Dutch multi flautist, Lotz plays w/a Turkish avant-improv group ISLAK KOPEK(translation - Wet Dogs). Lots of non-traditional techniques & laptop controlled digitized sounds in a mix up of groupings of 2 to 6 musicians. Turkish group’s unique instrumentation makes for a varied palette. Heady stuff for the adventurous.
A blend of chamber & modern jazz from the debut album of this N.Y.C. based trio. Twisting, corky melodies on the top of well constructed compositions & arrangements by Fox(p). I found elements of the Bad Plus sound on this recording. VERY GOOD
Chicago cornetist Rob Mazurek & 3 Brazilian musicians & percussionists in a densely layered, pulsating electronic infected studio creation. Really outside of categorization, but still interesting. There’s melody, improv & plenty of rhythm, but it’s a horse of a different color(playful to dark). Adds spice to your playlist.
11 Acorn LAne takes their Electr-Swing style and puts it to Christmas music. The classics are pretty much covered here-Jingle Bells, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, etc. Perfect for the holidays, cook up some spiced cider, have a gingerbread cookie and groove to these Christmas delights.
Tracks: 1,3,4,9
The latest from 11 Acorn Lane is Swing Thing. The music is a mix of Swing, Jazz, and Juke all wrapped around an Electro vibe. Very peppy and upbeat, it certainly gets your toe tapping. This sounds like it would be on Sesame Street or some other kids show (the track Happy As Can Be appears on Bored To Death and Weeds). While it certainly is imaginative and creative I get the sense that the music world is running out of genres to steal from and electro-fy. If you’re looking for something to cheer you up check this out.
RIYD: Mocean Worker
Tracks: 3,5
Great saxophone quartet plus bass & drums from the Boston area. All original compositions by Matt Steckler(reeds). They have a musical stew pot here w/tinges of blues, funk, Caribbean, Brazilian & West African flavors. Ignore the name because you will not be able to ignore the music. Accessible & VERY GOOD.
This group debuted in 1973 w/Herbie Hancock & became a legendary jazz/funk/fusion ensemble. This release is a fusion of hip hop, jazz rap, salsa, rock, New Orleans classical forms & African rhythms. Many well known artists appear on this release.
DeFrancesco(B-3) turns 40 y.o. this year, hence the name of the release. This CD features the power trio style of the 60s & 70s which include a mix of bop & blues. He doesn’t play the trumpet on this release, but does some vocals on a couple of cuts.
80 y.o guitarist whose first recoding was in 1956. This CD features slow elegant playing from Burrell which probably explains how much influence he has had over the years. Great phrasing along the melodies which is necessary for any solo work.
Live recording from June 1999 in Stockholm. For fans of prog-rock, math-rock, jazz-rock fusion, post-rock, post-funk and the Rock In Opposition bands. Bass, drums, guitars and an arsenal of three keyboardists!
PLAY: 2, 3, 7, 8
RIYL: FRANK ZAPPA, PRIMUS, E.L.P.
Artist: Mats/Morgan Band - Song: En Schizofrens Dagbok - Album: Live by CuneiformRecords