Media/Stickmen 2309; USA) First album, 2010. King Crimson alumni Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto join with Chapman Stick master Michael Bernier in this unique album featuring multiple Sticks. Levin, noted for the unique Stick opening riff of "Elephant Talk" on the Crimson album Discipline, is a premier player of the instrument. Here the band showcases 56 minutes of hard-edged progressive rock, including an ominous rock rendition of Stravinsky's "Firebird Ballet". The title track "Soup" is mixed by Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson. Classically-structured "Hands" and "Relentless" feature high-energy speed playing meeting mellow bowed sections. Stick Men follow this release with a world tour, including dates in North America, Japan & Europe. King Crimson fans will enjoy this CD immensely!
CD $15

TONY LEVIN/MARCO MINNEMANN/JORDAN RUDESS - LMR (Lazy Bones; USA) For those familiar with the prog community none of these incredible talents needs an introduction. For those that may not be, Levin has played with everyone that has graced a studio it seems including, longtime - nearing 40 years! - memebership with King Crimson and Peter Gabriel, as well as playing/recording with John Lennon, Pink Floyd, and ABWH [Yes]. Rudess has a well-known playground called Dream Theater to perform his magic and a prolific solo career as well as work with Steven Wilson [Porcupine Tree] and Liquid Tension/Trio Experiment [with Levin]. Minnemann has been with several bands and has been popping up everywhere lately, incuding several revival editions of Eddie Jobson's UK [UKZ, Ultimate Zero], and most recently on tour with Joe Satriani (which I had the great pleasure of witnessing recently). Rudess is a genius with anything related to the keyboards, Minnemann is an absolute juggernaut on percussion and Levin can make his Chapman Stick sound like a bass or a guitar. This unique blend of power and preciseness is the perfect recipe for this type of music. The pace of this album varies from frenetic to soothing and tasteful. Every track goes through each cycle with relative ease. The thing about these three musicians is their eclectic backgrounds and how that translated in the studio into what you will hear on this project. All three have played together at one time or another so the chemistry and familiarity was already in place. The fusion of sounds created is put simply, astounding. I think you need to see each one of these guys live to really appreciate their masterful musicianship. Of course the studio work is amazing however to truly feel it in your bones you must see them live. The only one I have not witnessed in a live performance yet is Levin. It will happen eventually I am sure but in the meantime it was time for me to take a deep dive into this complex world of instrumental progressive rock fusion.
CD $15

TONY LEVIN/DAVID TORN/ALAN WHITE - Levin Torn White (Lazy Bones 36; USA) Levin - Torn - White is sure to be appreciated by fans of King Crimson, Torn's wild guitar work, and classic Yes power drumming! The album, one year in the making, was recorded in Seattle, WA, Woodstock, NY & New Plymouth, New Zealand. "If Frank Zappa, Geddy Lee and Gene Krupa ever found themselves locked in a studio, and were unknowingly dosed with a couple of good hits of Stanley Owsley LSD, then they might be able to open their creative doors of perception and come up with something nearly as bizarre, musical and masterful as the album that Tony Levin, David Torn and Alan White came up with, sans the drugs. All one can say during the first playback of this CD is "wow!" as the music takes left turns, right turns, flies through the air, digs deep into the earth's core and then comes soaring back at the speed of light through the cosmos before creating a literal big bang. The hardest thing in the physical world to do is to control chaos and these three virtuosos not only controlled it, they whipped it into submission and then bitch slapped it and pushed it to the limits of imagination. Tony Levin is amazing and his influence is all over this puppy. That is not to say that this is all his doing. Both Torn and White more than just went along for the ride. They co-wrote all of the tunes with Levin and Tony, who co-produced the album with Scott Schorr, who was the man responsible for all the wild arrangements. The only arrangement that Schorr did not receive 100% credit for was the arrangement for Brain Tattoo. With song titles including White Noise, The Eggman Cometh, Ultra Mullet and Prom Night Of The Centipedes one can only imagine the music that inspired the tags. One should do more than just imagine it though, they need to pick up the CD, plop it into their player and crank it up and go along for the ride as this one gets more interesting with every play. If you are in serious need of a brain trip, and some spine tingling musical virtuosity, then Levin, Torn and White is for you. If you have never dared to experience music this dramatic, then take a deep breath and jump in with both feet, as you will come out the other side a huge fan. - Jeb Wright
CD $15

MORGAN AGREN/HENRY KAISER/TREY GUNN - Invisible Rays (7D Media 1211; USA) A fortuitous meeting off the beaten track in Scandinavia has given rise to 'Invisible Rays', a spontaneous collaboration between two of the most innovative guitarists and one of the most explosive drummers on the planet. Trey Gunn (King Crimson), guitarist/improviser Henry Kaiser (too many famous collaborators to list) and drummer Morgan Agren (Zappa, Bill Laswell) first met at a music education conference in March, 2011 and within days were in the studio together. At once anchored and propelled by Agren's ferociously complex drumming, Invisible Rays soars through phantasmagoric soundscapes shaped and painted by searing electric guitars and raging bass lines. The impact is monumental!
CD $15

TU [TREY GUNN/PAT MASTELOTTO] - Live In Russia (7D Media 1111; USA) This live recording documents TU's ongoing love affair with Russia. Trey Gunn & Pat Mastelotto (of King Crimson) played across the entirety of Russia in 2010 - from the far east of Vladivostok to the far west of Moscow. "Live in Russia" captures this duo in the throes of their own unique brand of improvisation - pulling music out of the air and developing it right in front of the audience. Bonus material includes TU interview with The Voice of Russia Radio. "This wildly, electric duo improvises circles around circles..." - The Moscow Times
CD $15

TU [TREY GUNN/PAT MASTELOTTO] - Official Bootleg [CD ep] (Tu 02/7D Media 3482; USA) The most recent King Crimson's rhythm section in caught live in performance - a chance to hear what the duo are capable of without resorting to multitracking [as on their previous studio release]. Pretty muscular stuff interlaced with introspective moments and textural pauses! Gusets include Amin Ali vocals on 2 cuts, and Eddie Haskel singing saw and jewsharps on 2 cuts.
CD $15

TU [TREY GUNN/PAT MASTELOTTO] - Tu (Tu 01/7D Media 7962; USA) So what do we have here?: The most recent King Crimson's rhythm section in duo studio recordings. This is not Crimson so don't plunk down for this if that's all you want. However, what it is, is 'tu' guys who by themselves sound like a full blown group! An onslaught of textural explorations and aggressive improvisations, from ambience to "tool" metal and groove to dissonance, is to be found here. And for those who already have - and love - Kimmo Pojohnen's duo effort with Samuli Kosminen under the entity name 'Kluster', get familiar with TU so you can try your imagination's hand at fantasizing what all four might sound like together - they've just completed some live dates as a foursome, and a 'Kluster Tu' recording is promised in the near future "In November 2002, a few months after mixing the King Crimson TPTB CD, Trey and I absconded to Matt Chamberlains loft studio in Seattle with engineer, Bill Munyon. Being Seattle (a city that drinks a lot of coffee), we formed a daily habit of drinking strong coffee which was immediately followed by more coffee and then jam. Later, we would drink more coffee, organize the jam into a form, and drink more coffee and jam again. By the end of the day, which was really the beginning of the next day, we would pause for coffee and Absinthe while Bill would do a rough mix. After some sleep followed by coffee, we would repeat the process allowing the muse to take us where she willed, which was usually for more coffee and jam (except for that one day with smoked salmon and coffee). After 10 days of this we had 90% of what is now called TU. The last 8% required calander breaks and still more coffee. The remaining TU% are divided evenly between chocolate chip scones and orange cranberry muffins. - Pat Mastelotto "Stunning debut from the two quiet KING CRIMSON players, reveals a Square Pusher Zeppelin bombast tempered with an ambient Eno textured skysaw juxtaposed with the fury of John Coltrane improv's." [a note - in April of 2004 Pat and Trey did some performances under the name Kluster TU, combining with accordionist Kimmo Pohjonen's two person outfit Kluster to become a quartet.]
CD $15

KTU [KLUSTER: KIMMO POHJONEN & TU: TREY GUNN/PAT MASTELOTTO] - Quiver (7D Media 0912; USA) Finnish accordion daredevil Kimmo Pohjonen once again joins with Trey Gunn and Pat Mastelotto (from King Crimson) forming the trio KTU (pronounced "K2"). Their second album, Quiver, recorded in Texas and Finland, follows their live 2005 debut, 8 Armed Monkey, and features guest appearances from original KTU member Samuli Kosminen, now with Icelandic band MuM, and three pieces mixed by Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson. David Fricke of Rolling Stone calls KTU "a robust tumult of Northern Lights sparkle, white-wolf guitar wail and rolling knotted thunder...as powerful and transgressive as the killer King Crimson. Pohjonen is a wonder unto himself: animating his wind song with pedals and processing; attacking the bellows with the ecstatic fury of Jimi Hendrix."
CD $15


RARE Robert Wyatt album Back in Print - but only for a short time!

ROBERT WYATT With FRANCIS MONKMAN/HUGH HOPPER - Solar Flares Burn for You: BBC Broadcasts, Soundtracks, Collaborations (Cuneiform 175; USA) "This album started its life as simply a collection of the two BBC Top Gear sessions that Robert recorded in 1972 and 1974. But as we worked on it, Robert became more and more involved in it, until it ended up in its final form. In addition to the Top Gear recordings, there is a previously unheard and little known 1973 soundtrack for a short experimental film, a wonderful duo with Francis Monkman (keyboard wiz from Curved Air), two recent works with old collaborator Hugh Hopper and finally a 2003 home demo of a new song that did not end up on 'Cuckooland'. Additionally, this CD includes a quicktime movie of that 1973 film, as well as a marvelous 16 page booklet filled with photos, artwork and stories supplied by Robert and others with liner notes by Canterbury authority and Calyx website host - Aymeric Leroy".
CD $15


JIMI HENDRIX CRY OF LOVE BAND [aka NEW EXPERIENCE: BILLY COX/MITCH MITCHELL] - Rainbow Bridge: Complete [2 CD set] (Rock Of Ages 1001; UK) This remastered Rainbow Bridge is the most comprehensive edition to be officially released, combining the concert introduction and additional songs played but NOT included on previous releases from labels like Purple Haze -- over 20 minutes of extra concert material. 2 CD gatefold wallet card sleeve. Designed from original film poster. Officially licensed from the Michael Jeffery Estate. Both sets of the famous concerts performed by Jimi Hendrix and Cry Of Love, [the 2nd - post Band Of Gypsies - Experience with Billy Cox and Mitch Mitchell] on 7/30/70 in the Haleakala Crater on Maui, Hawaii, just 2 month's before Jimi's death. Very little of this is shown [and NONE heard in the movie as the audio portion of the performance iis from a different concert!] of the same name, or in its official sndtck LP release 30 years ago which shared space with studio recordings of Dolly Dagger (there's a killer live version here!) and Roomful Of Mirrors. This stuff has been floating around in bad sounding incomplete bootleg versions for years, now it's complete with as good sound as is possible. CD1: Concert Introduction by Chuck Wein, Jimi's Introduction and Tune-Up, Spanish Castle Magic, Lover Man, Hey Baby (New Rising Sun), In From the Storm, Message to Love, Hear My Train A'Comin, Voodoo Chile (Slight Return), Fire, Purple Haze/Star Spangled Banner CD2: Dolly Dagger, Villanova Junction, Ezy Rider, Red House, Freedom, Jam Back at the House, Straight Ahead, Hey Baby (New Rising Sun), Stone Free/Hey Joe/Stone Free."
2 CD set for $20


BREMEN [LAUNCHY ORRE/JONAS TILJANDER] - Second Launch [2 LP set] (Blackest Ever Black 33; UK) Mind-shattering double LP of dysphoric space-rock minimalism from two luminaries of the Swedish punk underground. Second Launch follows Bremen's self-titled debut of 2013 and comprises 11 controlled improvisations, reinforced with overdubs, that take clear inspiration from the dark side of Kraut and progressive rock, early electronic and drone music, while also owing something to the fathomlessly bleak interior landscapes conjured by Nico/Cale on The Marble Index and Desertshore. The complex dialogue between Lanchy Orre's guitar and Jonas Tiljander's organ, by turns pensive and combative, bound up with their mastery of reverb and feedback, is the focal point of the record; supplemented with drums and sparingly-deployed analog synthesizer tones to evoke nothing less than the vast emptiness of outer space and the obliteration of all meaning and identity in the face of it. From the full-throttle motorik and bonehead repetitions of "Sweepers" and "Entering Phase Two" (echoes of Tiljander and Orre's alma mater, Brainbombs) to the deep astral psychedelia of "Static Interferences," via the mournful Northern European ambience of "Walking the Skies," the rolling thunder of "They Were Drifting," and the poignant, star-gazing blues of "Hollow Wave," Second Launch charts impossible gradients in its search for answers to the oldest questions of all. Gatefold sleeve.
LP $32

STEFAN JAWORZYN - Drained of Connotation (Blackest Ever Black 27; UK) Writer, musician, and misanthrope Stefan Jaworzyn was a notorious and energetic presence in the UK underground of the 1980s and 1990s. Following a brief stint in Whitehouse, in 1986 he formed Skullflower with Matthew Bower and remained the band's guitarist for four years, playing on Birthdeath (1988), Form Destroyer (1989) and Xaman (1990), among others. In 1990 he established the Shock label. Shock Records was a resounding boot to the arse of the narrow-minded, welcoming artists as disparate as Lol Coxhill, Coil, Drunks With Guns, The Dead C, and Ramleh into its fold. Jaworzyn rejoined Whitehouse in 1990-1991, and around this time was also invited to participate in a roundtable discussion about serial killers on Channel 4's After Dark program -- it ended with him vehemently debating the meaning of the word "integrity" with fellow guest Michael Winner. Despite having supposedly renounced the guitar, in 1991 Jaworzyn returned to the instrument with some venom, forming Ascension (later Descension) with drummer Tony Irving. In the second half of the decade, Jaworzyn retired the Shock label and largely withdrew from music, choosing to focus on drinking and cursing; although his Texas Chain Saw Massacre Companion was published by Titan Books in 2003, and on occasion he emerged to play live (including the Whitehouse "farewell" show in a duo with drummer Chris Corsano). Now, after 17 years off the grid, Jaworzyn has reappeared. 2013 saw him reactivate Shock to issue two 12" EPs of emphatic new solo material, as well as Eaten Away by Shadows (a compilation of solo bedroom recordings from '82-'83) and the aforementioned Skullflower KINO CD series. Pre-dating the Eaten Away tracks, the driving, faintly sociopathic and supremely zoned pieces on Drained of Connotation were created in early/mid-'82 at Jaworzyn's then home in Cardiff using a Korg MS10 or 20 and his beloved Dr. Rhythm drum machine. SJ: "While a maniacal edge predominates, a couple of pieces seem surprisingly 'mellow,' a concept infrequently associated with my subsequent endeavours and disposition."
LP $27


PHILIP GLASS//DUBLIN QUARTET - The Dublin Guitar Quartet Plays Philip Glass (Orange Mountain 92; USA) "This release from Orange Mountain Music features the Dublin Guitar Quartet performing string quartets by Philip Glass on classical guitars. The quartet performed in Ireland with Glass in 2008 and later produced a YouTube video performing Glass's Third String Quartet. The video was seen by Orange Mountain Music which immediately resolved to collaborate with the group. The recital presents Glass's quartets Nos.2, 3, 4 and 5 in arrangements by the members of the group themselves. The transcriptions are thoughtful adaptations that show unusual insight and understanding of the music."
CD $19

PHILIP GLASS/DAVID BOWIE/BRIAN ENO//BASEL SINFONIEORCHESTER - Symphony No 1: Low (Orange Mountain 95; USA) "Orange Mountain Music presents a new recording by the Basel Sinfonieorchester of Philip Glass's Symphony No.1, subtitled Low, a work based on the music of popular music artists David Bowie & Brian Eno. Composed in 1992, Glass took his departure from Bowie & Eno's beautiful melodies in crafting a three-movement symphony. This new recording, only the second set to disc, is conducted by Glass champion Dennis Russell Davies and offers a shimmering rendition of the work."
CD $19


GABOR SZABO With BOBBY WOMACK/JIM KELTNER et al - High Contrast (Higher Plane 5501; USA) An unusually successful pairing of Hungarian jazz guitar innovator, Gabor Szabo with R&B legend Bobby Womack. Szabo digs deep into a soulful groove, inspired by Womack's silky-smooth originals. High Contrast (1971) features "Breezin'," the Womack tune written especially for Szabo, which George Benson parlayed into a massive crossover hit in 1976, and several tunes Womack popularized in the film Across 110th Street. Produced by Tommy LiPuma, featuring Womack's sympathetic rhythm guitar and inspired drumming from the great Jim Keltner.
CD $15

PHIL UPCHURCH With DONNY HATHAWAY/JOE SAMPLE/CHUCK RAINEY et al - Darkness, Darkness (Higher Plane 5502; USA) In 1971, shortly after he departed Chicago where he served as a prime sideman to both Curtis Mayfield and Jerry Butler, guitar king Phil Upchurch headed for the West Coast and recorded Darkness, Darkness (1972), a double album full of laid-back funky grooves and elegant, mind-blowing guitar work. Also features in-the-pocket string and horn arrangements (as well as some fine Fender Rhodes work) from Donny Hathaway with legendary session bassist Chuck Rainey and smooth jazz piano great Joe Sample in the house. Upchurch is one of the rare guitarists who can walk the line of jazz, blues, rock, soul, and funk, and that is displayed on countless occasions here.
CD $15


JOAN BIBILONI - El Sur (Music From Memory 03; EEC) LP version. Staying on the Mediterranean coast for their third release, Music From Memory this time shift their attention to the work of Mallorcan musician Joan Bibiloni. Primarily a guitarist, Bibiloni was creating music at an early age, releasing his first single at the tender age of 15. In his '20s he formed Spanish prog-rock outfits Zebra and Euterpe, where he would meet Pepe Milan, the two of them becoming the bluesy folk duo Milan & Bibiloni. Bibiloni himself would later go on to play with a number of luminary musicians such as Larry Coryell, Daevid Allen and John Cage, to name but a few. In 1982, Bibiloni set up his own label Blau in order to highlight the much-overlooked work of musicians not only on his home island of Mallorca but across the Balearic Islands. In doing so he created a platform not only for local talent but also for his own music to breathe a new life, much influenced by the landscape and life that surrounds the islands. While Bibiloni's first solo releases on his Blau imprint have stronger echoes of the contemporary jazz fusion of the time, it is on the album known as Una Vida Llarga I Tranquila where Bibiloni really began to experiment with new sounds and technologies; fusing tape loops, drum computers and synthesizers. Taking these more electronic-infused works as a departure point for the compilation and drawing on material from across his following five albums, El Sur sets out to highlight Joan Bibiloni's unique ambient fusion and sun-drenched Adriatic beach-boogie.
LP $21


CHOUBI CHOUBI! [V.A.] - Folk & Pop Sounds from Iraq [2 LP + 7" set] (Sublime Freq 025; USA) Originally released on CD in 2005, while the U.S.-led war against Iraq was tearing the country to pieces, Choubi Choubi Vol. 1 brought a collection of incredible Iraqi music and styles that had rarely showcased abroad. This 2014 deluxe-edition vinyl reissue is a must-have. It features re-mastered, and in some cases, completely restored audio, revised and updated liner-notes with new artist and track information, plus four additional tracks not featured in the first CD issue. Meticulously selected from Iraqi cassettes and LPs found in Syria, Europe and the Iraqi neighborhoods of Detroit, Michigan, this unique collection of folk and pop styles displays a wealth of outstanding music that is exclusive to Iraq and has rarely been showcased abroad. There are many reasons why Iraqi music stands alone in the dynamic world of Arabic music: one example is the unbelievable rapid fire machine-gun rhythms fluttering atop the main tempo. This is the work of a unique nomadic hand drum called the khishba -- also known as the zanbour (Arabic for "wasp"). A style prominently featured here is the infamous Iraqi choubi -- a driving rhythmic style that can include fiddles, double reeded instruments, percussion, bass, keyboards and oud over its signature beat. Other styles featured are the basta (an urban Baghdadi style), the bezikh, and the pulsating hecha. Also heard is the mawal -- a vocal improv that sets the tone of a song, regardless of the style. Additionally there are three cuts from Ja'afar Hassan's 1970s record, Let's Sing Together. Being a folk-rock record, it's a true anomaly for Iraq. Hassan was a mouthpiece for the Iraqi Socialist movement just a few years before Saddam Hussein. But most of the music in this collection was produced during the Saddam period between the 1980s and 2002. Since the 2003 invasion and the wholesale disassembly of the country, classic tracks like these may already be part of a disappeared past.
2 LP + 7" set for $28




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