DMG Newsletter for July 3rd, 2015

Vision 20 is Almost Here!
So Listen Up and Do Not Fear!
Free Music from Around the World!
Will Take Place at Judson Church This Year!
Can't Wait to Hear the Music of the Future!
Right Now! Right Now! Right Now! If Not Sooner!


Check Out New Discs from These Sonic Explorers:

Otomo Yoshihide Solo Guitar! Scott Robinson Spacetette: Marshall Allen/Henry Grimes/Kevin Norton! Tyondai Braxton Hive1! Tisziji Munoz/John Medeski/Ra-Kalam Moses! Mat Maneri/Russ Lossing/Ed Schuller/Chris Bacas/Pete Davenport!

Jon Lundbom Big Five Chord! Elektra Kurtis & Ensemble Elektra! Stephenson & Zarzutzki! Michael Foster & Ted Byrnes! Gnom! Metal Chaos Ensemble! Sylvaine Helary Spring Roll/Printemps! Grateful Dead & Willie Nelson on Vinyl! And even more..!

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The DMG FREE Weekly In-Store Concert Series Continues With:

Sunday, July 5th - Special Holiday Weekend Sets at 2 & 6pm:
2pm: The NU Band: MARK WHITECAGE/THOMAS HEBERER/JOE FONDA/LOU GRASSI + ERHARD HIRT - Rare US appearance of this great FMP Guitarist!
6pm: ROCHUS AUST - Trumpet & Devices/ JONATHAN GOLOVE - Theremin-cello & devices / JOKUBAS AUST - Electric Devices!

Sunday, July 12th: No In-Store During Vision Fest!

Sunday, July 19th:
6pm: RAS MOSHE & LEX SAMU - Reeds & Trumpet!

Sunday, August 9th - Tuba Double-Header:
6pm: CARL LUDWIG HUBSCH - Solo Tuba!
7pm: BEN STAPP - Solo Tuba!


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Beginning This Week (Sunday, July 5th - Sunday, July 12th) it is

THE 20th ANNIVERSARY of THE VISION FESTIVAL!!!

Downtown Music Gallery is Celebrating This momentous occasion with a festival long sale, both in-store and mail-order. Purchase 3 or more discs (CDs or LPs) from any of the musicians playing at Vision Fest 20 and take 10% off. This sale is limited to just what we have in stock and here on the shelf or in a drawer. This sale will just take place during Vision Fest 20, July 5 - 12th. Here is the long list of artists:

Marshall Allen, Kikanju Baku, Karl Berger, Michael Bisio, Hamiet Bluiett, Rob Brown, Dave Burrell, Ellen Christi, Gerald Cleaver, Sean Conly, Cooper-Moore, Marilyn Crispell, Connie Crothers, Steve Dalachinsky, Joe Daley, Whit Dickey, Charles Downs, Hamid Drake, Andrew Drury, Douglas Ewart, Ken Filiano, Chris Forbes, Charles Gayle, Milford Graves, Hilliard Greene, Henry Grimes, Craig Harris, Gerry Hemingway, John Hollenbeck, Jason Hwang, D.D. Jackson, Joseph Jarman, Darius Jones, Kidd Jordan, Ingrid Laubrock, Joelle Leandre, Daniel Levin, James Brandon Lewis, Tony Malaby, Mat Maneri, Miya Masaoka, Joe McPhee, Roscoe Mitchell, Jemeel Moondoc, David Murray, Amina Claudine Myers, Reggie Nicholson, Todd Nicholson, Atuan Ortiz, William Parker, JD Parran, Dan Peck, Sam Pluta, Hugh Ragin, Tomeka Reid, Perry Robinson, Larry Roland, Charles Bobo Shaw, Matthew Shipp, Wadada Leo Smith, Warren Smith, Tyshawn Sorey, Bob Stewart, Steve Swell, Mazz Swift, Craig Taborn, Newman Taylor-Baker, Tomas Ulrich, Fay Victor, Mark Whitecage and Edward Wilkerson!


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This Weeks' Musical Delights Begins with:

OTOMO YOSHIHIDE - Guitar Solo 2015 Left (Doubt 155; Japan) Featuring Otomo Yoshihide on solo electric guitar, recorded live in January of 2015 in Tokyo. After more than a couple of decades of serious activity and numerous recordings (nearly 100 at last count), Mr. Yoshihide's recordings are being released more slowly. There are three covers here and three originals. Two of the covers are most timely, "Song for Che" by Charlie Haden and "Lonely Woman" by Ornette Coleman. Both Mr. Haden and Mr. Coleman, last two original members of the Ornette Coleman Quartet (circa 1960) have passed in the last year. Mr. Coleman's funeral took place in Harlem, NYC last Saturday (6/27/15). For this disc and concert My. Yoshihide plays a Gibson ES-175 that was once owned by the legendary jazz guitarist Takayanagi Masayuki, who was also Otomo's teacher. "Song for Che" was first performed live by Mr. Coleman's second quartet (with Dewey Redman, Charlie Haden & Ed Blackwell) in the early seventies and first appeared on record with Haden's first album, the Liberation Music Orchestra. It has been covered by many other artist like Robert Wyatt, Carlos Paredes and Neutral Milk Hotel. Mr. Yoshihide starts this disc with his version and it is especially enchanting: poignant, haunting, starting out calmly and then building to powerful conclusion. An incredible version of this most resonant song. Otomo has covered Ornette's most popular song, "Lonely Woman", several times in the past. I love the way that Yoshihide strips this piece down, making every note count, holding on to each one and letting them hang in the air. Otomo approaches this song as a staggering noise/rock epic, bending and twisting certain notes or phrases inside-out. Too much! Mr. Yoshihide is a master, knowing when to hold back and when to let go. "The Blue Kite" is an original piece and it is another long, haunting and thoughtfully constructed work, story-like or perhaps music for a dark scene from a great film. There is a powerful rave-up section midway which is absolutely throttling. The other cover is by a Japanese folk singer named Ryo Kagawa and it is a quaint, quiet way to bring this disc to a close. Otomo actually sings quietly on this song and it sounds like a lovely lullaby. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $18


SCOTT ROBINSON SPACETETTE [With MARSHALL ALLEN/HENRY GRIMES/KEVIN NORTON/PAT O'LEARY] - Mission in Space (ScienSonic 06; USA) Featuring Scott Robinson on theremin, clarinets, French horn, tenor sax, etc., Marshall Allen on alto sax & EVI, Henry Grimes on bass & violin, Pat O'Leary on bass & cello and Kevin Norton on vibes & drums. Multi-instrumentalist Scott Robinson releases a CD or two on his own ScienSonic label just about every year, each one different in personnel and sound. Four of the five members of the Spacette were on the first disc from the Sciensonic label, adding the great Henry Grimes to the current project. Considering that longtime Sun Ra bandleader, Marshall Allen, just turned 91(!), he continues to blow minds no matter what. Everyone in the band plays a space sound tube, given to them by Mr. Robinson. Like many a great Sun Ra session, this disc captures the cosmic sounds of space travel incredibly well. The blend of theremin or contra-alto clarinet, violin, bass, salt sax or EVI and percussion is superbly captured and sounds immensely enchanting. A variety of instruments are utilized like organ or synth, assorted percussion, toys, wind machine, siren, etc. This disc takes us a journey to the stars and everyone invoked sounds inspired and engaged. Highlights include some blistering solos from Marshall Allen on alto sax and Henry Grimes on violin. Space is indeed the place! - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $16

SCOTT ROBINSON / JULIAN THAYER - ? (ScienSonic 8; USA) Featuring Julian Thayer on basses, Hammond organ & bass marimba and Scott Robinson on tenor & slide saxes, clarinets, vibes, theremin, organ, etc. "?" is a collection of nearly thirty duos, most under four minutes and with both Mr. Thayer and Mr. Robinson switching off between more than a dozen instruments. Mr. Robinson and Mr. Thayer have been working together for the past decade, once with Klaus Suonsaari and now as a duo. Although many of the pieces here are short (under a minute), this discs works well as a suite of connected works. All of the pieces except for two covers, "Mysterioso" by Monk and "The Mystery of Two" by Sun Ra. When Mr. Robinson plays theremin or organ, he uses the instruments selective to create eerie or suspense-filled moods. Each piece seems to create a different vibe, sometimes spooky, sometimes transformative. The version of "Mysterioso" is for contra-bass sarrusophone (clarinet?) & timpani and it is pretty strange, yet it works just right. It does sound as if these two folks have been working together for a long while since they work so well as one united spirit. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $15


TYONDAI BRAXTON With BEN VIDA/CHRIS THOMPSON/MATTHEW SMALLCOMB/YURI YAMASHITA - Hive1 (Nonesuch 547466; USA) Just say two synthesist (Tyondai Braxton & Ben Vida) with three percussionist (Chris Thompson, Matthew Smallcomb, and Yuri Yamashita) then you got my attention. Now if that doesn't also peak your interest, keep reading... "Hive1" consists of intricate skittering synth lines over a heavy dose of percussion which often beautifully balances between avant garde electronics with both poly-rhythmic drumming and booty-shaking dance music. A delicate line which Tyondai navigates quite well since the record sounds equally new as it does familiar. My lazy description would be: imagine if Morton Subotnick joined the current version of Boredoms. I want to hear more! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - Chuck Bettis/DMG
CD $15


TISZIJI MUNOZ With JOHN MEDESKI/JOHN LOCKWOOD/DON PATE/RA-KALAM BOB MOSES - Free Freedom [CD-R] (Anami 035; USA) Featuring Tisziji Munoz on guitar & compositions, Lam Sobo John Medeski on piano, John Lockwood & Don Pate on basses and Ra-Kalam Bob Moses on drums. This set was recorded live at New England Conservatory in January of 2008 and has only been available as a download until now. After nearly fifty releases going back to the early seventies when Mr. Munoz played in Pharaoh Sanders' band, Tisziji has started to play live more and more, over the past couple of decades. Besides great gigs in NYC (the Knit, Tonic, Bowery Poetry Club & The Stone), Mr. Munoz has played in Boston, the Guelph Fest in Ontario and New York State (Woodstock, Schenectady & the Falcon in Marlboro). This is a great thing since witnessing Tisziji Munoz live is way better than just listening to his discs at home. Another good thing is that keyboard ace, John Medeski (MMW & John Zorn), has become an integral part of numerous Munoz bands, recording on eight prior discs. This epic-length (76+ minutes) disc/set begins with "Spirit Path", a wonderful, spirit-filled ascension. More than fifty years ago, both John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman released albums which featured two acoustic bassists (Africa/Brass & Free Jazz). Munoz has also utilized this swirling two bass sound on occasion as well. There is an obvious cosmic connection between Mr. Medeski on piano and Mr. Moses on drums as they play wave upon wave, washing over each other and us in the process. The warm, clean and intimate sound here is especially well-captured. Mr. Munoz himself takes his time as he also rides the waves, dancing on the head of a pin, casting off lightning-like lines, whipping up a storm as he reaches for the stars. It sounds as if they are playing for a large crowd and these people are righteously into it. Although I've heard some of these songs time and again, they still sound fresh, powerful and consistently inspiring to those lucky enough to be listening. Yet another jewel from the endless Anami treasure chest. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $12


MAT MANERI/RUSS LOSSING/CHRIS BACAS/ED SCHULLER/PETE DAVENPORT - Bolide (PoC 001; USA) Featuring Mat Maneri on viola, Chris Bacas on saxes, Russ Lossing on keyboards, Ed Schuller on bass and Pete Davenport on drums & compositions. "Peter Davenport's Bolide is the sort of album that often flies completely under the radar. It's what record collectors call a private issue; completely self-produced, self-distributed and available on a very small scale; generally only through the artist. Nevertheless, Bolide is a worthwhile listening experience. While not a familiar name to me prior to hearing this album, Davenport's past and present musical associations include the bands Bluth and Mobscene, as well as various projects with Jim Beard, Bill McHenry, and Jerome Harris. What attracted me to this release was the band that Davenport assembled to play his original music; it's full of ringers. Violist Mat Maneri, bassist Ed Schuller and keyboardist Russ Lossing, all familiar names to AAJ's loyal readership are all top-drawer, first-call guys on the greater New York scene. As expected, they deliver in spades throughout this fine little album. Saxophonist Chris Bacas, while somewhat lesser-known, proves himself their equal, as does composer / drummer Davenport. Though both Maneri and Lossing play the electric variants of their instruments through much of Bolide, the music is more plugged-in avant-leaning modern jazz than jazz-rock or fusion. Useful reference points would be John Handy's late 60's quintet with Michael White and Mike Nock, or the band that sprang from Handy's organization-the Fourth Way. As a drummer, Davenport has a light touch; often splashing around like a cymbal-happy Paul Motian, though when he drives the band more aggressively, he sounds a bit like Joey Baron. He gets excellent support from the ever simpatico Schuller, whose muscular bass consistently drives the music forward. Davenport's compositions are substantial, as well. "Suite #1," the album's longest piece starts out as a loping acoustic modal jazz vehicle. After a brief free improv section, the pace quickens as Bacas (on tenor) and Maneri duke it out over Lossing's roiling electric keys. "The Lip," "Alfred," and the title track all have tricky, convoluted melodies followed by near-relentless, somewhat off-center ostinatos over which Lossing, Bacas, and Maneri improvise furiously. Bacas' mellow, reedy soprano shines brightly on "Alfred," while Maneri takes full advantage of the solo space offered on "Low Blow." Lossing's playing is particularly impressive throughout Bolide. His acoustic piano solos on "The Lip" and "Suite #1" combine the rhythmic acuity of McCoy Tyner and Herbie Hancock with the harmonic depth of Bill Evans and Ran Blake. Yet, somehow, he doesn't really sound like any of those guys. Unlike a lot of pianists, Lossing really enjoys his electric keys, applying effects and continually tweaking his sound in an uncannily expressive way during his solos on "Alfred," and the title track." - Dave Wayne, AAJ
CD $12


JON LUNDBOM and BIG FIVE CHORD [With JON IRABAGON/BRYAN MURRAY/MOPPA ELLIOTT/DAN MONGAHAN] - Jeremiah (Hot Cup 142; USA) Featuring Jon Lundbon guitar, Jon Irabagon on soprano sax, Bryan Murray on tenor & B-alto saxes, Moppa Elliott on bass and Dan Monaghan on drums. This is the seventh disc from Jon Lundbom's Big Five Chord and the personnel has remained mostly the same except for the drummer, who has changed a couple of times. Two constant members, Mr. Elliott & Mr. Irabagon, are also members of the great Mostly Other People Do the Killing and the guests include Sam Kulik on trombone and Justin Wood on alto sax & flute. What is always odd about this band is that they are never bound by any one genre or style. "The Bottle" kicks things off with some strong soprano sax from Mr. Irabagon, who continues to surprise us with choosing a different sax on just about every session. Both Lundbom on guitar and Murray on tenor also take spirited solos here while the rhythm team shift tempos yet remain tight. Mr. Lundbom wrote five of the seven songs here with tow traditional songs included. While Irabagon takes a fine, long Trane-like soprano solo on "Frog Eye", the other two saxes and guitar swirl around him in intricate orbits. Under-recognized trombone great, Sam Kulik, sounds especially inspired on "Scratch Ankle" where he and Irabagon spin tight lines around one another, both bending their notes similar ways. The first of two traditional songs, "First Harvest", shows how well this group can play an earthy, gospelish melody and make it shine. It is nearly impossible to peg this band down. On "Lick Skillet", hushed, grumbling sax & trombone make way for brushes-led soft swinger with fine flute from Justin Wood. The other traditional piece, "Wiccan Prayer Song Medley", seems to have several themes moving around one another as it speeds up and slows back down a few times. The interplay between Lundbom's guitar and Irabagon's soprano is one the highlights throughout this disc and erupts into high gear during this piece. "Jeremiah" is one of this month's most unexpected gems and will take some time to fully absorb its riches. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $12


ELEKTRA KURTIS & ENSEMBLE ELEKTA - Bridges from the East (Milo Records 301; USA) Featuring Elektra Kurtis on violin & compositions, Curtis Stewart on violin, Lefteris Bournias on clarinet, Brad Jones on electric bass and Reggie Nicholson on drums. I have been checking out Ms. Curtis' violin playing for many years now, considering that she has worked with Leroy Jenkins, Billy Bang & Lester Bowie and is currently a member of Adam Rudolph's Go Organic Orchestra. Ms. Kurtis organized hew own band Ensemble Elektra in 1983, since then the band has evolved and toured around the world. Elektra recently gave me a copy of her new disc and I am quite impressed with the way she has blended so many influences: Greek, Eastern European, North African with jazz and classical elements. I wasn't familiar with her other tow frontline players, but both rhythm team players, Brad Jones (from Muhal R. Abrams to Dave Douglas & E. Sharp) and Reggie Nicholson (for Myra Melford, Roy Campbell & his own ensembles) keep busy in various groups. The frontline instrumentation of two violins and clarinet is unique and Ms. Kurtis does a great job of writing for this diverse band. She also writes melodies that are both infectious in spirit yet still difficult to play. "Hasaposerviko mixes both Klez or Jewish and Greek influences and features the first of many great violin solos. Clarinetist Lefteris Bournias is one of the secret weapons of this group, his solos are also consistently crafty. Another magic ingredient here is the interplay between two violins and clarinet with rhythm team as tight support. Often when one of the violins or the clarinet solo, the other two frontline players will play intricate parts around them. There a couple of superb violin duets here, which show how well Ms. Kurtis writes just two players, both gifted string players. This music is an ethnic version of jazz/rock played with (what sounds like) an effortless ease. A few of these songs are laid back and quietly enchanting with others are more exuberant and uplifting, the balance is just right. There are some sixteen tracks on this long disc and each & every one is a marvel. I haven't heard any great World Music discs in a long while but this one is about as good as it gets. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $15


GRAHAM STEPHENSON & AARON ZARZUTZKI - No Dice [LTD Edition of 100/CD-R] (Hideous Replica 7; USA) Featuring Graham Stephenson on trumpet & microphone and Aaron Zarzutski on synthesizer. This 30 minute set was recorded live at Issue Project Room in May of 2013. If these two names sound vaguely familiar, it is because the same duo has a disc out on the Erstwhile ErstAeu series. Mr. Zarzutzki has also played no-input turntable with Chicago-based players like Fred Lonberg-Holm, Paul Hartsaw and Brian Labycz. Don't know much about Mr. Stephenson outside of that duo disc on Erstwhile. Last Sunday (6/28/15) a duo of Michael Foster on sax and Aaron Zarzutzki on synth played here at DMG and performed an impressive set of odd extended improv. I hadn't heard Mr. Zarzutzki live before this but I was quite impressed nonetheless. Noisier and somewhat more abrupt in places than the usual disc on Erstwhile, this duo is most impressive at coaxing odd sounds out of their instruments. Hard to tell who is doing what. There is a good deal of lower case-like silence or space or ultra-subtle sounds here. I had to turn off the fan in my kitchen in order to hear all of the sounds and space involved in this highly charged particle network of microscopic sounds. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $8 (Mr. Zarzutzki left us with just a handful of copies & then they are gone)


MICHAEL FOSTER/TED BYRNES - Astringent (Self-Produced; USA) Featuring Michael Foster on reeds and Ted Byrnes on percussion. Young saxist Michael Foster has played here at DMG on several occasions with different collaborators each time. Last Sunday (6/28/15) Mr. Foster played a fine duo with Aaron Zarzutzki on electronics. Foster left us with copies of his new duo disc with a percussionist named Ted Byrnes that I hadn't heard of before this. Turns out that Mr. Byrnes lives in L.A. and went to Berklee College in Boston. In the true spirit of Downtown improv, Mr. Foster uses a variety of extended techniques on his sax, like using pieces of metal as a mute. This is an impressive sounding duo although it is hard to tell what is exactly going on at times. Odd sax noises, toys or some type of exotic percussion, scrapes, rubbed surfaces, brushes, a mutant soprano sax (?), warped tenor sax, screeches, blasts, high hat groove short & sweet, whistle and an unnamed reed that I can't quite describe. Strange scenes from the sonic gold none continue. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD-R $10


GNOM [With PETTER HANGSEL/KRISTIAN TANVIK/RUNE LOHSE] - Gnom (Barefoot Records 021; Denmark) Scandinavian trio featuring Petter Hangsel on trombone (from Sweden), Kristian Tangvik on tuba (Norway) and Rune Lohse on drums (Denmark). While attending the Jyderup Accordion Fest in Denmark last week (6/14-6/21/15), I got hear some fifty musicians from Scandinavia, Austria, Germany, Japan and the US. One of the musicians I was impressed with was/is tuba-player Kristian Tangvik. He left me with a few copies of his trio called Gnom with two other musicians, all three from a different country. A trombone, tuba and drums trio is certainly a unique combination but right from the beginning it works. Since there is no bassist here, the tuba and trombone switch off between bass duties. It is not as simple as that since all three members are well integrated into a group sound. For "Lille Sang", the trombone & tuba play a slow, somber repeating line while the drummer remains more animated and playful as if trying to break loose from the more restrained mood set by his colleagues. Every piece is very different so that this trio never sticks to one style or sound. "Lovin' My Lady" sounds like a brass band playing in a cartoon sequence, filled with fun. Trombonist Petter Hangsel often pushes himself to play different roles, from silly to serious to swinging to free, often taking sorted solos while the tuba and drums play tight lines around him. I am often reminded of another trio called Spanish Fly which also includes a fine tuba player (Marcus Rojas) since they have the same sense of adventure, silliness and unexpected change in directions. An equally unexpected delight. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $14 (On sale, 3 copies only until we get more them from a distributor & price will go up to $17)


Three from Dave PEK's (Leap of Faith) Other Ensemble:

METAL CHAOS ENSEMBLE [PEK/YURI ZBITNOV/CATHERINE CAPOZZI] - War Tuba (Evil Clown 9056; USA) Featuring PEK on double reeds, tarogato, clarinets, aquasonic, Yuri Zbitnov on metal, chains, etc and Catherine "Axemunkee" Capozzi on guitar & aquasonic. The Metal Chaos Ensemble have three discs out on Evil Clown, each one with Leap of Faith members PEK (multiple winds & voice) and Yuri Zbitnov (percussion). The third or fourth person changes on each disc. The third person here is Ms. Catherine Capozzi on guitar. This disc was recorded in Dave PEK's house and contains one 51+ minute track. In the first section we hear mostly layers of ritualistic percussion: mostly bells, cymbals, gongs, etc. The combination of metallic percussion is pretty hypnotic. Eventually, Pek picks up a double reed which makes bent, animal-like sounds while Ms. Capozzi plays strange sounds on her electric guitar, although it is hard to tell what she is playing at times. Eventually the trio takes off with Capozzi playing some disturbing fuzzed guitar while someone else does scary vocals in the distance. A cosmic boogie or something equally disturbing?!? The cover of this disc features a number of evil looking serpent-like horns (bassoons?) on wheels with an army marching underneath. The title and cover of this disc, "War Tuba" doesn't quite prepare for the scary sounds within. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $10

METAL CHAOS ENSEMBLE [PEK/TONY SAVARINO/TAMORA GOODING/YURI ZBITNOV] - Molten (Evil Clown 9063; USA) Featuring PEK on oboes, bassoon, clarinets, shenai, alto sax, etc., Tony Savarino on guitar, metal, drums, Tamora Gooding on metal & drums and Yuri Zbitnov on metal & drums. Of the three Metal Chaos Ensemble CDs reviewed today (7/2/15), this is the only one with four members, two of who play mainly metal & drums. "Molten" is one hour-long work recorded at Evil Clown Headquarters in May of 2015, less than two months ago. It begins with multiple metals, gongs, cymbals, drums and assorted percussion. Quite hypnotic and well recorded. Similar in some ways to the Art Ensemble of Chicago, this music has otherworldly, ritualistic sort of sound. When PEK picks up that double reed (a shenai?), they move into the section which soon includes some strange vocal sounds at one point. Systematically PEK works his way through some eight different reed instruments while Tony Savarino switches between guitar and percussion, the sound of the ensemble ever-evolving and mutating. Another strange yet transcendent journey for the Metal Chaos Ensemble. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $10

METAL CHAOS ENSEMBLE [PEK/BILL T MILLER/YURI ZBITNOV] - Chrononauts (Evil Clown 9064; USA) Featuring PEK on alto sax, clarinets, oboes, bassoon, game calls, etc., Bill T Miller on electronics & metal and Yuri Zbitnov on metal, drums & theremin. This is another trio version of the Metal Chaos Ensemble which includes Bill T Miller on electronics and mainstay Yuri Zbitnov on theremin. Plus all three also play percussion and or metals. This disc was recorded just over a month ago on May 27, 2015. The title here is "Chrononauts" which are time travelers and that seems appropriate for this unit which has that ancient to the future sort of sound plus a time machine-like image on the cover. The electronics and percussion work together here quite well and it is hard to tell them apart at times. Beginning with spacious, mysterious sounds and building in intensity from there. Is more strained than the other discs by Metal Chaos Ensemble. If you are patient it does take us away a journey to another place. The vibe changes once PEK picks up his reed or double-reed and a ritualistic groove takes over for a bit, the vibe gets darker and quite a bit more intense. Take a chance with a disc from Leap of Faith or the Metal Chaos Ensemble and being taken away to another time or place. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $10

LEAP OF FAITH [PEK/GLYNIS LOMON/ et al] - Regenerations (Evil Clown 9036; USA) "The music of Boston's Leap of Faith is both easy and difficult to describe. I suppose I could string together some words like 'cathartic', 'intriguing', 'harrowing' and phrases like 'nightmarishly enthralling' and 'unexpectedly beautiful' and call it a day, after all, Leap of Faith is a fascinating and utterly unique group and those words work. But at the same time, they just don't quite capture the essence of this uninhibited music - and raw sound - that they make. Though many musicians have passed through the ranks, at its core the group is the duo of woodwind player PEK and cellist Glynis Lomon, who both also add some pretty intense vocalization to the sonic palette. Joining them on the first half of the recording is Steve Norton on sax and clarinet and Yuri Zbitnov on percussion. However, on the second part of the album PEK and Lomon are joined by Mark McGrain (trombone), Craig Schildhauer (bass), Sydney Smart (drums), Laurence Cook (drums), Rob Bethel (cello) and Forrest Larsen (viola). This new digital and CD-R recording, Regenerations, was made as they got back together to play in January of this year, the first get together after their initial run from 1993 - 2006. It sounds like they leaped right in without missing a beat (or totally missing one, perhaps). Starting with a low vibration from Lomon's cello and the saxophones of PEK and Norton, between whom there is quite an assortment of instruments, they dig in and go. Within the first few minutes of the track, the inventiveness of the group is on full display. Their sound is organic, it grows from within, and there is an arc to the track that belies either an uncanny connection or some pre-planned moves as there is an inherent structure and motion to the sound. That's the intriguing part, however, there is also the harrowing, which to me is found often when the wordless vocals appear, cutting clearly through the fabric of sound. The track will go from a reflective passage on a low woodwind to a dense thicket of cello double stops to juxtaposed harmonies, and just as quickly, it may delve into percussive textures and spontaneous intertwining melodies. It's this potent mix of instrumental timbers and unexpected changes that make their music so effective. Following the first track (which clocks in at 43 minutes) are the three movements of "Subspace". The larger group's work with the expanded instrumentation produces something that is less dark, but a bit more fragmented. The interplay of horns and woodwinds also introduces a lot of counter motion. The second movement is 24 minutes and reserves the power of the band until about a third of the way through, when the drums and bass begin a sort of swing and strings rain glissandos. As the track progresses it's just as likely that the tempo or tone may dissipate as it will congeal, keeping the listener on their toes. This is one of the most captivating pieces on a dense album. Leap of Faith is not a group that provides music that is easy to digest - there is a lot to hear and it's music that requires your full attention. Approach with open ears and patience and you will find a world that is as colorful and textured as the fractal images that adorn their album covers. - Paul Acquaro, FreeLazzBlog
CD $10


SYLVAINE HELARY - Spring Roll Printemps [2 CD Set] (Ayler 144-145; France) Featuring Sylvaine Helary on flute, voice & compositions, Antonin Rayon on piano & synth, Hugues Mayot on saxes & clarinets, Sylvain Lemetre on vibes, Julien Boudart on Ms20 synth plus four vocalists. Last month I caught an amazing set from Kris Davis and a new quintet. Her frontline was Ralph Alessi on trumpet and special guest Sylvaine Helary on flute. The set moved through partially written and improvised sections with some superb solos from Ms. Davis, Mr. Alessi and Ms. Helary. Ms. Helary's final solo which closed the set had everyone's hair standing on end, it was from another world. I've heard Ms. Helary play just a couple of times previously as she doesn't come to the gig Apple very often but I have reviewed a trio CD she did a year or so ago and it was also an unexpected delight, closer to jazz/rock/prog than one might imagine. We might even have a copy around here as well. Ms. Helary left us with copies of her new double disc set on Ayler which is a concept record of sorts. I am not so sure what exactly is going on since most of the liner notes and spoken words are in French. Still the instrumentation of flute/piano or synth/saxes or clarinets and vibes & percussion is well utilized. I know little about the members of the quartet here although Mr. Rayon and Mr. Mayot have worked with Ms. Helary and/or Marc Ducret in the past. The first disc is called "Printemps" and has a rich, post-Philip Glass-like chamber sound. The spoken words are kept to a minimum, selectively used and sound like an integral part of the music. You can tell that Ms. Helary put a good deal of work into this as her writing keeps on getting more intriguing and beyond established categories. Often fascinating and rich in rewards. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
2 CD Set for $18 (3 left at present)


LP Section:

GRATEFUL DEAD - Two from the Vault [4 LP Set] (Future Days Recordings 608; USA) "Following on the heels of Light in the Attic's vinyl LP release of One from the Vault comes the next in the trilogy of From the Vault releases by the Grateful Dead. These releases are distinguished from the more abundant Dick's Picks series in that Dick's Picks are 'direct from the soundboard' recordings, while the From the Vault series were professionally recorded on multi-track tape and then mixed down (decades) later for release. Recorded live at the Shrine Auditorium (Los Angeles) in 1968, this is the worldwide vinyl debut release of this legendary show featuring the six piece line-up of Pigpen, Garcia, Weir, Lesh, Kruetzmann, and Hart, freshly remastered in 2014 by Joe Gastwirt for maximum mind expansion. Nine dynamic songs on eight sides of wax, this show has previously only been available on CD; this is the first ever vinyl LP release! Five songs weigh in around the 15-minute mark, while three others touch down close to 10 minutes -- this is the Dead at their most improvisational while still retaining the blues-rock roots of the 'Pigpen' years."
4 LP Set $90


GRATEFUL DEAD - Three from the Vault [4 LP set] (Future Days Recordings 609; USA) "First time ever on vinyl. Newly remastered by Joe Gastwirt. Lacquers cut by Kevin Gray. Four LPs housed in a gatefold Stoughton 'tip-on' jacket. Recorded live at the Capitol Theatre (Port Chester, NY) in 1971, this is the worldwide vinyl debut release of this seminal show featuring the five-piece line-up of Pigpen, Garcia, Weir, Lesh, and Kruetzmann (Mickey Hart had temporarily left the band at that point), freshly remastered in 2014 by Joe Gastwirt for your pleasure. 20 classic songs on eight sides of wax, this show has previously only been available on CD; this is the first ever vinyl LP release! The band played six shows over the course of seven nights at the Capitol Theatre in February of 1971, and this was the second of that run, recorded on the 19th. Their previous two studio albums had been their landmark recordings of Workingman's Dead and American Beauty, and while songs from those albums were certainly featured, the Dead debuted seven brand new songs on this night -- all of which went on to become Dead 'standards' including 'Playing in the Band,' 'Greatest Story Ever Told,' and two absolute classics: 'Bird Song' and 'Deal.' Essential Dead."
4 LP Set $90


WILLIE NELSON - Teatro (Modern Classics MCR 910; USA) 2014 release. "Location is everything. When Willie Nelson and album producer Daniel Lanois set out to create a cinematic-sounding album, Teatro, they took over a disused movie theatre in Oxnard, California, and pictured its dusty glory on the LP sleeve. Recorded as-live in situ amid the red velvet seats, Teatro sees Nelson working extensively with his frequent collaborator Emmylou Harris, who joins him for duets and on backing vocals on 11 of the 14 tracks. The other major player is U2 and Paul McCartney collaborator Daniel Lanois (producer of Bob Dylan's Time Out of Mind, Emmylou Harris' Wrecking Ball), who produces the album, plays guitar and bass, took the cover photo and wrote one of the album's songs, 'The Maker,' a stunning performance with glacier-thick vibe. Reinvention is key on Teatro, with Nelson revisiting a number of songs he first wrote in the 1960s, including 1968's 'I Just Can't Let You Say Goodbye' and 1962's 'I've Just Destroyed the World' and 'Three Days.' Though the songs are familiar, the sounds aren't: Teatro found Nelson experimenting with rhythms and flavors as never before, from the Spanish-influenced 'Darkness on the Face of the Earth' to the double-drum-kit percussive groove of 'My Own Peculiar Way.' Accompanied by a nine-piece band that included Nelson's sister, Bobbie Nelson, on piano, the group conjure up an atmosphere informed by the howling harmonicas and distant mariachi bands of spaghetti western soundtracks, the end result being a Willie Nelson album quite unlike any other in his career, and one that reveals it widescreen vision through arresting sonic imagery. Originally released by Island Record in 1998, Teatro is issued here as it's never been seen before -- on vinyl. Pressed on gold vinyl with a deluxe, gatefold, 'tip-on' uncoated jacket, this is a chance to own this unique album in its most beautifully presented form."
2 LP Set $28




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