Record Reviews

CHICAGO EDGE ENSEMBLE ~ DECAYING ORBIT NOT ON LABEL ~ USA ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the debut album by American (from Chicago) quintet called Chicago Edge EnsembleFind albums by this artist, which comprises of saxophonist Mars WilliamsFind albums by this artist, trombonist Jeb BishopFind albums by this artist, guitarist Dan PhillipsFind albums by this artist, Polish (resident in US) bassist Krzysztof PabianFind albums by this artist and drummer Hamid DrakeFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, all by Phillips, who is the leader of the ensemble. In contrast to the music Phillips creates with his trio, which is original and interesting, the music presented here is mostly typical American Free Jazz, which did not change much in the last fifty years since its inception. Each of the tracks is based on a sketchy melodic riff, which is than expanded into lengthy improvisations performed by the three front players and supported by the rhythm section, which swings at times and plays free time at others. The ensemble sounds at its best when the music becomes more Fusion oriented, with a strong Rocky pulse and Phillips´ scorching guitar in the lead, but these moments are relatively rare. The music moves between organized passages, with clearly defined roles as far as the players are concerned, and completely Free parts, which are less impressive. All these musicians are excellent instrumentalist and play formidable solo parts, especially Phillips, whose guitar manages to be searching and expressive. Pabian plays beautifully and his pulsations keep the music together, especially in view of the challenging, but of course excellent drumming by Drake. The trombone and saxophone parts are technically impressive, but offer nothing that was not heard in Free Jazz time and again before. Overall this is a very solid offer by an excellent ensemble, especially for Free Jazz connoisseurs, but is also accessible to a broader audience since the Free elements are relatively tame and the album also offers quite a few Fusion oriented vistas. Definitely worth investigation!

Updated: 10/04/2018Posted: 10/04/2018

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

CHICAGO EDGE ENSEMBLE ~ INSIDIOUS ANTHEM TROST 177 (Barcode: 9120036682733) ~ USA ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 This is the second album by the American Jazz quintet Chicago Edge EnsembleFind albums by this artist, led by guitarist / composer Dan PhillipsFind albums by this artist, which also includes trombonist Jeb BishopFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Mars WilliamsFind albums by this artist, Polish (based in US) bassist Krzysztof PabianFind albums by this artist and drummer Hamid DrakeFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Phillips. In contrast to the debut album, the music on this album is much more organized, with clearly composed themes, which are pushed forward and directed by the leader, and then stretched into lengthy improvised passages, backed by a swinging rhythm section. As such this music is closer to contemporary modern Jazz, which includes freely improvised parts, but is focused in coherent more often than not. All five instrumentalists are obviously very experienced and talented, which contributes to the superb level of execution felt all the way through. Phillips, who uses a scorching Fusion oriented sound, is the most unique voice of the quintet, although Bishop and Williams contribute hot and inspiring parts as well. Pabian is a very distinctive bassist, perfectly balancing the rhythmic pulsations with the harmonic support he offers to the soloists. Drake is a Master drummer, who is well beyond the need to prove anything and his versatile rhythmic support is beyond reproach. Overall the album offers some very exciting modern Jazz, which offers an elegant balance between melody and Freedom, with the music swinging splendidly from start to finish. With first class musicianship and great compositions, the album is real pleasure to listen to and deserves repeated spins to get all the hidden complexities, which are revealed only after careful and attentive listening. Personally I believe this is a much better offering than the debut, which already makes me curious as to their next offer. Well done Gentlemen!

Updated: 26/03/2019Posted: 26/03/2019

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

QUARTET NEXT ~ DUTIFUL DISSENT LIZARD BREATH (Barcode: 755491150245) ~ USA ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is an album by the American ensemble called Quartet NextFind albums by this artist, led by guitarist / composer Dan PhillipsFind albums by this artist and including saxophonist Dave RempisFind albums by this artist, legendary drummer Hamid DrakeFind albums by this artist and Polish (resident in the US) bassist Krzysztof PabianFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original pieces, seven composed by Phillips and one co-credited to all four members of the quartet. Philips records prolifically in the last few years with his trio, quartet and the Chicago Edge EnsembleFind albums by this artist, all of which include also Pabian on bass. Drake is also a member of Chicago Edge Ensemble, which already recorded a couple of albums. His music is mostly within the Free Jazz / Improvised Music idiom, although strong Fusion elements are also present. The music on this album is also a mixture of Free Jazz and Fusion riffs, which serve as breaks between the lengthy improvised passages. Despite the seemingly total freedom, the improvisations fall exactly within the tonal structures defined by the compositions. Rempis, a well respected member of the Chicago Jazz / Improvising Music scene, is a significant addition of fresh energy and variety and his playing expands the music into uncharted territory, taking the focus away from the guitar, which balances the overall sound of the quartet. His playing is a wonderful example of coherence and inner calmness, which keep the music well organized, but still open and far reaching. Phillips plays superbly, as usual, with traces of early Fusion but very open to exploring new ideas, sounds and techniques. On this album his playing is less dominant, mostly due to the space he allows for Rempis, and their dialogues are absolutely fascinating. Pabian and Drake provide the quartet with an excellent basis, always precisely on time and highly imaginative. Their work during the many relaxed / quiet moments on this album is truly superb. Overall this is a beautiful piece of music, relaxed and contemplative, which although firmly belonging to the Improvising Music idiom, is one of the most gentle, introspect and delicate manifestations of that genre. In many respects this is, for me, the most perfect album Phillips created so far and listening to this music is nothing short of pleasure incarnate. Kudos indeed to you, sir!

Updated: 31/10/2020Posted: 31/10/2020

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend