The Squid's Ear Magazine


Daisy, Tim / Ken Vandermark: Fourth Atlas (Not Two)

A solid duo recording from long-time Chicago collaborators Ken Vandermark (tenor & baritone saxophones, Bb & bass clarinets) and Tim Daisy (drums & percussion), captured in the studio in Chicago, blending focused free jazz with intricate free improv, as the two navigate dynamic contrasts, rich textures, and conversational interplay with seemingly telepathic precision.
 

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product information:

Personnel:



Ken Vandermark-tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, Bb clarinet, bass clarinet

Tim Daisy-drums, percussion


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Label: Not Two
Catalog ID: MW1038
Squidco Product Code: 35735

Format: CD
Condition: New
Released: 2025
Country: Poland
Packaging: Cardboard Gatefold
Recorded at Electrical Audio, in Chicago, Illinois, on January 14th, 2023.

Descriptions, Reviews, &c.

Fourth Atlas marks the latest chapter in the enduring collaboration between Chicago-based improvisers Ken Vandermark and Tim Daisy. Recorded on January 14th, 2023, at Electrical Audio in Chicago, this album showcases Vandermark's versatility on tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, Bb clarinet, and bass clarinet, alongside Daisy's dynamic work on drums and percussion.

Vandermark and Daisy's partnership spans over two decades, beginning with their time in the influential ensemble, The Vandermark 5. Daisy joined the group in 2002, contributing to albums such as Elements of Style/Exercises in Surprise (2004) and A Discontinuous Line (2006). Their synergy continued beyond the quintet, leading to various duo projects that explore the depths of free jazz and improvisational music.

In 2016, they released The Conversation, a duo album that exemplified their intuitive interplay and shared musical vision. Critics noted their ability to navigate complex improvisational landscapes with seamless communication. This release solidified their reputation as a formidable duo in the avant-garde jazz scene.

Fourth Atlas continues this trajectory, offering listeners a profound exploration of spontaneous composition and instrumental dialogue. The album captures the raw energy and intricate textures that have become the hallmark of their collaborations. Fans of avant-garde jazz and free improvisation will find this recording a compelling addition to Vandermark and Daisy's expansive discography, and as a testament to the enduring creative partnership between two of Chicago's most innovative musicians.


Artist Biographies

"Born in Warwick, Rhode Island on September 22nd, 1964, Ken Vandermark began studying the tenor saxophone at the age of 16. Since graduating with a degree in Film and Communications from McGill University during the spring of 1986, his primary creative emphasis has been the exploration of contemporary music that deals directly with advanced methods of improvisation. In 1989, he moved to Chicago from Boston, and has worked continuously from the early 1990's onward, both as a performer and organizer in North America and Europe, recording in a large array of contexts, with many internationally renowned musicians (such as Fred Anderson, Ab Baars, Peter Brötzmann, Tim Daisy, Hamid Drake, Terrie Ex, Mats Gustafsson, Devin Hoff, Christof Kurzmann, Fred Lonberg-Holm, Joe McPhee, Paal Nilssen-Love, Paul Lytton, Andy Moor, Joe Morris, and Nate Wooley). His current activity includes work with Made To Break, The Resonance Ensemble, Side A, Lean Left, Fire Room, the DKV Trio, and duos with Paal Nilssen-Love and Tim Daisy; in addition, he is the music director of the experimental Pop band, The Margots. More than half of each year is spent touring in Europe, North America, and Japan, and his concerts and numerous recordings have been critically acclaimed both at home and abroad. In addition to the tenor sax, he also plays the bass and Bb clarinet, and baritone saxophone. In 1999 he was awarded the MacArthur prize for music."

-Ken Vandermark Website (http://kenvandermark.com/2013/10/made-to-break-biography/)
4/23/2025

Have a better biography or biography source? Please Contact Us so that we can update this biography.

"Tim Daisy (percussion) has been an active member of Chicago' s creative music scene since moving there in 1997. He has performed, composed, recorded, and toured with many of the city's celebrated musicians and ensembles, including the Engines, KLANG, the Rempis Percussion Quartet, the Resonance Ensemble, and the Vandermark 5. In addition, Tim maintains an active composing schedule, writing for his own bands (such as Vox Arcana and Group 4-34) as well as contributing music to a number of collaborative projects- including chamber groups, jazz ensembles, dance, and film. He has had the fortunate experience to perform and record with many great improvisers both from around the world, including: Fred Anderson, Jim Baker, Jeb Bishop, Magnus Broo, Xavier Charles, James Falzone, Erik Friedlander, Per-Ake Homlander, Fred Lonberg-Holm, Nate McBride, Joe McPhee, Dave Rempis, Steve Swell, Mikolaj Trzaska, Havard Wiik, Waclaw Zimpel, and Michael Zerang. Besides a regular concert schedule in Chicago, Tim has toured throughout North America and Europe, and has performed at numerous international music festivals."

-Ken Vandermark Website (http://kenvandermark.com/2013/10/made-to-break-biography/)
4/23/2025

Have a better biography or biography source? Please Contact Us so that we can update this biography.


Track Listing:



1. Stray 4:05

2. In Low Light 10:16

3. Cardboard 6:23

4. Plates With Glass 6:51

5. Discrete Charm 5:39

6. Sight Derail 9:25

7. Tapes 4:26

8. Three Fourths Of The Time 4:30

Related Categories of Interest:


Improvised Music
Jazz
Free Improvisation
Chicago Jazz & Improvisation
Duo Recordings
Recordings by or featuring Reed & Wind Players
Percussion & Drums
Saxophone & Drummer / Percussionist Duos
Ken Vandermark
Staff Picks & Recommended Items
New in Improvised Music
Recent Releases and Best Sellers

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