The Squid's Ear Magazine
Compact Discs


 
Alcorn, Susan Quintet: Pedernal
Alcorn, Susan Quintet:
Pedernal

(Relative Pitch -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

An innovator in integrating pedal steel guitar into modern improvised music, Cleveland-born, Baltimore-based pedal steel guitar player Susan Alcorn's quintet enlists a superb set of New York players--Mark Feldman on violin, Michael Formanek on double bass, Mary Halvorson on guitar, and Ryan Sawyer on drums--taking on a diverse set of Alcorn compositions.

Lane / Grassi / Whitecage: Drunk Butterfly
Lane / Grassi / Whitecage:
Drunk Butterfly

(Clean Feed -- Portugal )


Price: $13.95    




Out of Stock

A superb trio of NY improvisers and composers whose collective work bridges the divide between free playing and jazz tradition, a kind of avant swinging bebop.

Lisbon Improvisation Players (Amado / Gonzalez / Goncalves/ Pedroso / Mitzlaff): Spiritualized
Lisbon Improvisation Players (Amado / Gonzalez / Goncalves/ Pedroso / Mitzlaff):
Spiritualized

(Clean Feed -- Portugal )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock
Sun Ra And His Outer Space Arkestra: A Fire Side Chat With Lucifer
Sun Ra And His Outer Space Arkestra:
A Fire Side Chat With Lucifer

(Modern Harmonic -- USA )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

This reissue of the 1983 Saturn Research LP presents two aspects of the Sun Ra Arkestra, the first side with the 80's classics "Nuclear War" along with "Retrospect" and "Makeup"; the second side presenting the extended and more experimental "A Fireside Chat with Lucifer", a 20 minute well balanced, open framework that allows for both melodic soloing and extended free exchanges.

Chen, Audrey / Phil Minton : Frothing Morse
Chen, Audrey / Phil Minton :
Frothing Morse

(Tour de Bras -- Canada )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Two innovators of free vocal improvisation come together for a concert at Santa Chiara Nuova Church during the 2015 ImprovvisaMente festival in Lodi, Italy, setting aside Chen's cello and electronics to focus on pure voice interactions, each using their unique language and technique in a single 37 minute performance of intrepid, inexplicable and unique improv.

Muller, Matthias / Eric Normand / Petr Vrba: Triche!
Muller, Matthias / Eric Normand / Petr Vrba:
Triche!

(Tour de Bras / Circum-Disc -- Canada )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

A set of informed avant/abstract acoustic and electroacoustic improvisations recorded in the studio in Austria in 2019, from the transatlantic trio of Euro free jazz legend, trombonist Matthias Muller, Quebec bassist Eric Normand on electric bass, and innovative trumpeter Petr Vrba also deploying electronics, the trio's interaction focused on patient and inspired sonic detail.

GGRIL + Jean-Luc Guionnet: Tatouages Miroir
GGRIL + Jean-Luc Guionnet:
Tatouages Miroir

(Tour de Bras / Circum-Disc -- Canada )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Jean-Luc Guionnet composes for the Le Grand Groupe Régional d'Improvisation Libérée (GGRIL) directed by bassist Éric Normand, with an 11-piece ensemble recording in the studio for a work of tension and release through fitful sections that explores contrast and unison, space and contraction, guided by a wonderful sense of mystery and surprise.

Taylor, Trevor: Oscillations 12 Tone Music For Jazz Quintet
Taylor, Trevor:
Oscillations 12 Tone Music For Jazz Quintet

(FMR -- UK )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

Exploring the jazz tradition through 12 tone serial tone row scales, along with graphic scores & other variations, from UK composer Trevor Taylor, also on drums & vibraphones, in a quintet with Shanti Paul Jayashina on trumpet, Josh Ison on saxophones, Dan Banks on piano, and Jose Canha on Double Bass, in a set of tunes that beautifully balance freedom and lyricism.

Dunmall, Paul with Metcalfe / Owston / Jozwiak: Unmasked
Dunmall, Paul with Metcalfe / Owston / Jozwiak:
Unmasked

(FMR -- UK )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

The other side of Paul Dunmall's characteristic saxophone work is heard here on the alto flute, bringing Dunmall together with fellow flutist Neil Metcalf and the rhythm section of James Owston on bass and Tymek Jozwiak on drums for four exceptional improvisations that focus more on interaction and less on soloing, showcasing all four through sophisticated performance.

Schindler, Udo / Jaap Blonk: Lakefront Discussions
Schindler, Udo / Jaap Blonk:
Lakefront Discussions

(FMR -- UK )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

Extremely well paired in their unusual approaches to their instruments both acoustic and electronic, this live recording between Udo Schindler on reed & brass instruments and Jaap Blonk improvising with his voice and using computer electronics, results in eight diverting and inspired recording of extreme creative approaches and impressive technical skill.

Blume, Martin / Lou Houtkamp / Steve Beresford: Shed 1
Blume, Martin / Lou Houtkamp / Steve Beresford:
Shed 1

(FMR -- UK )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

A superb concert of masterful collective improvisation captured live at LOFT Cologne in 2018 from the trio of Luc Houtkamp on tenor saxophone & clarinet, Steve Beresford on piano & objects, and Martin Blume on drums & percussion, in three extended improvisations, thoughtful work building to periods of powerful passion while maintaining a reflective introspectiveness.

Schindler, Udo / Ove Volquartz: Tales About Exploding Trees And Other Absurdites
Schindler, Udo / Ove Volquartz:
Tales About Exploding Trees And Other Absurdites

(FMR -- UK )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

A convergence of reeds across the range of clarinets, from double bass clarinet to piccolo clarinet, in this live recording at Udo Schindler's 88th SALON fur Klang+Kunst in Krailling/Munich between reedists Schindler and Ove Volquartz, with particular emphasis on the deepest of reeds, the most challenging of clarinets, handled masterfully by both players.

In Layers  (Marcelo Dos Reis / Onno Govaert / Kristian Martinsson / Luis Vicente): Pliable
In Layers (Marcelo Dos Reis / Onno Govaert / Kristian Martinsson / Luis Vicente):
Pliable

(FMR -- UK )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

Portuguese guitarist Marcelo Dos Reis and trumpeter Luís Vicente, Icelandic pianist Kristján Martinsson and Dutch drummer Onno Govaert release their 2nd album, moving from the studio to a live concert at Salão Brazil in Coimbra in 2018, performing six collective improvisations of explorative and technically advanced, cutting edge free improv.

Schindler, Udo / Damon Smith / Jaap Blonk: The Munich Sound Studies Vol 2 & 3
Schindler, Udo / Damon Smith / Jaap Blonk:
The Munich Sound Studies Vol 2 & 3

(FMR -- UK )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

Refined and free ranging improvisation between German reedist Udo Schindler performing on bass clarinet, tenor & sopranino saxophones and also on cornet, and US double bassist Damon Smith, recorded 3 days after the first volume in this series, presenting two sets from the same day of informed and diverse dialogs between two masterful improvisers.

Abrams', Joshua Cloud Script: Cloud Script
Abrams', Joshua Cloud Script:
Cloud Script

(RogueArt -- France )


Price: $16.95    




Out of Stock

Double bassist Joshua Abrams provides the compositions for this studio album performed with Ari Brown on tenor sax, Jeff Parker on guitar and Gerald Cleaver on drums, an exceptional quartet of master improvisers who balance lyrical and soulful playing with explorative impulse, fueled by an empathetic responsiveness that only a long history of collaboration can engender.

Metal Chaos Ensemble: Don Quixote
Metal Chaos Ensemble:
Don Quixote

(Evil Clown -- USA )


Price: $11.95    




In Stock

An epic journey through diverse improvisational approaches within a composed framework, using heavy percussion of unusual & world origins, electronics, rock/groove elements and prepared mixes created from samples, from the Boston duo of David Peck (PEK) on reeds & an arsenal of devices & sources, and Yuri Zbitnoff on drums & percussion, with narration points along the way.

Sun Ra: Egypt 1971 [4 CDs]
Sun Ra:
Egypt 1971 [4 CDs]

(STRUT -- UK & US )


Price: $24.95    




Out of Stock

Originally released in 3 LPs as Live in Egypt on Thoth Intergalactic and then as the Saturn albums Dark Myth Equation Visitation, Nidhamu & Horizon, this set reissues and expands the 1971 Sun Ra tour recordings: The Mena House Hotel in Giza; a concert at Hartmut Geerken's in Heliopolis; a live Cairo TV channel broadcast; and a concert at Cairo's the Ballon Theatre.

Zorn, John (Stephen Gosling): The Turner Etudes
Zorn, John (Stephen Gosling):
The Turner Etudes

(Tzadik -- USA )


Price: $17.95    




Out of Stock

A suite of short pieces for solo piano subtitled "Images and Impressions for Piano", composed by John Zorn and performed by frequent Zorn interpreter Stephen Gosling, the works inspired by the sketches of English painter J.M.W. Turner, embracing influences including Ligeti, Scriabin, Bach, Glass, Debussy, Bartok, Berio, Feldman, Xenakis, Schoenberg &c.

Shepp, Archie: Blase And Yasmina Revisited
Shepp, Archie:
Blase And Yasmina Revisited

(ezz-thetics by Hat Hut Records Ltd -- Switzerland )


Price: $18.95    




In Stock

Revisiting two of Archie Shepp's 1969 recordings released on the BYG label as Blasé, and title track to Yasmina, three tracks featuring the vocals of Jeanne Lee, with four band configurations including Dave Burrell, Malachi Favors, Lester Bowie, Roscoe Mitchell, Sunny Murray, Philly Joe Jones, &c., beautifully remastered to bring to light Shepp's pan-stylistic impulses.

Taylor, Cecil Mixed To Unit: Structures Revisited
Taylor, Cecil Mixed To Unit:
Structures Revisited

(ezz-thetics by Hat Hut Records Ltd -- Switzerland )


Price: $18.95    




In Stock

Bringing together two essential and impeccably remastered 1960's Cecil Taylor albums — Cecil Taylor Unit Structures and Cecil Taylor Unit Mixed — presenting both traditional influences and Taylor's unique approaches to modern jazz, featuring two septets with musicians including Jimmy Lyons, Henry Grimes, Archies Shepp, Ted Curson, Andrew Cyrille, Roswell Rudd, Sunny Murray, &c.

RED trio and Celebration Band: Suite 10 Years Anniversary [2 CDs]
RED trio and Celebration Band:
Suite 10 Years Anniversary [2 CDs]

(NoBusiness -- Lithuania )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

The Red Trio of pianist Rodrigo Pinheiro, bassist Hernâni Faustino and drummer Gabriel Ferrandini mark their 10th anniversary as a trio on this 2-CD set of an outstanding concert in Lisboa, PT, joining forces with the 13-member Celebration Band, whose members include John Butcher, Ernesto Rodrigues, Luis Vicente, Sei Miguel, Rodrigo Amado, Mattias Stahl, Carlos Santos, &c.

Rivers, Sam Trio (feat Joe Daley / Dave Holland / Thurman Baker ): Braids: Archive series Volume 4
Rivers, Sam Trio (feat Joe Daley / Dave Holland / Thurman Baker ):
Braids: Archive series Volume 4

(NoBusiness -- Lithuania )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

The fourth volume in the NoBusiness Records Sam Rivers Archive series is this live recording from Hamburg, Germany during River's 1979 tour of Europe, with the multi-instrumentalist performing on tenor & soprano saxophones, flute & piano in a quartet with Joe Daley on tuba, euphonium, Dave Holland on bass, cello, and Thurman Barker on drums.

Abrahams, Chris: Thrown (15th Anniversary Edition)
Abrahams, Chris:
Thrown (15th Anniversary Edition)

(Room40 -- Australia )


Price: $12.99    




Out of Stock

Reissuing The Necks' pianist Chris Abrahams' 2004 solo album, a unique set of recordings that reflects both on his improvisational life and his explorative nature, recorded using a Positive Organ, Forte Piano, DX 7 and an acoustic piano, each piece evoking distinct sonic environments and approaches to playing and compositions that makes sense in the overall presentation.

Durand, Werner: Schwingende Luftsaulen 3
Durand, Werner:
Schwingende Luftsaulen 3

(ANTS Records -- Italy )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

A beautifully hypnotic album of wind music, especially on the Pan-Ney, an instrument developed by Berlin composer Werner Durand, along with electronics and a piece using the talking drum as performed by Marika Falk, presenting early works from the 1990s that bridge both improvisation and composition with an embraceable sound that reveals underlying complexity.

White, John: Electric Music [2 CDs]
White, John:
Electric Music [2 CDs]

(ANTS Records -- Italy )


Price: $19.95    




In Stock

English experimental composer and musical performer John White recorded the pieces on this 2 CD retrospective set between 1980 and 1995, a combination of serious, popular and novelty pieces, often exploring areas of contradiction, particularly linear and rhythmic, within an unlikely sound-world in which parameters such as volume, timbre, texture and speed remain fixed.

Graewe, Georg / Sonic Fiction Orchestra: Fortschritt und Vergnugen
Graewe, Georg / Sonic Fiction Orchestra:
Fortschritt und Vergnugen

(Random Acoustics -- Germany )


Price: $17.95    




Out of Stock

First introduced at the "Konfrontationen" festival in Nickelsdorf in 2006, German pianist and composer Georg Graewe's Sonic Fiction Orchestra developed these diverse works of jazz, fusion-tinged, and chamber improv during a residency at the 2018/19 Porgy & Bess in Vienna, recording in the studio in 2020 for this impressive album, particularly the large "Redshift E" composition.

Parker, William: Migration of Silence Into and Out of The Tone World (Volumes 1-10) [10 CD BOX SET]
Parker, William:
Migration of Silence Into and Out of The Tone World (Volumes 1-10) [10 CD BOX SET]

(Centering Records -- USA )


Price: $79.95    




In Stock

A 10-album collection in a solid box set of vocal and instrumental suites recorded expressly for this set between late 2018 and early 2020, with women's voices at its core (both on voice & other instruments), taking a vast view of music from around the globe through free improvisation and re-imagined sonic collage, performed by groupings of extraordinary performers.

Crispell / Prevost / Smith: ConcertOTO
Crispell / Prevost / Smith:
ConcertOTO

(Matchless -- UK )


Price: $17.95    




In Stock

American pianist Marilyn Crispell joined London Improviser's Orchestra saxophonist & clarinetist Harry Smith and AMM drummer Eddie Prévost for this 2012 concert at London's Cafe OTO, playing in a melodic free jazz mode of passionate interaction and deep communication, resulting in an unforced and naturally masterful set of thoughtfully lyrical improvisation.

Taylor, Cecil Quintet (feat. Harri Sjostrom / Tristan Honsinger / Teppo Hauta-aho / Paul Lovens): Li
Taylor, Cecil Quintet (feat. Harri Sjostrom / Tristan Honsinger / Teppo Hauta-aho / Paul Lovens):
Lifting The Bandstand

(Listen! Foundation (Fundacja Sluchaj!) -- Poland )


Price: $16.95    




In Stock

Though not well documented, free jazz legendary pianist Cecil Taylor's working band for 3 years in the late nineties was this quintet of Harri Sjostrom on soprano saxophone, Tristan Honsinger on cello, Teppo Hauta-aho on double bass, and Paul Lovens on drums, cymbals & gongs, heard in this energetic concert at Tampere Jazz Happening in Finland, 2018.

Cymerman, Jeremiah / Charlie Looker: A Horizon Made of Canvas
Cymerman, Jeremiah / Charlie Looker:
A Horizon Made of Canvas

(Astral Spirits -- USA )


Price: $11.95    




In Stock

A series of ominous duos on the dark side from NY improviser Jeremiah Cymerman on clarinets & pedals, and Charlie Looker (Extra Life, Psalm Zero) on guitars & piano, each of the five pieces exploring murky caverns of warmly bleak environments rendered through Looker's deep piano & guitar work, perforated by cracks of light through Cymerman's riffs & exclamations.

Hatcher, Gerrit Group (Hather / Ernst / Gay / Jackson / Kirshner): The Good Instinct of the Morning
Hatcher, Gerrit Group (Hather / Ernst / Gay / Jackson / Kirshner):
The Good Instinct of the Morning

(Kettle Hole Records -- USA )


Price: $9.95    




In Stock

The first album as a bandleader from Chicago tenor saxophonist Gerrit Hatcher in a full quintet of well-known Chicago improvisers -- cornetist Ben LaMar Gay, tenor saxophonist Keefe Jackson, bassist Katie Ernst, and drummer Julian Kirshner -- in an album that would fit well in the ESP/Ayler free-jazz mode, tipped off by a cover of Charles Tyler's "Man Alone".

Hatcher, Gerrit / Rob Magill / Patrick Shiroishi: Triplet Fawns
Hatcher, Gerrit / Rob Magill / Patrick Shiroishi:
Triplet Fawns

(Kettle Hole Records -- USA )


Price: $9.95    




In Stock

Chicago saxophonist and Kettle Hole label leader Gerrit Hatcher joins with West Coast saxophonists Rob Magill (Weird Cry Records, Dreamcolour) and Japanese saxophonist based in Los Angeles Patrick Shiroishi, for five collective free improvisations of informed saxophone interaction; three approaches to the horn that complement and contrast in fascinating ways.

Devouring the Guilt (Gerrit Hatcher / Bill Harris / Eli Namay): Prison Planet
Devouring the Guilt (Gerrit Hatcher / Bill Harris / Eli Namay):
Prison Planet

(Kettle Hole Records -- USA )


Price: $9.95    




In Stock

The Chicago collective trio of tenor saxophonist Gerrit Hatcher, Lebanese bassist Eli Namay and drummer/percussionist Bill Harris are captured live at Chicago's The Whistler in the summer of 2019 for two extended and exploratory improvisations, showing both technical mastery and a curiosity for new modes of expression through inspired and intuitive conversation.

Lucas, Gary: The Essential Gary Lucas [2 CDs]
Lucas, Gary:
The Essential Gary Lucas [2 CDs]

(Knitting Factory -- USA )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

A retrospective of the work of guitarist and one-time Captain Beefheart Magic Band member Gary Lucas, in two CDs, the first devoted to songs recorded with Lucas' psychedelic jazz-rock band Gods and Monsters, the second devoted to solo works, rarities and collaborations, with an incredible list of performers reflecting Lucas' diverse 40-year career.

Williams, Mars / Vasco Trilla: Spiracle
Williams, Mars / Vasco Trilla:
Spiracle

(Not Two -- Poland )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

A truly unique duo album of sax and drums from Chicago reedist Mars Williams and Spanish percussionist Vasco Trilla, using their immense technical skills to pivot reflective and meditative playing around exuberant free jazz spirit, maintaining a sense of journey and sonic introspection through unusual and extended technique; a beautifully balanced album.

O'Rourke, Jim / Apartment House: Best That You Do This For Me
O'Rourke, Jim / Apartment House:
Best That You Do This For Me

(Another Timbre -- UK )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

The UK ensemble Apartment House commissioned this work from composer & experimenter Jim O'Rourke based on their performance of other O'Rourke works, here interpreting a new graphic score designed like a sonic mobile, creating a minimal yet episodic piece of flexible interpretation as the performers whistle, hum and quietly sing in combination with bowed harmonics.

Fujiwara, Tomas (w / Brennan / Reid): 7 Poets Trio
Fujiwara, Tomas (w / Brennan / Reid):
7 Poets Trio

(RogueArt -- France )


Price: $16.95    




In Stock

Drummer Tomas Fujiwara composed these compositions specifically for his trio with Patricia Brennan (vibraphone) and Tomeka Reid (cello), beautifully orchestrated for the unique combination of instruments and the extraordinary technique of each player, resulting in lyrical improvisation performed with a clarity appropriate for each piece's dedication.

Shipp, Matthew / Evan Parker: Leonine Aspects
Shipp, Matthew / Evan Parker:
Leonine Aspects

(RogueArt -- France )


Price: $16.95    




In Stock

Meeting in France in 2017 for the Festival Météo de Mulhouse, Evan Parker alternating between soprano and tenor saxophones and Matthew Shipp on acoustic piano, present an epic extended improvisation that naturally evolves through several sections, followed by a brief post-script, each musician attentively focused as they support the clarity of each other's playing.

Dunmall, Paul / Matthew Shipp / Joe Morris / Gerald Cleaver: The Bright Awakening
Dunmall, Paul / Matthew Shipp / Joe Morris / Gerald Cleaver:
The Bright Awakening

(RogueArt -- France )


Price: $16.95    




Out of Stock

A brilliant example of trans-Atlantic collective free improv from the quartet of New York free jazz heavies Matthew Shipp on piano, Joe Morris on double bass, Gerald Cleaver on drums, and UK tenor saxophonist Paul Dunmall, playing in the tradition of ecstatic and extended free jazz in a nearly hour long live performance recorded at Roulette in Brooklyn in 2012.

Instant Composers Pool: Incipient ICP, 1966-71 [2 CDs]
Instant Composers Pool:
Incipient ICP, 1966-71 [2 CDs]

(Corbett vs. Dempsey -- USA )


Price: $19.95    




Out of Stock

Founded in 1967 by pianist Misha Mengelberg, drummer Han Bennink, and saxophonist & clarinetist Willem Breuker, this double CD documents the earliest years of the ICP collective through live & studio recordings from 1966-71, with an impressive cast of jazz and contemporary compositional players creating a delightfully diverse set of approaches to improvisation.

Ashbury Stabbins Duo: Fire Without Bricks
Ashbury Stabbins Duo:
Fire Without Bricks

(Corbett vs. Dempsey -- USA )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

A lost gem from of British free sax and drums & percussion duo of saxophonist Larry Stabbins and percussionist Roy Ashbury, originally released in 1976 on the Bead Label, their interplay including masterful and extended techniques from Stabbins and an array of chimes, chains, wood blocks, shakers, and bowed cymbals augmenting Ashbury's kit; captivating dialog.

Chase, Claire: Density 2036 [4 CDs]
Chase, Claire:
Density 2036 [4 CDs]

(Corbett vs. Dempsey -- USA )


Price: $29.95    




Out of Stock

Part of flutist Claire Chase's project to commission a modern body of work for the instrument, this 4-CD set features 17 works by 15 composers, including the multi-part album-long composition "Pan" by Brazilian-born Marcos Balter, with works for the entire flute family from piccolo to contrabass flute; participants include Tyshawn Sorey, Vijay Iyer, Pauline Oliveros, &c.

Nitsch, Hermann: Musik der 155. Aktion [2 CDs]
Nitsch, Hermann:
Musik der 155. Aktion [2 CDs]

(Tochnit Aleph -- Germany )


Price: $26.95    




Out of Stock

Recording of the premiere performance of Hermann Nitsch's large-scale symphony for full orchestra, brass ensemble and choir, in five movement, composed for the 155th Action of the Orgien-Mysterien-Theater, and performed in 2018 as the first action to be staged in the Nitsch Museum, Mistelbach, coinciding with the occasion of Nitsch's 80th birthday.

Ayler, Albert Quintet 1966: Berlin, Lorrach, Paris & Stockholm. Revisited [2 CDs]
Ayler, Albert Quintet 1966:
Berlin, Lorrach, Paris & Stockholm. Revisited [2 CDs]

(ezz-thetics by Hat Hut Records Ltd -- Switzerland )


Price: $19.95    




In Stock

Tenor saxophonist Albert Ayler's 1966 quintet brought a unique orchestration to his music, heard in these live performances in Berlin, Lörrach, Paris & Stockholm in November of 1966, four concerts presented chronologically as performed with the exemplary playing of brother Donald Ayler on trumpet, Michel Samson on violin, William Folwell on bass, and Beaver Harris on drums.

Mori, Ikue / Satoko Fujii / Natsuki Tamura: Prickly Pear Cactus
Mori, Ikue / Satoko Fujii / Natsuki Tamura:
Prickly Pear Cactus

(Libra -- Japan )


Price: $16.95    




In Stock

Extending their previous collaborations during the time of pandemic, NY electronic improviser Ikue Mori and Japanese improvisers Natsuki Tamura on trumpet and Satoko Fujii on piano developed this extraordinary ea-improv album via file exchange, starting with Fujii's piano improvisations to which Mori & Tamura added their layers, with Mori mixing the final, startling results.

Killick: Bull****
Killick:
Bull****

(Solponticello Records -- USA )


Price: $8.95    




In Stock

Killick Hinds plays a custom-made 38 string harp guitar in twelve diverse solo tracks inspired by the pacifist writer Munro Leaf with resonant tones that are at times exciting and others hypnotic.

Weiss, Dan Starebaby: Natural Selection
Weiss, Dan Starebaby:
Natural Selection

(Pi Recordings -- USA )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

The follow-up to NY drummer/composer Dan Weiss's 2018 release Starebaby is an unconventional compounding of electric jazz, doom metal, electronic music, and improvisation, performed with Matt Mitchell on piano & Prophet 6, Craig Taborn on piano, Fender Rhodes & synthesizers, Ben Monder on guitars, and Trevor Dunn on electric bass.

Thumbscrew (Fujiwara / Halvorson / Formanek): Never Is Enough
Thumbscrew (Fujiwara / Halvorson / Formanek):
Never Is Enough

(Cuneiform -- USA )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

Recorded at the same time and influenced by the recording of their 2020 album The Anthony Braxton Project, the NY Thumbscrew trio of Tomas Fujiwara on drums, Mary Halvorson on guitar, and Michael Formanek on double bass & electric bass present 9 original compositions, three pieces from each of the musicians, of melodically inclined forward thinking, creative jazz.

Klaxon Gueule: Entierement Unamies
Klaxon Gueule:
Entierement Unamies

(Ambiances Magnetiques -- Canada )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Perhaps one of the quirkiest releases from the Klaxon Gueule trio of Michel F Côté, Bernard Falaise and Alexandre St-Onge, performing respectively on drums, guitar and bass, and all on synthesizers and computer, recalling early electronic albums while adding a whimsical and alluring edge to their often darker and more experimental prior releases.

Quatuor Bozzini: Alvin Lucier: Navigations
Quatuor Bozzini:
Alvin Lucier: Navigations

(Collection QB -- Canada )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

Performing four of avant composer Alvin Lucier's works composed between 1991 and 2004, the Montreal-based Quatuor Bozzini (Clemens Merkel on violin, Alissa Cheung on violin, Stephanie Bozzini on viola, and Isabelle Bozzini on cello) focus on Lucier's works of sonic exploration, including the intensely harmonic interactions of the album's title work.

Fire!: Defeat
Fire!:
Defeat

(Rune Grammofon -- Norway )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

On their 6th recording as a trio concept, The Fire! trio of Mats Gustafsson (sax), Johan Berthling (bass guitar) and Andreas Werlin (drums) add to their energetic approach to free improvisation through Mats Gustafsson performing on both baritone sax and flute, and by the addition of guests Goran Kajfes on quartertone trumpet and Mats Aleklint on trombone and sousaphone.

Machinefabriek: With Drums
Machinefabriek:
With Drums

(Machinefabriek -- The Netherlands )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Rutger Zuydervelt (aka Machinefabriek) invited 41 drummer/percussionists including Tony Buck, Vasco Trilla, Tim Barnes, Greg Stuart, Cyril Bondi, &c. to take part in a project by recording a few short fills or phrases, which Zuydervelt used as "Lego Bricks" to build a series of short rhythmical collages, the results being 24 diverse and fascinating compositions.

Nagano, Sana (w/ Apflebaum / Matsuno / Filiano / Herternstein): Smashing Humans
Nagano, Sana (w/ Apflebaum / Matsuno / Filiano / Herternstein):
Smashing Humans

(577 Records -- USA )


Price: $16.00    




In Stock

The debut of a new electric jazz quintet from NY violinist Sana Nagano, with Peter Appfelbaum on tenor saxophone & megaphone, Keisuke Matsuno on electric guitar, Ken Filiano on acoustic bass & effects, and Joe Hertenstein on drums, an inventive and energetic album of joyful urgency and tremendous group dynamic, fueled by Nagano's exuberant and lyrical compositions.

Playfield (Carter, Muhr, Ishito, Plaks, Namenwirth, Takahashi, Swanson, Panikkar): Vol. 1
Playfield (Carter, Muhr, Ishito, Plaks, Namenwirth, Takahashi, Swanson, Panikkar):
Vol. 1

(Orbit577 -- Italy )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

The first of a 3-album trilogy Playfield offers the musical equivalency of a walk through the diversity of New York in a loft-style extended improvisation from the octet of Daniel Carter on horns & reeds, Luisa Muhr on voice, Ayumi Ishito on sax, Eric Plaks on piano, Aron Namenwirth & Yutaka Takahashi on guitars, Zach Swanson on bass, and Jon Panikkar on drums.

Futterman, Joel: Transition One
Futterman, Joel:
Transition One

(Creation Music -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

A remarkable tour de force of solo piano improvisation on this self-released album from Virginia-based but New York-associated pianist Joel Futterman, recording in the studio in 2009 for a three-part series of exploratory and profoundly masterful improvisations, captivating with intense and technical passages that yield to lyrically beautiful and expansive playing.

Futterman, Joel / Ike Levin: Live In Chicago
Futterman, Joel / Ike Levin:
Live In Chicago

(JDF/CLM -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

An almost hour long "Rhizome" of free improvisation and a brief "Renewal" from the duo of Joel Futterman on piano and Ike Levin on tenor sax & bass clarinet, performing live at Constellation in Chicago in 2017, for a wonderfully evolving work of suspense, release, technical brilliance and exuberant expression, a dialog that only two such frequent collaborators can evoke.

Nakamura, Toshimaru / Jun Numata: The First Album
Nakamura, Toshimaru / Jun Numata:
The First Album

(Doubtmusic -- Japan )


Price: $16.95    




Out of Stock

A duo improvisation recorded at Shichoshitsu Jinbo-cho, in Tokyo, Japan between no-input mixing electracoustic improviser Toshimaru Nakamura and Doubtmusic label leader and member of mn and MNK, Jun Numata on guitar, oscilator, radio, in a varied and turbulent affair of extreme electronics, sound and noise that takes the listener on a wild ride.

Zorn, John (Gosling / Hashimoto / Roeder / Smith): Heaven and Earth Magick
Zorn, John (Gosling / Hashimoto / Roeder / Smith):
Heaven and Earth Magick

(Tzadik -- USA )


Price: $17.95    




Out of Stock

Zorn's compositions on this album bridge the worlds of contemporary compositional and fully improvised jazz, Zorn conducting a quartet with Stephen Gosling's piano and Sae Hashimoto's vibraphone parts fully notated, while drummer Ches Smith and bassist Jorge Roeder provide an improvisational rhythm section, bringing to life these dynamic and lyrical works.

Zorn, John  Gnosis Quartet: Gnosis: The Inner Light
Zorn, John Gnosis Quartet:
Gnosis: The Inner Light

(Tzadik -- USA )


Price: $17.95    




Out of Stock

John Zorn's Gnostic Quartet of Bill Frisell on guitar, Carol Emanuel on harp, John Medeski on organ, piano & Fender Rhodes, and Kenny Wollesen on vibraphone perform Zorn's melodic compositions dedicated to one of Zorn's earliest mentors, Ennio Morricone, through nine compositions of "beautiful harmonies, a driving rhythmic pulse and stunning lyricism."

Zorn, John (Frisell / Riley / Lage): Teresa de Avila
Zorn, John (Frisell / Riley / Lage):
Teresa de Avila

(Tzadik -- USA )


Price: $17.95    




In Stock

The third and final CD in composer John Zorn's trilogy inspired by historic figures of Christian mysticism, following works for Francesco d'Assisi and Julian of Norwich, these 10 pieces are conducted by Zorn and written specifically for the acoustic guitar trio of Bill Frisell, Julian Lage and Gyan Riley; an album of breathtaking character and inspired playing.

Coltrane, John Quartet: Newport, New York, Alabama, 1963, Revisited
Coltrane, John Quartet:
Newport, New York, Alabama, 1963, Revisited

(ezz-thetics by Hat Hut Records Ltd -- Switzerland )


Price: $18.95    




In Stock

Two quartets performing two live concerts from 1963 led by John Coltrane on tenor & soprano saxophones, the first at the Newport Jazz Festival with McCoy Tyner on piano, Jimmy Garrison on double bass and Roy Haynes on drums, the second at Birdland with Elvin Jones on the drums, plus 2 studio recordings with that quartet at Van Gelder Studio in the same year.

Frith, Fred / Ikue Mori: A Mountain Doesn't Know it's Tall
Frith, Fred / Ikue Mori:
A Mountain Doesn't Know it's Tall

(Intakt -- Switzerland )


Price: $17.95    




Out of Stock

Having worked together for 40 years starting in the 80's in the Downtown NY scene, guitarist Fred Frith and electronic artist Ikue Mori recorded this album in Germany, using studio time left after recording the music for a radio play by Werner Penzel, using that work as an influence for these exceptional improvisations on home made instruments, toys and electronics.

Gibbs, E. Jason: Wolves of Heaven
Gibbs, E. Jason:
Wolves of Heaven

(Orbit577 -- Italy )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

Working in a Derek Bailey vein of solo guitar improvisation, Portland, Maine improviser E. Jason Gibbs presents 14 performances on the acoustic guitar, cohesive pieces of confident development that reference not only the London improviser, but also shades of Americana and a unique voice and set of strategies uniquely his own.

Hawkins, Alexander feat/ Evan Parker + Riot Ensemble: Togetherness Music
Hawkins, Alexander feat/ Evan Parker + Riot Ensemble:
Togetherness Music

(Intakt -- Switzerland )


Price: $17.95    




Out of Stock

Pianist Alexander Hawkins' six movement composition is realized by the UK Riot Ensemble, known primarily for their work with notated contemporary music, adding Evan Parker's incredible soprano sax soloing, and filtered through Matthew Wright's live electronic processing, resulting in this amazing hybrid masterwork that bridges modern 21st Century forms.

Rempis Percussion Quartet, The (w/ Haker Flaten / Daisy / Rosaly): Sud Des Alpes
Rempis Percussion Quartet, The (w/ Haker Flaten / Daisy / Rosaly):
Sud Des Alpes

(Aerophonic -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




Out of Stock

The 10th album from The Rempis Percussion Quartet, the dual-drumming free improvising collective quartet of Dave Rempis on alto & tenor saxophones, Ingebrigt Haker Flaten on bass, and Tim Daisy & Frank Rosaly on drums, celebrating their 15th anniversary as a working band through this exhilarating concert captured during their 2019 European Tour at AMR in Geneva, Switzerland.

Takase, Aki  / Christian Weber / Michael Griener: Auge
Takase, Aki / Christian Weber / Michael Griener:
Auge

(Intakt -- Switzerland )


Price: $17.95    




Out of Stock

Bringing an innate lyricism to free improvisation in the piano trio format, albeit a thoroughly modern take on that format where all performers are equal and active participants, from Aki Takase on piano, Christian Weber on bass, and Michael Griener on drums, performing five Takase originals, one from Griener & Takase, and 8 collective works.

Guedon, Yannick: L'insistance Des Possibles
Guedon, Yannick:
L'insistance Des Possibles

(Edition Wandelweiser Records -- Germany )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

French voice artist and composer Yannick GuŽdon living in Brussels composed this extended work, the title translating to "insistence on possibilities", realized with cellist Deborah Walker and violist Cyprien Busolini, Guédon merging extended utterance into long string drones, contrasted with silence, as the piece moves through very specific placement.

Nordheim / Schmidt / Weinheimer: Das Gekochte
Nordheim / Schmidt / Weinheimer:
Das Gekochte

(Edition Wandelweiser Records -- Germany )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

Sharing compositional credits with the title translating to "the cooked", the trio of Andreas Nordheim on cornet, Ole Schmidt on clarinets, and Chris Weinheimer on flutes, with pianist Jan Gerdes guesting on one piece, present 16 recordings of minimalist harmonic and tonal development, mysterious and haunting works are taxonomically named by their location.

Wittenburg, Florian: Beyond The Traceries
Wittenburg, Florian:
Beyond The Traceries

(Edition Wandelweiser Records -- Germany )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

Various facets of German composer and experimenter Florian Wittenburg's interests, in two iterations of two pieces and two compositions, using voice, vibraphones and ringing bowls, treated electronically to emphasize unique characteristics of sound from warmly rich to mysteriously fragile, balanced with space and careful timing; a valuable introduction to his work.

Wong, Eric: Cognitive Dissonance
Wong, Eric:
Cognitive Dissonance

(Edition Wandelweiser Records -- Germany )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

Guitarist, computer musician, and improviser Eric Wong (D.N.A.N.D.N.A. with Simon Rose) focuses on sound textures and perception of sound, in three works composed using Ableton Live that explore concepts of psychoacoustic sound through dissonance, harmonic interference and hallucinatory sound, slowly developing works of rich sonic characteristic.

Magill / Hatcher / Kirchen / Kirshner: Whole Abandoned Star
Magill / Hatcher / Kirchen / Kirshner:
Whole Abandoned Star

(Kettle Hole Records -- USA )


Price: $9.95    




In Stock

A live concert of collective free improvisation captured at Elastic Arts in Chicago in 2018 between Rob Magill on tenor & soprano saxophones, Gerrit Hatcher on tenor saxophone, Charlie Kirchen on bass, and Julian Kirshner on drums, an energetic and diverse concert in three conversations that allow for great discourse and extended soloing; numbered edition of 150 copies.

Butcher, John / Rhodri Davies: Carliol
Butcher, John / Rhodri Davies:
Carliol

(Ftarri -- Japan )


Price: $14.50    




In Stock

Dark and beautiful improvisation from saxophonist and electronics artist John Butcher and harpist Rhodri Davies, an incredible display of timbre, technique, and pacing.

Lumpeks (Laurain / Borel / Koziel / Beliah): Lumpeks
Lumpeks (Laurain / Borel / Koziel / Beliah):
Lumpeks

(Bolt / Umlaut -- Sweden / France / Germany )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

Bassist Sebastien Beliah leads this French-Polish quartet with Louis Laurain on cornet, Pierre Borel on alto saxophone, and Olga Koziel on voice & percussions, blending free jazz and traditional Polish music & songs with an experimental bent and the flourish of East European folk energy, a passionate mix that entertains and surprises the listener with unexpected twists & turns.

Thollem (w/ Alex Cline / Susan Alcorn): Thollem's Astral Traveling Sessions
Thollem (w/ Alex Cline / Susan Alcorn):
Thollem's Astral Traveling Sessions

(Astral Spirits -- USA )


Price: $11.95    




In Stock

In 2019 pianist Thollem McDonas toured the US -- 12 months and 25 albums worth of recordings -- joining collaborators from a vast spectrum of improvisers and performers, this album presenting two such recordings: one a duo with drummer/percussionist Alex Cline from a live concert in Santa Monica; the other a duo with guitarist Susan Alcorn recorded in Baltimore.

Dunmall, Paul / Keith Tippett / Philip Gibbs / Pete Fairclough: Onosante
Dunmall, Paul / Keith Tippett / Philip Gibbs / Pete Fairclough:
Onosante

(577 Records -- USA )


Price: $16.00    




In Stock

A 4-track collective improvisation project performed by Paul Dunmall (saxophones, fife & bagpipes), pianist Keith Tippett, guitarist Philip Gibbs and drummer Pete Fairclough, recorded at Victoria Rooms at the University of Bristol, UK in 2000 and originally issued on Dunmall's own DUNS label, here reissued 20 years later in the memory of Keith Tippett.

Wooley, Nate (w / Laubrock / Modney / Roberts / Courvoisier / Smythe / Matt Moran / Greenberg): Mutu
Wooley, Nate (w / Laubrock / Modney / Roberts / Courvoisier / Smythe / Matt Moran / Greenberg):
Mutual Aid Music [2 CDs]

(Pleasure of the Text Records -- USA )


Price: $16.95    




Out of Stock

"Mutual aid" is the primary ethic of an anarchistic utopia in which each knows what they have, is honest about what they need, and is prepared to give and receive accordingly; here in 8 compositions from trumpeter Nate Wooley performed with Ingrid Laubrock, Sylvie Courvoisier, Cory Smythe, Josh Modney, Matt Moran, Russell Greenberg, and Mariel Roberts.

Flow Trio w/ Joe Mcphee: Winter Garden
Flow Trio w/ Joe Mcphee:
Winter Garden

(ESP -- USA )


Price: $14.49    




Out of Stock

Joining the exemplary New York City Flow Trio of Louie Belogenis on tenor & soprano saxophones, Joe Morris on bass, and Charles Downs on drums is NY legendary saxophonist & trumpeter Joe McPhee, performing on tenor saxophone in an album of collective free jazz that reminds its listeners of the power of passionately unfettered yet superbly controlled free playing.

Corsano, Chris / Bill Orcutt: Made Out of Sound
Corsano, Chris / Bill Orcutt:
Made Out of Sound

(Palilalia Records -- USA )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

Continuing the collaboration that started in 2013, the duo of drummer Chris Corsano and guitarist Bill Orcutt expand on their free playing during the pandemic, recording remotely, with Orcutt improvising two passes over Corsano's initial drum tracks, creating something that blurs the lines between jazz, rock, folk and something passionately unique to their dialog.

Dorner, Axel / Toshimaru Nakamura: In Cotton and Wool
Dorner, Axel / Toshimaru Nakamura:
In Cotton and Wool

(Ftarri -- Japan )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

Meeting in sound artist and vocalist Yan Jun's studio in Berlin in 2017, trumpeter Axel Dörner and no-input mixer artist Toshimaru Nakamura recorded these four active and bristling improvisations, Dörner using every inch of his instrument and treating it with electronics to create the controlled chaos and richly jarring recordings that make up this, their 2nd album together.

Power, Ian: Diligence
Power, Ian:
Diligence

(Edition Wandelweiser Records -- Germany )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

Two works for solo instrumentalists by Baltimore composer Ian Power, both written in 1984: "mahrem bir eser | a private work" using microtonal harmonics and electronic noise, performed by cellist Mariel Robers and recorded in 2016 at Brandeis Univeristy; and "swathe" using overtone and microtone performed by clarinetist Gleb Kanasevich and recorded in NYC in 2019.

Granberg, Magnus (w/ Miki Maruta / Ko Ishikawa / Toshimaru Nakamura): Come Down to Earth Where Sorro
Granberg, Magnus (w/ Miki Maruta / Ko Ishikawa / Toshimaru Nakamura):
Come Down to Earth Where Sorrow Dwelleth

(Meenna -- Japan )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

Stockholm composer Magnus Granberg's first visit to Japan was to perform at the 2019 Ftarri Festival, adapting his extended and subtle work "Come Down to Earth Where Sorrow Dwelleth", originally composed for the Boston ensemble Ordinary Affects, here reworked for sho, koto, prepared piano and electronics performed by Ko Ishikawa, Miki Maruta and Toshimaru Nakamura.

Strieff, Peter: Chronos-Kairos
Strieff, Peter:
Chronos-Kairos

(Edition Wandelweiser Records -- Austria )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

Exploring the difference between the two Greek concepts of time--chronos (measurable) and kairos (qualitative moments)--Bern composer Urs Peter Schneider's 1973 composition uses synthesizers to measure, divide, experience, forget, free from, and embody time; plus a 1968 composition with Ensemble Nueue Horizon Bern, and two recent works with Ensemble Montaigne.

Denzler, Bertrand / Antonin Gerbal: Sbatax
Denzler, Bertrand / Antonin Gerbal:
Sbatax

(Umlaut Records -- Sweden / France / Germany )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

A burning album of free jazz caught live at Au Topsi Pohl, in Berlin, Germany in 2019 between the long-running duo of tenor saxophonist Bertrand Denzler and drummer Antonin Gerbal, best known for their work in Zoor or Denzler-Gerbal-Dorner, here working an "Interstellar Space" area of strength and energy through intense interaction and cathartic playing.

Good, Kevin: Slow, Silent, Singing
Good, Kevin:
Slow, Silent, Singing

(Edition Wandelweiser Records -- Austria )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

The centerpiece of composer Kevin Good's "Slow" series is this evening-length glockenspiel solo, performed by San Diego based glockenspiel player Michael Jones, the composition of slow, melodic fragments that are increasingly permeated by swathes of silence of increasing length, exploring how the expressivity of the melodies are perceived and framed by these silences.

Gerard, Pierre: Imprevu Visible Inverse
Gerard, Pierre:
Imprevu Visible Inverse

(Edition Wandelweiser Records -- Austria )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

Using guitars, violin, electronics, field recordings, abstract voice, and a "sound knife in the sand", Pierre Gerard recorded this set of 13 works in Liege, Belgium, and Wimereux, France, in 2019, using intuitive approaches to his minimalist electroacoustic compositions as he assembles his elements to convey human gesture and architectural form in sound.



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