When Cecil Taylor’s Free Jazz Was at Its Peak
“This music is of biblical importance in many ways for fans of Cecil Taylor and the avant-garde. It was captured at an exciting time in his career.” – Zev Feldman
avant-garde jazz
‘Sun Ra: Do the Impossible’ Achieves the Seemingly Impossible
In its gorgeous embroidery of color, sound, and thoughtful reflection, Sun Ra documentary Do the Impossible achieves the seemingly impossible.
The Necks Experiment with Long-Form Minimalism
Disquiet is a genuinely absorbing series of luxuriously paced improvisations from the Necks, who have been doing this kind of thing for decades.
Mary Halvorson Is Always Thrilling and Amazing
The latest from guitarist Mary Halvorson is another master class in jazz performance and composition. If she is the future of jazz, we are in tremendously gifted hands.
Tim Berne’s ‘Yikes, Too’ Creates Adventure and Magic
Tim Berne’s Yikes Too is three imaginative jazz musicians in a sandbox, building and molding, occasionally smashing a bit, but most typically creating magic.
The Beat Goes on for Jimi’s Woodstock Pal Juma Sultan
Jimi Hendrix’s Woodstock percussionist, Juma Sultan, discusses his life with Hendrix, his experience in the New York free jazz scene, and current music.
Mary Halvorson’s ‘Cloudward’ Is a Sophisticated Ensemble Composition
Mary Halvorson’s Cloudward is a shimmering, deeply satisfying example of a jazz sextet firing on all cylinders. Prepare to be astonished.
Jazz Pianist Mal Waldron’s ‘Mal/2’ Gets Loving Reissue Treatment
Mal Waldron’s Mal/2 vinyl reissue is a handsome package that perfectly captures the late, great jazz pianist just as he was starting his 40-plus-year roll.
Natural Information Society’s ‘Since Time Is Gravity’ Derives Energy From Communion
The music Joshua Abrams makes with his Natural Information Society is at once inviting, spell-inducing, and consciousness provoking.
Charles Mingus at His Unruly, Instigative Peak on ‘The Lost Album From Ronnie Scott’s’
Charles Mingus’ The Lost Album From Ronnie Scott’s is right there next to his most blistering records from the 1960s. It’s that good.
The Prolific Wadada Leo Smith Releases ‘A Love Sonnet for Billie Holiday’ and ‘The Chicago Symphonies’
Every drum stroke and every breath blown on Wadada Leo Smith’s A Love Sonnet for Billie Holiday and The Chicago Symphonies carries multitudes of meaning.
Christopher Parker’s ‘Soul Food’ Lets Everyone Do What They Want
Soul Food is a stepping stone for Christopher Parker in finding his voice as a bandleader. It’s impressive that jazz this free can be played with so much restraint.