Record Reviews

KEEFE JACKSON / LIKELY SO ~ A ROUND GOAL DELMARK 5009 (Barcode: 038153500924) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 Chicago´s iconic experimental Jazz scene is one of the last frontiers of challenging and adventurous music happening in the US in the 21st Century. With dozens of active local musicians, festivals and venues the Improvised Music / Free Jazz / Avant-Garde are still thriving there and draw many other musicians from around the world, who are attracted to it like moths to light. It is therefore hardly surprising that the Polish Avant-Garde scene, which is the strongest and most versatile in Europe at the moment, also developed many different connections with the Chicago scene, with visiting musicians performing and recording in both countries and records being released, documenting such cooperation, in US and in Poland. Chicago´s veteran record label, DelmarkFind albums on this label Records, which consistently records music made by the local scene, already documented such US / Polish projects several times in the past and this album is another example of such collaboration. It presents an all-reeds septet led by saxophonist / composer Keefe JacksonFind albums by this artist, called A Round GoalFind albums by this artist, which features as one of its members the Polish clarinetist Waclaw ZimpelFind albums by this artist and as a result the ensemble consists of three Americans, a Pole and three Swiss. The music, all composed by Jackson, was recorded live in Switzerland. Although Jackson knew the Swiss players earlier on, he never met Zimpel in person and knew his playing only from his albums, which was apparently impressive enough to get invited to join the ensemble. The music, although free spirited and unrestricted stylistically, is quite structured most of the time, with clear melody lines and rhythmic patterns easily traceable along the way. Of course there is plenty of space and improvised interplay as well as extended solo spots, but this is very much an ensemble effort, rather that a collection of individual contributions. Of course the level of performances by all the musicians involved is nothing short of spectacular all the way through. It is great to see the American Avant-Garde still being able to re-invent itself, albeit with considerable help from the Europeans, and take the music forward again. This music is intellectually challenging and aesthetically pleasing at the same time, which is already a major success. For connoisseurs of large all-reeds ensembles, this is an absolute must. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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MIKROKOLEKTYW ~ REVISIT DELMARK 591 (Barcode: 038153059125) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010 This is the debut album by Polish Jazz duo MikrokolektywFind albums by this artist, which includes trumpeter Artur MajewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Kuba SucharFind albums by this artist. Both musicians play also electronic keyboards. The album includes eleven tracks, all composed by the duo members, either individually or collectively. The album was released on the veteran US (Chicago) DelmarkFind albums on this label label and was the label´s first release by Eastern European Jazz musicians. Mikrokolektyw creates a wonderful musical world of their own, with the trumpet and drums becoming one as if fused together and the electronic effects and sounds provide a background upon with the melodic content is spread. Although very close to Free Jazz, the music is lyrical and surprisingly melodic, not crossing over to the spontaneous Improvised Music territory. It is obvious that the music is carefully planned, before being executed, but during the actual performance a wide range of musical freedom is involved. Although the concept of a trumpet / drums duo is seldom seen in Jazz, the Polish Jazz scene seems to be an exception, with several such duos active on the local scene. The excellent Wojciech JachnaFind albums by this artist / Jacek BuhlFind albums by this artist album "Niedokonczone KsiazkiFind albums with this title" is in fact quite similar to this album, but there are several others. Of course one can always go back to the roots and seek out the Don CherryFind albums by this artist / Ed BlackwellFind albums by this artist collaboration "MuFind albums with this title". Of course the music of Mikrokolektyw is well based on the Jazz tradition, but tries to innovate on many fronts, including the electro-acoustic sound and the World Music influences. They also display a phenomenal level of communication with each other, which is essential especially in an intimate setting like a duo. Overall this album is a great example of Jazz being alive and kicking, developing and growing, with an interesting future ahead. Hopefully other US and European labels will decide to release more albums originating in Poland, as that country seems to have more to offer than most others these days. Jazz enthusiasts, who like their music with an interesting twist, will have a field day with this album!

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