Two string masters--Mat Maneri on viola and Daniel Levin on cello--recording at The Village in Copenhagen, Denmark in an album titled for psychologist and philosopher Carl Jung, reflecting the balance between intuitive spontaneity and pre-established conditions.

Daniel Levin's quartet with trumpeter Nate Wooley, vibraphonist Matt Moran and bassist Peter Bitenc, modern and organic improvisation with incredible technique and aesthetic.

This exquisite improvising trio in a passionate and lyrical sequence of group improvisations, introducing one of Toronto's extraordinary creative music ensembles.

Leveraging the concept of the geometrically impossible Penrose Triangle, the trio of Sebastian Lexer (piano), Eddie Prevost (percussion) and Seymour Wright (sax) perform three permutations of duos and one full trio.

Part of the Alike As Trees Festival 2011, pianist plus Sebastian Lexer met Christoph Schiller on spinet at The Rag Factory in London to record these intense and unexpected improvisations from two key instruments by two key London players.

3 recordings from 3 live concerts in 3 London boroughs, including the 2012 Freedom of the City Festival, bringing together master improvisers Evan Parker (saxophone), Eddie Prevost (Percussion) and Sebastian Lexer (piano) for unpredictable and exhilarating dialog.

Two live sets of exemplary improvisation: the first revelatory encounter of pianist Sebastian Lexer and drummer/percussionist Steve Noble from 2011, and a more considered and spacious meeting in 2014, both from London's Cafe OTO.

Dazwischen means in-between, and these works by pianist, electronic artist and AMM associate Sebastian Lexer bridge the electronic, compositional, and free improv worlds with subtlety.

A quintessential NY release from Brooklyn poet Steve Dalachinsky and saxophonist Dave Liebman with special guest pianist Richie Beirach, in 14 insightful works referencing and dedicated to Cecil Taylor, Billie Holiday, Jackson Pollock, Steve Lacy, &c &c.

Merging the sensibilities of compositional, jazz, and free improvised music, pianist Thollem McDonas and Lukas Ligeti on drums and electric "marimba lumina" create a hybrid that takes the best of all three in distinctive, disciplined, and heartfelt ways.

Frode Gjerstad in a duo with long time colleague Chicago cellist Fred Lonberg-Holm for 9 pieces performed in 2012, with Gjerstad on bass saxophone, Bb and bass clarinets and Lonberg-Holm on cello; open-ended dialog of compatible approaches to free improvisation.

The complete Freedom Of The City 2007, 1st The London Improvisers Orchestra alone, then the Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra (invited by Evan Parker) then both together.

Four improvisations from the London Improvisers Orchestra's monthly appearances at the Red Rose with Harry Beckett, Evan Parker, Steve Beresford, Lol Coxhill, &c. &c.

Looper (Nikos Veliotis, Martin Kuchen and Ingar Zach) in Another Timbre's Silence and After series, layered and slowly moving sound work of great depth and subtlety.

Portugese electric guitarist Luis Lopes with his Berlin Trio of Robert Landfermann on double bass and Christin Lillinger that balances dark tonal work with kicking free improvisation, somewhere between ea-improv and free jazz, a mysterious and absorbing release.

Electronics and natural objects with a common love for the E Bow from this electroacoustic improvising trio recording at Middlesex University in 2009.

Joining noise rock and free jazz, the Louis Minus XVI quartet is fronted by two saxophonists--Adrien Douliez on alto and Jean Baptiste Rubin on tenor--with Maxime Petit on bass and Frederic L'homme on drums, in a balanced album of powerful and introspective compositions.

The last concert of a six day, six concert tour in Bremen, with Paul Lovens on percussion, Paul Hubweber on trombone, and John Edwards on double bass.

Bassist Matthias Bauer and Maria Lucchese on theremin, zither, didgeridoo, launeddas, oceandrum, and gong, perform free improvisation with Bauer providing a solid melodic foundation which Lucchese punctuates and expands in unique and surprising ways.

New York & San Francisco double and single-reedist Steven Lugerner and his quartet with Darren Johnston (trumpet), Myra Melford (piano) and Matt Wilson (drums) present an incredible concept album in 10 tracks of structure free improvisation.

The 3rd release from the duo of Chick Lyall (piano, violin, synthesizers, modules, computer) and David Garrett (drums, percussion, prepared piano, zither, electronics) in an inventive set of pieces that use a "kitchen-sink" approach to creating mesmerizing and inexplicable music.

The first solo electronics and percussion album by radical and legendary British improvisor Paul Lytton since 1979, recorded in the studio in Germany, and using a wealth of homemade instruments, laptop, percussive devices, objects, and electro-mechanical devices.

Rich, subtle and unusual improv from the MillsMusicMafia (MMM) Quartet of Joelle Leandre on double bass, Fred Frith on electric guitar, Alvin Curran on keys, and Urs Leimgruber on sax, recording these spiritual and detailed improvisations live at Jazz em Agosto in Portugal.

Tokyo based transboundary sound & visual artist Yoshio Machida in his 2006 4th release of steel pan music, here solo or multi-tracked without electronics in 7 pieces including one inspired by Satie.

Yoshio Machida's steelpan live recordings in Europe and Japan between 2001-2008; including early pieces by combination of self-made steelpan Gamelan sound and computer to recent acoustic steelpan pieces.

The electroacoustic quartet of Christof Kurzmann (electronics), Devin Hoff (bass), Ken Vandermark (reeds) and Tim Daisy (drums) performing live in Lisbon, an innovative and significant band developing new languages for improvisation.

NY saxophonist Tony Malaby's latest album was recorded with his most consistent collaborators--tubist Dan Peck, cellist Christopher Hoffman, and drummer/percussionist John Hollenbeck--in an album of energetic improv with a unique timbral configuration.

NY Saxophonist Tony Malaby's Paloma Recio with Ben Monder on guitar, Eivind Opsvik on double bass, and Nasheet Waits on drums in a studio album performing Malaby's 4-part "Incantation Suite", lyrically free improvisation with a shimmering essence invoking dreamlike states.

First meeting of experimental musicians Keith Rowe & Radu Malfatti in a 3 disc set: one disc of compositions by Jurg Frey and Cornelius Cardew; one disc of their own compositions; and one disc of improvisation.

The improvising duo of trombonist Radu Malfatti and electronics/sinewave artist Klaus Filip in two extended and beautiful works that investigate the edges of ultraminimalism.

Percussionist Marsh's quartet with Neil Metcalfe (flute), Alison Blunt (violin) and Hannah Marshall (cello) performing at the incredible acoustic space of Peter's Whistable, an intricate album of color and dynamic.

During her stay in London from 2004-2008, saxophonist Chefa Alonso developed a rewarding duo with percussionist Tony Marsh of great technical and musical value, as heard on these excellent recordings from Red Rose and Ryan's Bar in London, and Matadero in Huesca, Spain.

Vancouver's The Trio - drummer Jean Martin, guitarist Justin Haynes, trumpeter Kevin Turcotte - plays the music of...Dr. Seuss (The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T) and Rogers (Oklahoma).

Intensely technical to beautifully pastoral dual acoustic guitars from Parisian Marzan, who has worked with Beresford, Rowe and Russell, and SME alumni Roger Smith.

Surprisingly the first solo album from bassist Marcio Mattos, an important member of the London free improv and jazz scenes since the 70's, here presenting recordings from late 90s and 2000's, and a live recording at St. Mary's Old Church in Stoke Newington, 2010.

Guitarist Luca Mauri (I/O) in a gorgeous record of solo guitar work, semi-ambient drones and effected works of beautiful tonal atmospheres.

Necks drummer and percussion Tony Buck in a duo from December 2007 performing at the dOeK Festival in Bimhuis, Amsterdam with extended technique pianist Magda Mayas.

European improvisers & associates with an amazing international network of well-known performers, in an improvising quartet of profound acoustic interaction.

Berlin pianist Magda Mayas, working with Tony Buck as recording engineer, performs inside and out of the piano in an amazing display of timbre and technique.

The adaptive improvising/electro-acoustic trio of Maybe Monday in their 3rd release with guests Gerry Hemingway, Carla Kihlstedt, Ikue Mori, and Zeena Parkins.

A beautifully evolving set of duos, or "paths" from Philadelphia saxophonist Keir Neuringer and Polish bassis Rafal Mazur, using monumental technique to support a dialog that's technical and intensely focused while remaining lyrically sophisticated and imaginative.

A collection of solo recordings by acoustic guitarist Jim McAuley, an improviser who redefines the classic instrument and whose music embodies aspects of jazz, blues, folk, and contemporary classic.

Guitarist and string player Jim McAuley's "The Ultimate Frog" is a double album made up of duets with artists Leroy Jenkins, Nels Cline, Ken Filiano, and Alex Cline.

The duo of percussionist Gerry Hemingway and guitarist Terrence McManus in seven absorbing improvisations on rhythm, melody, harmony, and sonic exposition.

A burning spiritual session inspired by John Coltrane's "Live at the Village Vanguard Again" that began when Jamie Saft told Joe Morris about his deep admiration for Alice Coltrane's playing, adding McPhee and Downs as the perfect complement to realize this excellent album.

In 1979 Joe McPhee, working with CJR produced Craig Johnson, recorded this set of overdubbed recordings of himself performing on saxes, trumpet and flugelhorn over original compositions showcasing solo, duo, trio and quartet contexts, an album of virtual McPhee ensembles!

A distinctive solo album from legendary New York saxophonist and pocket trumpeter Joe McPhee, playing two extended solo improvisations, one dedicated to the late trumpeter Don Cherry, and one to innovative saxophonist Ornette Coleman.

The first in a series of releases from Bug Incision's archive of late saxophonist Dan Meichel, from recordings in Calgary in 2008 showing Meichel's articulately heavy style against Dadge's inventive drumming and percussion.

1974 recordings at WKCR in NYC from the quintet of Charles Brackeen (flute & sax), Ahmed Abdullah (trumpet), William Parker (bass), Roger Blank (drums) and Tony Waters (percussion), beautifully recorded and essential free improvisation.

Six works recorded in Amsterdam from electric guitarist Enrique Mendoza, performed by himself or saxophonist Boglarka Nagy, or flutist Jos Zwaanenburg, each track featuring live electronics.

A member of the French ONJ (Orchestre National de Jazz), saxophonist Metzger also works with a variety of real-time transformation music software; this is an excellent review of his compositions and his unique voice in modern improvisation.

Serbian violist Szilard Mezei trio with double bassist Ervin Malina and drummer/percussionist Istvan Csik, in two extended works that blend seemingly chaotic approaches to improvisation with subtle and spacious playing, a tremendous achievement.

Serbian string player and band leader Szilard Mezei in an impressive solo performance of three works - Heat; Snow; and Chrom - performed on viola and double bass.

A trio of Michigan creative music improvisers with wind player Piotr Michalowski, guitarist Jaime Rodriguez Matos and bassist/trumpter/percussionist Christopher M. Skebo in 3 studio and one live recording.

A long-term studio project/mutant big band merging collage, scored pieces, structured improvisations, cut-up jams, hi- and lo-fi textures, electroacoustic work, and location recording into large and wonderfully unpredictable compositions with few boundaries.

Three groupings and three large works from Portugese trumpeter Sei Miguel, in bands including Rafael Toral, Erenesto Rodrigues, Nuno Tores, &c., performances of scores that he's written over the past 30 years that have never or have rarely been heard previously.

One studio and Two live pieces from this active quartet, led by trumpeter Miguel Sei, mixing tonal brass work with chirping, ringing and scratching electronics and percussion, Sei's muted and airy tone contrasting with a bolder and smeary tone from trombonist Fala Mariam while Toral's electronics works well with Burago's minimal percussive additions, a curious combination that works well in this minimal environment.

UK improviser Matt Milton plays violin & objects, joined also by drummer/object-ist Patrick Farmer, violist David Thomas and voice/breath/snare player Ryan Jewell.

Minton's 3rd release in his doughnut reduction series, solo vocal work in Minton's unique and inimitable style that he hopes will cheer you up in these troubled times.

Chicago flutist Nicole Mitchell's NY band with Craig Taborn (piano & wurlitzer), David Boykin (sax), Chad Taylor (drums & guitar) in a tribute to her mentor, the late saxophonist Fred Anderson and his Velvet Lounge club, in an excellent mix of free and melodic playing.

Art Ensemble founder Roscoe Mitchel on reeds, winds and percussion, in an extended electroacoustic work performed with James Fei on reeds and analog electronics and William Winant on percussion; a composition/improvisation blending sound and space in creative and compelling ways.

The unusual cello duo format is explored by Mitzlaff and Mira in these experimental contemporary improvisations using acoustics and techniques mimicking live electronics to create a uniquely informed music.

A most unusual trio: actually a quartet, this Polish/Ukraine group has three strings (violin, cello, contrabass) with modular synth and electronics reinforcing their sound, less EA than chamber jazz with fascinating orchestration and wonderful harmonic and melodic invention.

Norwegian reedist Frode Gjerstad in three extended duos with legendary South African drummer Louis Moholo for sensitive, creative and engaging freely improvised music from two masters, performed live in concert at Gallery Sult in Stavanger, 2013.

Reedist Frode Gjerstad leads the multi-national quartet of Louis Moholo on drums, Nick Stephens on bass and Fred Lonberg-Holm on cello, 4 superb players in a 4-part free improvisation of animated and intertwining dialog that enthusiastically carries the listener.

The young Norwegian trio of Christian Winther (acoustic guitar), Magnus Nergaard ( double bass) and Jan Martin Gismervik ( double bass) joined by legendary sax player Frode Gjerstad for open-minded, introspective and unpredictable improvisation bridging two generations.

Limited edition CDR from AT's Byways series, a stunning piece for solo cymbal, demonstrating an extraordinary variety and musicality from such limited means.

A series of exceptional compositions by saxophonist Jemeel Moondoc plus one by Alice Coltrane, performed in a variety of group settings, from duos to quintet, with sidemen Matthew Shipp, Roy Campbell, Steve Swell, Hilliard Greene, and Newman Taylor Baker.

The Ex's guitarist Andy Moor plays solo on 16 tracks of overdubbed and multi-tracked guitar that was recorded between 2003 and 2006.

Chicago's 2012 Marshmallow Festival brought together improvising drummer Frank Rosaly with New York guitarist Thurston Moore for a thick 35 minute improvisation that builds in intensity as Moore's drive and Rosaly's vehement interaction take the listener on a monumental journey.

Under the name "Caught on Tape", Sonic Youth guitarist Thurston Moore and John Moloney from Sunburned Hand of the Man deliver a set of heavy duos that swing through quiet dynamics and thick riffs, evoking both free/out jazz and beautiful SY-like rock moments.

A solo electric guitar soundtrack to James Nares' film "Street" performed by Thurston Moore, freely improvising in a dynamic and impressive performance recorded live at the Rubloff Auditorium at the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

Intense acoustic guitar interactions from frequent collaborators Joe Morris (NY) and Chris Cretella (New Haven, CT) in a remarkable display of free fingerstyle guitar improvisations presented in a limited hand-assembled package.

The trio of Joe Morris on guitar, Fausto Sierakowski on alto sax and Nigel Taylor on trumpet in a spirited studio release of collective improvisation using superb technique in beautifully dovetailed dialog.

Live recordings from guitarist Joe Morris, performing solo at Bimhuis in Amsterdam in two Octobers from 2013 to 2014, showing remarkable technical and creative skills while captivating his audience with accessible progressions and story-telling; masterful!

Joe Morris reunites his NY quartet as their last configuration from 2000, with violist Mat Maneri, bassist Chris Lightcap, drummer Gerald Cleaver, and Morris on guitar, bringing us an update on the intently informed collective improvisation that defines this great- band.

Dark, edgy and superb electric guitar work from Joe Morris in a trio with Stave Lantner on electric keyboard and Jerome Deupree on drums, the final part of what Morris calls "Big Loud Electric Guitar Trilogy" that started with "Sweatshop" and "Racket Club", following the Hendrix legacy.