The Squid's Ear Magazine
Free Improvisation


 
Toyozumi, Sabu / Rick Countryman / Simon Tan: The Center of Contradiction
Toyozumi, Sabu / Rick Countryman / Simon Tan:
The Center of Contradiction

(ChapChap Records -- Japan )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

A live recording from Quezon City, Philippines of the free improvising trio of Sabu Toyozumi on drums, Rick Countryman on alto saxophone, and Simon Tan on acoustic bass, bring the first generation Japanese free improviser together with some of the Philippines' brightest free players for two extended improvisations of lyrical excursions and solid and often surprising rhythmic response.

Houle, Francois / Alexander Hawkins / Harris Eisenstadt: You Have Options
Houle, Francois / Alexander Hawkins / Harris Eisenstadt:
You Have Options

(Songlines -- Canada )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

The Canadian trio of clarinetist Francois Houle, pianist Alexander Hawkins and drummer Harris Eisenstadt first met in 2014 for the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, taking several years to get them together again for this beautifully lyrical and sophisticated album of chamber jazz, with compositions from all three plus pieces by Steve Lacy, Andrew Hill and Charles Ives.

Ochs, Larry / Gerald Cleaver: Songs Of The Wild Cave
Ochs, Larry / Gerald Cleaver:
Songs Of The Wild Cave

(RogueArt -- France )


Price: $16.95    




Out of Stock

An extremely unique sax and drums album, as Rova leader Larry Ochs and New York drummer Gerald Cleaver take their tenor and sopranino saxophones, and drums and percussion, into the absolute darkness and stillness of the Portel Cave in the South of France, using the resonance and inspiration of the cave to record these seven incredible improvisations.

Amu (Fujii / Tamura / Itani / Wildenhahn): Weave [CD & DVD]
Amu (Fujii / Tamura / Itani / Wildenhahn):
Weave [CD & DVD]

(Libra -- Japan )


Price: $22.95    




In Stock

Mizuki Wildenhahn adds an unusual percussive instrument through dance to the multi-arts Amu quartet of Wildenhahn, trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, pianist Satoko Fujii, and percussionist Takashi Itani, heard on the CD and seen on the DVD of this 2-disc set of their unorthodox and absorbing live performance at Kanagawa Prefectural Lake Sagami-ko Exchange Center in 2018.

Toyozumi, Sabu / Rick Countryman / Simon Tan: Preludes And Prepositions
Toyozumi, Sabu / Rick Countryman / Simon Tan:
Preludes And Prepositions

(ChapChap Records -- Japan )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Three extended free improvisations recorded in 2017 in Cubao Quezon City from the trio of Rick Countryman on alto saxophone, Simon Tan on acoustic bass, and Japense first generation free improviser Sabu Toyozumi on drums & Erhu (a 2-stringed Chinese instrument), as the trio take their listeners on a marathon session of inspired and playing.

Lussier, Rene  : Quintette
Lussier, Rene :
Quintette

(Circum-Disc -- France )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

Canadian guitarist Rene Lussier formed this quintette in 2016, with Julie Houle on tuba & euphonium, Luzio Altobelli on accordion, and drummers Marton Maderspach & Robbie Kuster, to play the intricate and lyrical pieces he developed, where up to five parts are overlaid at any given time, though the listener only hears the wonderful interplay and exultation of the resulting music.

Melford's, Myra Snowy Egret (w/ Miles / Ellman / Takeishi / Sorey): The Other Side Of Air
Melford's, Myra Snowy Egret (w/ Miles / Ellman / Takeishi / Sorey):
The Other Side Of Air

(Firehouse 12 Records -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




Out of Stock

Taking the reigns as composer, performer and bandleader, New York pianist Myra Melford's exceptional quintet Snowy Egret, with Ron Miles on cornet, Liberty Ellman on guitar, Stomu Takeishi on acoustic bass guitar, and Tyshawn Sorey on drums, present a brilliant album of creative jazz, with lyrical grooves and commanding soloing, a great and thoroughly modern album.

Hopkins, Adam: Crickets
Hopkins, Adam:
Crickets

(Out Of Your Head Records -- USA )


Price: $9.95    




In Stock

A great example of the current Downtown/Brooklyn scene, using jazz as a jumping-off point to merge free playing, fusion, and rock stylings into an enthusiastic, and technically brilliant album, as bassist Adam Hopkins provides the compositions performed with the sextet of Anna Webber, Ed Rosenberg, & Josh Sinton on sax, Jonathan Goldberger on guitar, and Devin Gray on drums.

Ware, David S. Trio: The Balance (Vision Festival XV +)
Ware, David S. Trio:
The Balance (Vision Festival XV +)

(Aum Fidelity -- USA )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

The fourth edition in Aum-Fidelity's DSW-ARC Series (David S Ware Archives), presenting an outstanding and incendiary David S. Ware concert, in trio with William Parker (bass) and Warren Smith (drums & percussion) caught live at the 2010 Vision Festeival, alongside 4 studio tracks recorded in Brooklyn in 2009 during the recording of the "Onecept" album.

Williams, Mars presents : An Ayler Xmas Volume 2
Williams, Mars presents :
An Ayler Xmas Volume 2

(ESP -- USA )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

After releasing "An Ayler Xmas: The Music of Albert Ayler & Songs of Christmas" on Chicago saxophonist Mars Williams' Soul What? Label, ESP approached him for a 2nd volume, resulting in this joyful and quirky holiday record with contributions from Josh Berman, Fred Lonberg-Holm, Kent Kessler, Jeb Bishop, Christof Kurzmann, Didi Kern, Thomas Berghammer, Steve Hunt, Jim Baker and Hermann Stangassinger.

Imai, Kazuo / Roger Turner: Molecules [2 CDs]
Imai, Kazuo / Roger Turner:
Molecules [2 CDs]

(Ftarri -- Japan )


Price: $17.95    




Out of Stock

Caught live at Bar Isshee in Tokyo, Japan in 2017, the duo of Kazuo Imai (nylon string guitar) and Roger Turner (snare drum, tom tom, cymbals, metal & wood) present two distinct sets, each one on a separate CD, the first using open but continuous playing of great control and precision, the second a more unpredictable and assertive set of unorthodox interplay.

Sugimoto, Taku / Stefan Thut: Taku Sugimoto / Stefan Thut
Sugimoto, Taku / Stefan Thut:
Taku Sugimoto / Stefan Thut

(Ftarri -- Japan )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

Two performers related by Wandelweiser--guitarist Taku Sugimoto and cellist Stefan Thut--met at oslo10 in Switzerland to perform two concerts with one composition from each: Stefan Thut uses chance operations changing the music's direction at the prompt of rolled dice; Sugimoto use sustained notes and ebow in a subtle but effective sound work.

Guionnet, Jean-Luc / Seijiro Murayama: Idiophonic
Guionnet, Jean-Luc / Seijiro Murayama:
Idiophonic

(Ftarri -- Japan )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

The 4th album from Japanese percussionist Seijiro Murayama and Parisian Jean Luc Guionnet, typically a saxophonist but here on pipe organ, presenting three live improvisations named for idiophones, instruments that creates sound by vibrating without the use of strings or membranes, with two improvisations at a church in Berlin and one at a church in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Gayle, Charles Trio: Look Up
Gayle, Charles Trio:
Look Up

(ESP-Disk -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




Out of Stock

A vigorous performance by Charles Gayle (saxophone, clarinet, voice), Michael Bisio (bass) and Michael Wimberly (drums) that was recorded live in 1994 and features lively gospel music.

Rose, Simon / Nicola L. Hein: Shug Monkey
Rose, Simon / Nicola L. Hein:
Shug Monkey

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

A "shug monkey" is a cryptid, a creature that may or may not exist, supposed to have features of a dog and a monkey, an odd but apt reference for the unusual improvisations by Berlin-based saxophonist Simon Rose and guitarist Nicola L. Hein, one of 8 tracks named for unusual creatures and mythological beings, each described in sound through extended techniques and powerful playing.

Halvorson, Mary / Joe Morris: Traversing Orbits
Halvorson, Mary / Joe Morris:
Traversing Orbits

(RogueArt -- France )


Price: $16.95    




Out of Stock

Two of this generation's most influential and skilled guitarists, Mary Halvorson and Joe Morris bring their distinct styles and jaw-dropping mastery of their instruments into a duo of collective improvisation, neither player using effects but instead impressing by (often high-speed) lyricism, incredibly precise interaction, and the warmth their long association brings to them.

Morris, Joe / DoYeon Kim: Macrocosm
Morris, Joe / DoYeon Kim:
Macrocosm

(Glacial Erratic -- USA )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

Performing on the Korean gayageum (also known as kayagum), Do Yeon Kim joins Joe Morris performing on guitar for five incredible string improvisations using a diversity of approaches from both players, including pointillistic improv, rich rivers of chords, languid moments of beauty, and moments where it's difficult to discern who is playing what.

Brotzmann, Peter / Heather Leigh: Sparrow Nights
Brotzmann, Peter / Heather Leigh:
Sparrow Nights

(Trost Records -- Austria )


Price: $16.95    




In Stock

Reedist Peter Brotzmann and guitarist Heather Lee has been one of Brotzmann's most current active collaborations, performing together for several years, here recorded beautifully in the studio for a 6-track LP and 10-track CD of sympathetic, emotional and articulate dialog from two musicians with an innate sense of timing and give and take borne from mutual experience.

Brotzmann, Peter / Heather Leigh: Sparrow Nights [VINYL 2 LPs]
Brotzmann, Peter / Heather Leigh:
Sparrow Nights [VINYL 2 LPs]

(Trost Records -- USA )


Price: $28.95    




Out of Stock

Reedist Peter Brotzmann and guitarist Heather Lee has been one of Brotzmann's most current active collaborations, performing together for several years, here recorded beautifully in the studio for a 6-track LP and 10-track CD of sympathetic, emotional and articulate dialog from two musicians with an innate sense of timing and give and take borne from mutual experience.

J. & F. Band, The (Fonda / Jaimoe / Tononi + Bjorkenheim, Caruso, Mandarini, Paganelli): From The Ro
J. & F. Band, The (Fonda / Jaimoe / Tononi + Bjorkenheim, Caruso, Mandarini, Paganelli):
From The Roots To The Sky [2 CDs]

(Long Song Records -- Canada )


Price: $17.95    




In Stock

Outstanding instrumental work as New York improvising bassist Joe Fonda and Allman Brothers drummer Jaimoe join forces with Italian jazz musicians Tiziano Tononi, Alberto Mandarini, Gianluigi Paganelli, Beppe Caruso and Finnish guitarist Raoul Bjorkenheim, plus a host of guest musicians, as they hybridize jazz, rock, blues, avant and jam music with consummate skill.

Kuchen, Martin / Ed Pettersen / Roger Turner: The End Of The Universe
Kuchen, Martin / Ed Pettersen / Roger Turner:
The End Of The Universe

(Split Rock Records -- USA )


Price: $11.95    




In Stock

Swedish saxophonist Martin Kuchen (Angles), US guitarist Ed Pettersen, and UK percussionist Roger Turner join together in London for a studio album of improvisations referencing the vastness of space through the exploration of textures and sounds, influenced by the "Interstellar Transmissions" album that improvised with the sounds of the Voyager spacecraft.

New Monuments (Dietrich / Spencer / Hall): New Earth
New Monuments (Dietrich / Spencer / Hall):
New Earth

(Pleasure of the Text Records -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




Out of Stock

Burning free improvisation from the New Monument trio of saxophonist Don Dietrich (Borbetomagus), violinist/vocalist C. Spencer Yeh, and drummer Ben Hall ( Graveyards), their 3rd formal album after releases on Bocian and Important Records, as the trio tangle strings, reeds and drums in a turbulent set of improvisations that scorch the earth to make something new.

Wachsmann / Taylor / Mattos / Brighton: Strings
Wachsmann / Taylor / Mattos / Brighton:
Strings

(FMR -- UK )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

Three strings, percussion and electronics from the quartet of Phillip Wachsmann on violin, electronics, Trevor Taylor on percussion, electronics, Marcio Mattos on bass, cello, electronics, and Ian Brighton on electric guitar, which grew out of the 2016 return of guitarist Ian Brighton and his String Thing, released on FMR as "Reunion: Live From Cafe Oto".

Carrier, Francois  / Michel Lambert / John Edwards: Elements
Carrier, Francois / Michel Lambert / John Edwards:
Elements

(FMR -- UK )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

Two concerts, one at l'Klectik Art Lab in London, one at the 20th Festival Jazz Cerkno, 2015, from the free improvising trio of Quebec saxophonist Francois Carrier and drummer Michel Lambert, and UK bassist John Edwards, three exemplary examples of modern free improvisation taking an excursive approach that reveals earnest lyricism and propulsive rhythm.

Allaway, Mark / Malcolm Ball / Paul Downing: Free Trio
Allaway, Mark / Malcolm Ball / Paul Downing:
Free Trio

(FMR -- UK )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

A trio of prodigious UK improvisers--saxophonist Mark Allaway (Quadrophonic woodwind group, Itchy Fingers); drummer Mark Ball who has worked in improv and contemporary music, and is a noted Ondes Martenot player; and bassist and composer Paul Downing--in an album of explorative and embracing improvisation with lyrical and relaxed approaches to jazz.

Lencastre, Jose Nau Quartet: Eudaimonia
Lencastre, Jose Nau Quartet:
Eudaimonia

(FMR -- UK )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

The Portuguese ensemble Nau Quartet led by alto saxophonist Jose Lencastre, with Rodrigo Pinheiro on piano and Hernani Faustino on bass (both members of Red Trio) plus Joao Lencastre on drums, in their second album of beautifully hazy improvisation, building and receding in authoritative conversations of innovative and inspired playing; excellent.

Dunmall, Paul / Alan Niblock / Mark Sanders: Dark Energy
Dunmall, Paul / Alan Niblock / Mark Sanders:
Dark Energy

(FMR -- UK )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

Recording in the studio in Derry, North Ireland in 2015, the trio of saxophonist Paul Dunmall on tenor with Alan Niblock on bass and Mark Sanders on drums present 5 exemplary jazz improvisations, Dunmall slowly building his solos with incredible displays of dexterity, but also with beautiful lyrical smears and expressions, as the bass and drums flurry around him; profound.

Mezei, Szilard / Albert Markos Duo: KOD
Mezei, Szilard / Albert Markos Duo:
KOD

(FMR -- UK )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

Improvised duos between Serbian violist Szilard Mezei and Hungarian cellist Albert Markos, for more than 15 years, with two previous albums recorded (Korom (Creative Sources, 2008), and "Der" (Bandcamp, 2016), this third album presents 5 interconnected works of subtle and impressive technique as the two string players trade approaches in a fascinating conversation.

Mezei, Szilard Tul A Tiszan Innen Ensemble: Citromfa [2CDS]
Mezei, Szilard Tul A Tiszan Innen Ensemble:
Citromfa [2CDS]

(FMR -- UK )


Price: $18.95    




Out of Stock

Violist Szilard Mezei's Serbian jazz-folk group Tul a Tiszan Innen Ensemble is a twelve-piece band that functions as a small orchestra playing a range of complex to spacious compositions and arrangements from Mezei, using themes from Hungarian folk songs from Vojvodina to create expansive compositions over which the adept members of his ensemble improvise.

Ikui Doki (Bernado / Mayot / Rinaudo): Ikui Doki
Ikui Doki (Bernado / Mayot / Rinaudo):
Ikui Doki

(Ayler -- France )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Winners of the Jazz Migration and tour JMF 2018, the chamber jazz trio of Sophie Bernado (bassoon), Hugues Mayot (saxophone & clarinet) and Rafaelle Rinaudo (harp & effects) share their passion for creative music that embraces composition and improvisation, springboarding off composers like Debussy while transferring warmth and vision into free jazz; magnificent.

Perelman, Ivo / Matthew Shipp: Oneness [3 CDs]
Perelman, Ivo / Matthew Shipp:
Oneness [3 CDs]

(Leo Records -- UK )


Price: $42.95    




In Stock

A significant release culminating the partnership of saxophonist Ivo Perelman and pianist Matthew Shipp, a distillation of their work after 8 duo recordings and dozens of collaborative albums, this 3 CD presents their work together in nearly telepathic terms: sympathetic and intimate without irascibility, a beautiful and introspective reflection of a shared ethic.

Carlson, Dustin (w/ Mitchell / Gentile / Hopkins / Morgan / Trudel / Gouker): Air Ceremony
Carlson, Dustin (w/ Mitchell / Gentile / Hopkins / Morgan / Trudel / Gouker):
Air Ceremony

(Out Of Your Head Records -- USA )


Price: $9.95    




In Stock

A strong album of modern creative jazz from New York guitarist Dustin Carlson, in a septet with Matt Mitchell on synth, Kate Gentile on drums, Adam Hopkins on bass, Nathaniel Morgan on alto saxophone, Eric Trudel on baritone saxophone, Danny Gouker on trumpet, sophisticated, intricate, lyrical and compelling compositions driving the enthusiasm and exuberance of their "ceremony"!

Surruralists, Les (Bull / Normand / Grossman / Jacques / Berirau): La Way Qu'a Do
Surruralists, Les (Bull / Normand / Grossman / Jacques / Berirau):
La Way Qu'a Do

(Tour de Bras -- France )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Slyly crossing modern improv and EAI approaches in a surreal take on early bottleneck, banjo and slide blues styles from the Quebec quintet of Arthur Bull on harmonica, voice, guitar & electronics, Eric Normand on banjo, voice & bass, Ben Grossman on "old wheel", Anne-Francoise Jacques on engines, and Gabriel Rochette on trombone; sincere and eccentric.

Insect-ions (Pascal Landry / Mick Barr): out.over.forever
Insect-ions (Pascal Landry / Mick Barr):
out.over.forever

(Tour de Bras -- France )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Acoustic guitar intermeshes with electric guitar as Canadian guitarist Pascal Landry and New York guitarist Mick Barr, both of whom play in heavy rock and free improvisation settings, meet in Queens, NY to record this intense album of free playing using a diverse set of approaches, intertwining their strings in an insectile swarm of notes and timbres.

Plant (Jim Denley / Eric Normand): II
Plant (Jim Denley / Eric Normand):
II

(Tour de Bras -- France )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Separated by 1,000 KMs and speaking a different language, the collaboration of Quebec bassist Eric Normand and Australian saxophonist Jim Denley, both dedicated experimenters, share a common aesthetic in free improvisation as they release their third album: five dialogs using reeds, electric bass, drums, objects and tools to create unusual sonic conversations.

BROM (Lapshin / Ponomarev / Kurilo): Sunstroke [VINYL]
BROM (Lapshin / Ponomarev / Kurilo):
Sunstroke [VINYL]

(Trost Records -- Austria )


Price: $22.95    




Out of Stock

Super heavy free jazz with a rock sensibility that also quotes and references the greats, including a track dedicated to Charles Mingus, from the Moscow trio of Dmitry Lapshin on double bass, Anton Ponomarev on saxophone, and Yaroslav Kurilo on drums, founded in 2008 but only now gaining global acknowledgement of their informed and ferocious brand of improv.

Chicago Edge Ensemble (Phillips / Drake / Williams / Bishop / Pablan): Insidious Anthem
Chicago Edge Ensemble (Phillips / Drake / Williams / Bishop / Pablan):
Insidious Anthem

(Trost Records -- Austria )


Price: $16.95    




Out of Stock

Drawing together some of Chicago's finest improvisers--leader Dan Phillips on guitar, Mars Williams on saxophones, Jeb Bishop on trombone, Krzysztof Pabian on double bass, and Hamid Drake on drums--for their second album, a balance set of creative jazz tunes with solid compositions that lend themsevles to exultant soloing, unusual sonic moments, and great collective playing.

Zorn, John: In A Convex Mirror
Zorn, John:
In A Convex Mirror

(Tzadik -- USA )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

Three pieces of "sonic voodoo" with John Zorn improvising on saxophone over the hypnotic Hatian influenced drumming of Ches Smith, while Downtown NY experimenter Ikue Mori provides swirls of sound and other aural additions, Zorn's incredible technique, lyrical skills and unusual twists and turns keeping the listener captivated over compelling and rich rhythm.

Bailey, Derek / Vertrek Ensemble: Departures
Bailey, Derek / Vertrek Ensemble:
Departures

(Volatile Records -- Canada )


Price: $7.95    




Out of Stock

After only their first album as a duo, the Edmonton, Canada duo Vertrek Ensemble of Vadim Budman on electric and acoustic guitar & cornet and Ron de Jong on percussion, travelled to London in 1998 to record a session with legendary free improviser Derek Bailey, this album of open-minded, uniquely voiced and beautifully captured improvisation the result.

Vertrek Ensemble : Another Idea Of North
Vertrek Ensemble :
Another Idea Of North

(Volatile Records -- Canada )


Price: $7.95    




In Stock

The Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Vertrek Ensemble of Vadim Budman on guitars and trumpet and Ron de Jong on percussion, in their first album, collecting solos, duos, and trios with guests Mark Kelly on banjo and Ian Birse on guitar & effects, predating their albums with legendary improvisers Derek Bailey and Euguene Chadbourne.

Nabatov, Simon String Trio: Situations
Nabatov, Simon String Trio:
Situations

(Leo Records -- UK )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

As much a composed work as a work of improvisation, pianist and composer Simon Nabatov's String Trio with Garteh Lubbe on viola and Ben Davis perform six Nabatov compositions, chamber jazz works that express in both buyouantly intricate and languourosly beautiful abstraction, each piece leaving room for each player to improvise and express themselves.

Watts, Heath / M.J. Williams / Nancy Owens / Blue Armstrong : Sensoria
Watts, Heath / M.J. Williams / Nancy Owens / Blue Armstrong :
Sensoria

(Leo Records -- UK )


Price: $11.15    




Out of Stock

Saxophonist Heath Watts' 3rd Leo release is an album of free improvisation with three Montana jazz mavens--Blue Armstrong on double bass, MJ Williams on trombone, piano & melodica, and Nancy Owens on violin--in nine recordings of sophisticated and intelligent interaction that naturally evolves new directions of irrepressibly enjoyable and diverse conversation.

Chadbourne, Eugene / Vertek Ensemble: Dimsum, Dodgers, And Dangerous Nights
Chadbourne, Eugene / Vertek Ensemble:
Dimsum, Dodgers, And Dangerous Nights

(Volatile Records -- Canada )


Price: $7.95    




Out of Stock

Documenting the meeting of guitarist Eugene Chadbourne, also singing on "If I Were a Bell", with the Edmonton, CA-based Vertrek Ensemble of Ron de Jong on percussion and Vadim Budman on guitars and trumpet, in a city Chadbourne lived in 25 years prior, as he returns for a serious and well recorded album of informed free improv, plus one solo Chad track from a concert during his visit.

Walter, Weasel : Skhiizm
Walter, Weasel :
Skhiizm

(ugEXPLODE -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




Out of Stock

Drummer Weasel Walter turns to his love of furious metallic music in this intimidating album of chaotic, noisy skronk rock in a solo album played on guitars, drums and electronics accompanied by distorted grunts that add a disturbing layer to the madness; aggressively skillful and demanding, intended to be played LOUD, with a take-no-prisoners, no-apology attitude.

Evans, Peter / Weasel Walter: Poisonous
Evans, Peter / Weasel Walter:
Poisonous

(ugEXPLODE -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




Out of Stock

"Poisonous" is an auditory hallucination created with simple tools--acoustic trumpet and drums--from NY free improvisers Peter Evans and Weasel Walter, presenting seven pieces of forceful, modern abstraction, blurring the lines between composition and improvisation in a display of impeccable technical skill, mindboggling energy, and wonderfully twisted inspiration.

Escalante, Martin / Weasel Walter: Lacerate
Escalante, Martin / Weasel Walter:
Lacerate

(ugEXPLODE -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




Out of Stock

A uniquely bizarre and brilliant pairing between drummer Weasel Walter and saxophonist Martin Escalante, Walter an incessantly active drummer, here in absurdly impressive technique on drums and bass pedal in the face of and complementing Escalante's truly extreme use of the sax, at times like a steroidal bird call of savage intent; jaw dropping!

Hamar Trio (Holm / Faustino / Morao): Yesterday Is Here
Hamar Trio (Holm / Faustino / Morao):
Yesterday Is Here

(Clean Feed -- Portugal )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Drawing from two live performances, one at Salao Brazil in Coimbra, the other at SMUP Parede in Lisbon, from the trio of Norwegian multi-reedist Klaus Ellerhusen Holm (Ballrog), and Portuguese double bassist Hernani Faustino (Red Trio) and drummer/percussionist Nuno Morao (The Selva), for four spontaneous improvisations of great depth and mastery.

Clarke, Zack: Mesophase
Clarke, Zack:
Mesophase

(Clean Feed -- Portugal )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Mesophase: matter that is neither liquid or solid, sharing properties of both; pianist and electronic artistZack Clarke's inspired album shares properties of improvisation, experimental/ea and through-composed music, performed with fellow NY-ers Chris Irvine (cello), Charlotte Greve (winds), Nick Dunston (double bass), and Leonid Galaganov (percussion, waterphone & shakuhachi).

Toscano, Ricardo Quartet : Feat. Joao Pedro Coelho, Romeu Tristao & Joao Lopes Pereira
Toscano, Ricardo Quartet :
Feat. Joao Pedro Coelho, Romeu Tristao & Joao Lopes Pereira

(Clean Feed -- Portugal )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Saxophonist Ricardo Toscano's Quartet with Joao Pedro Coelho on piano, Romeu Tristao on bass, and Joao Lopes Pereira on drums, a great example of modern Portuguese mainstream jazz that pays homage to the masters of bop and the Blue Note era, in a lyrical album of Toscano original compositions, alongside a rendering of Herbie Hancock's "The Sorcerer".

Cusa, Franc esco & The Assassins Meets Duccio Bertini: Black Poker
Cusa, Franc esco & The Assassins Meets Duccio Bertini:
Black Poker

(Clean Feed -- Portugal )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

The Italian free improv quartet The Assassins (Francesco Cusa, drums; Giulio Stermieri, piano; Flavio Zanuttini, trumpet; Giovanni Benvenuti, sax) joins together with the classical chamber string ensemble, Florence Art Quartet (Daniele Iannaccone, violin; Lorenzo Borneo, violin; Agostino Mattioni, viola; Cristiano Sacchi, cello) in a wonderful hybrid of both approaches.

Zanuttini, Flavio Opacipapa: Born Baby Born
Zanuttini, Flavio Opacipapa:
Born Baby Born

(Clean Feed -- Portugal )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Italian trumpeter Falvio Zanuttini (Arbe Garbe) leads his bassless trio with Piero Bittolo Bon on alto sax and Marco D'Orlando on drums through 8 Zanuttini compositions, exciting free jazz with a lyrical bent and a playful attitude, the unique orchestration driving the players into post-bop territory with great parallel interaction in the horns and swinging drums - impressive!

Way Ahead, The (Roligheten / Alberts / Barno / Aleklint / Stahl / Hoyer / Ostvang): Bells, Ghosts An
Way Ahead, The (Roligheten / Alberts / Barno / Aleklint / Stahl / Hoyer / Ostvang):
Bells, Ghosts And Other Saints

(Clean Feed -- Portugal )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

An incredibly informed and modern album of free jazz drawing on an Albert Ayler influence from the Norwegian and Swedish septet of Andre Roligheten on tenor saxophone, clarinet, Kristoffer Alberts on alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, Niklas Barno on trumpet, Mats Aleklint on trombone, Mattias Stahl on vibraphone, Ola Hoyer on double bass, and Tollef Ostvang on drums.

Drone Trio (Davis / Frith / Greenlief): Lantskap Logic
Drone Trio (Davis / Frith / Greenlief):
Lantskap Logic

(Clean Feed -- Portugal )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Recording in the Bay Area at the Mills College Chapel in Oakland, the Drone Trio of Fred Frith on electric guitar, Phillip Greenlief using extended techniques on alto & tenor saxophones, and Evelyn Davis on the Chapel's pipe organ, use the natural resonance of the chapel and their masterful skills as improvisers to evolve fervid and powerfully sonorous environments.

Foster, Michael / Michael Zerang / Katherine Young: Bind the Hand(s) That Feed
Foster, Michael / Michael Zerang / Katherine Young:
Bind the Hand(s) That Feed

(Relative Pitch -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Captured at Elastic in Chicago, the free improvising trio of Katherine Young on bassoon & electronics, Michael Zerang on percussion, and Michael Foster on soprano & tenor saxophones, use contrasting timbres and techniques throug wind instruments, percussion and electronics to create unusual and captivating dialog, evolving with great composure, a sense of wonder, and mastery.

Timespine (Sa  / Kilma / Trips): Urban Season
Timespine (Sa / Kilma / Trips):
Urban Season

(Shhpuma -- Portugal )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Resonant and upbeat exploratory free improvisation in the 2nd album from the Portuguese trio of Dead Combo guitarist To Trips, and String Theory members, Adrian Sa on zither, field recordings & reactive software and John Klima on electric fretless bass, in beautifully rambling melodic work with unusual sonic environments and asides, an appealing and absorbing album.

Fujii, Satoko Orchestra Tokyo: Kikoeru, Tribute to Masaya Kimura
Fujii, Satoko Orchestra Tokyo:
Kikoeru, Tribute to Masaya Kimura

(Libra -- Japan )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

Completing a year of monthly albums for pianist Satoko Fujii's "kanreki", or 60th birthday, is this impressive and cathartic album written for Fujii's Orchestra Tokyo as a tribute to late tenor saxophonist and 10 year orchestra member Masaya Kimura, with four compositions from Fujii and two from trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, in an album of both profound testimonly and celebratory release.

Gate, The (Peck / Blancarte / Osborne): Island Virus
Gate, The (Peck / Blancarte / Osborne):
Island Virus

(Tubapede -- USA )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

NY Tuba-driven trio The Gate led by Dan Peck on tuba & effects, with Tom Blancarte on upright electric bass and Brian Osborne on percussion, in a studio album of shorter pieces exploring the dark side of the huge brass instrument and the band's dark, enormous sound, with tongue-in-cheek titles like "Black Bird of Death Spewing Death Puke"; ominously impressive.

Gate, The (Peck / Blancarte / Osborne): Live! [CASSETTE w/ DOWNLOAD CODE]
Gate, The (Peck / Blancarte / Osborne):
Live! [CASSETTE w/ DOWNLOAD CODE]

(Tubapede -- USA )


Price: $7.95    




In Stock

The NY based, long-running trio The Gate led by Dan Peck on tuba and effects, with double bassist Tom Blancarte and drummer Brian Osborne, in a cassette culled from live concerts in Hannover and Brussels while on a European tour in November of 2015, "a brutally unfiltered representation of The Gate's special brand of spontaneous composition."

Carter, Daniel / Patrick Holmes / Matthew Putman / Hilliard Greene / Federico Ughi: Telepatia Liquid
Carter, Daniel / Patrick Holmes / Matthew Putman / Hilliard Greene / Federico Ughi:
Telepatia Liquida [CD + DOWNLOAD CODE]

(577 Records -- USA )


Price: $16.00    




In Stock

Recorded on the last night of 577's Forward Festival 2017 in Brooklyn, the quintet of Daniel Carter (reeds & trumpet), Patrick Holmes (clarinet), Matthew Putman (piano), Hilliard Greene (bass) and Federico Ughi (drums) take their audience on three remarkable journeys of almost chamber-oriented collective free jazz, adventurous and not-to-be-missed examples of modern jazz.

Tiger Hatchery : Breathing In The Walls [VINYL]
Tiger Hatchery :
Breathing In The Walls [VINYL]

(ESP -- USA )


Price: $25.95    




Out of Stock

Raucous and determined free jazz from Chicago's power-jazz trio Tiger Hatchery of Michael Forbes on saxophones, Andrew Scott Young on basses, and Ben Billington on drums, in their fifth album blending noise-rock and intelligent aggression with traditionally unorthodox approaches, keeping their pieces short and stinging as they find order in controlled cacophony.

Chrysakis, Thanos / Sue Lynch / James O'Sullivan / Joe Wright : Iridescent Strand
Chrysakis, Thanos / Sue Lynch / James O'Sullivan / Joe Wright :
Iridescent Strand

(Aural Terrains -- Greece/UK )


Price: $17.95    




In Stock

Very much in an AMM mold of electroacoustic improvisation, this album of intense cooperation and sonic depth presents five sections numbered by Roman numerals, performed in the studio by the adept and investigative quintet of Thanos Chrysakis on computer & synthesizers, Sue Lynch on reeds, James O'Sullivan on guitar, and Joe Wright on sax & dynamic feedback system.

Holland, Dave Feat. Evan Parker / Craig Taborn / Ches Smith: Uncharted Territories [VINYL 3 LPS]
Holland, Dave Feat. Evan Parker / Craig Taborn / Ches Smith:
Uncharted Territories [VINYL 3 LPS]

(Dare2 Records -- E.U. )


Price: $32.95    




Out of Stock

Reuniting bassist Dave Holland with saxophonist Evan Parker, a longtime friend from their early days in London, and joined by Craig Taborn on piano and electronics, and Ches Smith on percussion, as the group performs as a quartet and also in a variety of permutations of duo and trio configurations, in a set of rich and informed dialogs of masterful skill.

Bopp, Christiane: Noyau de Lune
Bopp, Christiane:
Noyau de Lune

(Fou Records -- France )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

A tour-de-force of solo improvisation from French trombonist Christiane Bopp, flawlessly captured by sound engineer Jean Marc Foussat, as Bopp transforms her instrument through technical skill, lyrical ability, and unusual technique, creating virtual duets, furtive expression, and thundering emotion, an absolutely impressive example of modern trombone language.

Royston, Rudy: Flatbed Buggy
Royston, Rudy:
Flatbed Buggy

(Greenleaf Music -- USA )


Price: $14.45    




Out of Stock

The third album from drummer Rudy Royston features his new chamber-like quintet featuring Gary Versace (accordion), John Ellis (woodwinds), Hank Roberts (cello) and Joe Martin (bass) playing music inspired by Royston's upbringing in Texas, lyrical and sophisticated modern jazz from a drummer frequently called upon by jazz masters Bill Frisell, JD Allen, or Dave Douglas.

Ward, Greg Presents Rogue Parade: Stomping Off From Greenwood
Ward, Greg Presents Rogue Parade:
Stomping Off From Greenwood

(Greenleaf Music -- USA )


Price: $14.45    




Out of Stock

Returning to his native Chicago after a stint in NYC, saxophonist Greg Ward (Tortoise) formed this new group with Matt Gold and Dave Miller (guitars & effects), Matt Ulery (bass), and Quin Kirchner (drums), recording this impressive album of modern jazz: lyrical, funky and perfectly paced, engaging but never indulgent, with unexpected compositional twists and turns.

Stein's, Jason Locksmith Isidore: After Caroline [VINYL]
Stein's, Jason Locksmith Isidore:
After Caroline [VINYL]

(Northern Spy -- USA )


Price: $19.95    




Out of Stock

The fourth release from Chicago bass clarinetist Jason Stein's Locksmith Isidore, a trio with Jason Roebke on bass and New York drummer Mike Pride, playing modern creative jazz with a twisted melodic sense through Stein's original compositions, alongside one collective comoposition and John Coltrane's "26-2", a great example of 21st century jazz.

Parker / Bishop / Karayorgis / McBride / Gray: The Diagonal Filter
Parker / Bishop / Karayorgis / McBride / Gray:
The Diagonal Filter

(Not Two -- Poland )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

Uniting masterful players from across the East Coast into the Boston area, with Boston pianist Pandelis Karayorgis, Boston native/Chicago-based bassist Nate McBride, DC drummer Luther Gray, North Carolina/Chicago-based trombonist Jeb Bishop, and Chicago guitarist Jeff Parker, in a strong album of lyrical free jazz with compositions from all five players.

Zorn, John: SALEM, 1692
Zorn, John:
SALEM, 1692

(Tzadik -- USA )


Price: $17.95    




Out of Stock

NY Composer John Zorn and Dowtown luminary John Zorn's instrumental quartet of Trevor Dunn on bass, Kenny Grohowski on drums, Julian Lage on guitar, and Matt Hollenberg on guitar in their second album of fiery improvisation, focusing on the Salem Witch Trials of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1692 through superlative playing and passionate improvisation; burning!

HMMH (Hetu / Martel / Mouchous / Hubsch): Fleur de chaos
HMMH (Hetu / Martel / Mouchous / Hubsch):
Fleur de chaos

(Ambiances Magnetiques -- Canada )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

A quartet of creative improvisers from Montreal--Joane Hetu (sax and voice), Pierre-Yves Martel (viola da gamba, harmonica), Emilie Mouchous (synth)--and from Germany--Carl Ludwig Hubsch (tuba)--blend conventional instruments with objects and profound techniques to create detailed and carefully controlled aural environments, enveloping the listener in rich, imaginative environments.

Derome, Jean : Sudoku pour Pygmees
Derome, Jean :
Sudoku pour Pygmees

(Ambiances Magnetiques -- Canada )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

The meticulous and magnificently creative mind of wind player and composer Jean Derome used a 2010 Sudoko puzzle as a guide for his "Sudoko Pour Pygmees", presented alongside "7 Dances (for 15)" and "5 Thoughts (for hard rubber)", performed by an octet of Montreal mainstays including Pierre Tanguay, Pierre Cartier, Guido Del Fabbro, Bernard Falaise, &c.

Whim Ensemble (Ofer Pelz / Preston Beebe): Pre-Fall
Whim Ensemble (Ofer Pelz / Preston Beebe):
Pre-Fall

(Ambiances Magnetiques -- Canada )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Prepared piano and percussion from Ofer Pelz and Preston Beebe, the percussionist using a diverse set of approaches to drums, cymbals and devices, blurring the sonic distinctions with Israeli-born Montreal-based pianist Ofer Pelz, whose preparations transform the piano in remarkable ways as the two focus on time, texture, space, and ambiance through seven fascinating improvisations.

Monicker (Scott Thomson / Arthur Bull / Roger Turner): Spine
Monicker (Scott Thomson / Arthur Bull / Roger Turner):
Spine

(Ambiances Magnetiques -- Canada )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

Legendary UK drummer Roger Turner and Canadian guitarist Arthur Bull, seasoned improvisers since the 70s and already working as a duo, joined with Montreal trombonist Scott Thomson during Thomson's 2017 residency in Halifax through suddenlyListen, touring and recording this album of propulsive and dynamic creative improvisation during their 2018 tour of Eastern Canada.

Freedman, Lori: Excess
Freedman, Lori:
Excess

(Collection QB -- Canada )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

Using voice, kick drum, electronics with immersive spatialization, and bass clarinet, Lori Freedman presents an exhilarating and impressive live performance at Montreal's Studio 270, exploring the beauty of extremes, her playing and incredible sense of timing the culmination of her 11-city North American tour titled "The Virtuosity of Excess"; absolutely impressive.

Quatuor Bozzini: Simon Martin: Musique d'art
Quatuor Bozzini:
Simon Martin: Musique d'art

(Collection QB -- Canada )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

The Montreal string quartet Quatuor Bozzini of Alissa Cheung on violin, Clemens Merkel on violin, Stephanie Bozzini on viola, and Isabelle Bozzini on cello is extended with double bassist Pierre-Alexandre Maranda as they perform composer Simon Martin's work of long tones and timbres, exploring the nature and philosophy of sound, and our relationship to it.

Bauer, Matthias: Spontan In Granit
Bauer, Matthias:
Spontan In Granit

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

Berlin double bassist Mathias Bauer, a member of Unitedberlin, Asian Art, Junge Music and mosaik, and half of the duo Alchimia Organica, presents a series of 18 solid and diverse spontaneous improvisations, most averaging under 3 minutes, captivating the listener through articulate momentum, exceptional technique, and inventive narrative.

Baumann, Franziska / Udo Schindler: Blue Sonic Vibrations
Baumann, Franziska / Udo Schindler:
Blue Sonic Vibrations

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

German saxophonist and leader of the Salon for Klang + Kunst started the Improx, or "The X for the Unknown and the Unheard" with Gunnar Geisse, here in the third edition of the series with Swiss free improvising vocalist Franziska Baumann, captured live at two performances in 2018 in Germany & Switzerland, for unusual, quick-witted and innovative interchanges.

Diceros (Rodrigues / Mira / Silva / Curado / Almeida / Chagas /...): 3 Phases (III) Black
Diceros (Rodrigues / Mira / Silva / Curado / Almeida / Chagas /...):
3 Phases (III) Black

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

"3 Phases", or 3 aspects of the approach that violist Ernesto Rodrigues applies to improvisation, in 3 different groupings over 3 different concerts at O'Culto da Ajuda, in Lisbon, here in an electroacoustic ensemble with Miguel Mira, Guilherme Rodrigues, Joao Silva, Eduardo Chagas, Paulo Curado, Noel Taylor, Miguel Almeida, Andre Holzer, Andre Hencleeday, Carlos Santos, and Joao Valinho.

Octopus: Mimus
Octopus:
Mimus

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

The 8-limbed creature that is Creative Source's Octopus presents their 3rd album of diaphanous improvisation, using two reeds (clarinet & tenor sax), trumpet, resonator guitar, viola, double bass, snare drums and electronics, as they slowly prowl in subaqueous and subtle improvisation of powerful technique, cautiously moving with rich details and deft direction.

Petzold, Dietrich / Ernesto Rodrigues / Guilherme Rodrigues : Ljubljana
Petzold, Dietrich / Ernesto Rodrigues / Guilherme Rodrigues :
Ljubljana

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

German violinist & composer Dietrich Petzold joins violist Ernesto Rodrigues and cellist Guilherme Rodrigues, Petzold also bringing along a viola, clavichord and bowed metal objects, as the three perform live at SKUC Gallery, in Ljubljana, Slovenia for the 6 improvisations that build from languid tonal environments to detailed, rapid improv, all with remarkable control and patience.

Rodrigues, Ernesto / Albert Cirera / Rodrigo Pinheiro / Carlos Santos: 3 Phases (I) White
Rodrigues, Ernesto / Albert Cirera / Rodrigo Pinheiro / Carlos Santos:
3 Phases (I) White

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

"3 Phases", or different aspects of the approach that violist Ernesto Rodrigues applies to improvisation, in three different groupings over three different days, all live at O'Culto da Ajuda, in Lisbon, Portugal in 2018, here in an ea-improv setting with Albert Cirera on tenor saxophone, Rodrigo Pinheiro on piano, & Carlos Santos on field recordings & sine waves.

Rodrigues, Ernesto / Silva / Curado / Parrinha / Almeida / Santos / Valinho: Stratus
Rodrigues, Ernesto / Silva / Curado / Parrinha / Almeida / Santos / Valinho:
Stratus

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

A live performance at Galeria Monumental, in Lisbon of diverse textures, extended techniques, and intent listening from the free improvising septet of Ernesto Rodrigues (viola), Joao Silva (trumpet), Paulo Curado (flute), Bruno Parrinha (alto sax & bass clarinet), Miguel Almeida (classical guitar), Carlos Santos (computer & synth), and Joao Valinho (snare drum & objects).

Rodrigues, Ernesto / Tristan Honsinger / Guilherme Rodrigues / Klaus Kurvers: Ignis Fatuus
Rodrigues, Ernesto / Tristan Honsinger / Guilherme Rodrigues / Klaus Kurvers:
Ignis Fatuus

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Recording in Germany, Creative Source's two Rodrigues'--Ernesto on viola and Guilherme on cello--along with double bassist Klaus Kurvers, celebrate legendary improvising cellist Tristan Honsinger's birthday in this studio album of active playing with a chamber quartet feeling through superb technical skills yielding electrifying string improvisation.

Schindler, Udo / Georges-Emmanuel Schneider: Kontergesang (Counter-Singing)
Schindler, Udo / Georges-Emmanuel Schneider:
Kontergesang (Counter-Singing)

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Eleven instrumental works with each piece based on and emulating the sound characteristics of blackbirds, such as "whistling", "squealing", or "flutes", captured in a live concert at multi-reedist Udo Schindler's Salon fur Klang+Kunst in Krailling in Berlin, from the duo of Schindler and long-time musical collaborator, violinist Georges-Emmanuel Schneider, also on live electronics.

Space Trio (Bratanov / Hajigrudev / Angelov): Space Trio
Space Trio (Bratanov / Hajigrudev / Angelov):
Space Trio

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

An album of free improvisation from the Bulgarian trio of Jivko Bratanov on piano, Vasil Hajigrudev on double bass, and Georgi Angelov on percussion, obliquely referencing the jazz tradition while steering from idiomatic tendencies, pushing themselves through dialog that emphasizes unusual sounds through technique, with a strong percussive element from all players.

Zwerv (Taubenfeld / Vicente / Lucifero / Zwerver / Chientaroli / ven der Weide / Hadow): Music From
Zwerv (Taubenfeld / Vicente / Lucifero / Zwerver / Chientaroli / ven der Weide / Hadow):
Music From Any Moment

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Guitarist Henk Zwerver leads this collective free improvising band in their second release, now extended to a septet with the addition of Salvoandrea Lucifero on trombone, joining Zwerver: Ziv Taubenfeld on bass clarinet, Luis Vicente on trumpet, Nico Chientaroli on piano, Raoul ven der Weide on double bass, objects, and George Hadow on drums.



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