Korekyojinn Acoustic
Kaleidoscope
(Magaibutsu Limited)
The Korekyojin trio of Tatsuya Yoshida on percussion, Kido Natsuki on guitar and Mitsuru Nasuno on fretless bass, plus violinist Miyamoto Rei on several tracks, take their intricate and exuberant rock into acoustic territory with this impressive album, which includes acoustic takes on "Arabesque", "Careless Heart", "Four Holes in the Sky", &c.
Mat Maneri / Evan Parker / Lucian Ban
Sounding Tears
(Clean Feed)
Viola improviser and composer Mat Maneri leads this trio with British UK legend Evan Parker on soprano and tenor saxophone and Romanian ex-patriot and frequent collaborator Lucian Ban on piano, for ten compositions blending tradition, song, and improvisational tactics, recalling 20th century modern classical music in addition to jazz.
Nate Wooley
The Complete Syllables Music [4 CD Box Set]
(Pleasure of the Text Records)
Composer, improviser, and trumpet player Nate Wooley continues to cement his place as an American iconoclast by releasing the complete recordings of his revolutionary solo [Syllables] compositions as a deluxe 4 CD set consisting of two reissues of out-of-print early works: 8 [Syllables] (2013) and 9 [Syllables] (2014) as well as the premiere recording of his 150 minute epic For Kenneth Gaburo.
Evan Parker & Sylvie Courvoisier
Either Or And
(Relative Pitch)
A powerful duo recorded in the studio after their 2013 performance at The Stone in NYC from NY pianist Sylvie Courvoisier and UK saxophonist Evan Parker, with extraordinary playing over eight pieces presenting an inspired range of technical and impressionistic styles.
Joe McPhee / Damon Smith / Alvin Fielder
Six Situations
(Not Two)
Frequent collaborators, West Coast double bassist Damon Smith and AACM charter member Alvin Fielder on drums travel north to join free improv saxophone legend Joe McPhee at Roulette in New York City in 2016, recording this excellent example of informed free improvisation.
Frode Gjerstad Trio
Nothing Is Forever
(Circulasione)
Mary Halvorson / Kirk Knuffke / Matt Wilson
Sifter
(Relative Pitch)
Presenting compositions from all three players, the NY-based trio of Kirk Knuffke (cornet), Mary Halvorson (guitar) & Matt Wilson (drums) this exceptional trio play a stripped down, rocking blend of free form improvisation.
Jemeel Moondoc / Hilliard Greene
Cosmic Nickelodeon
(Relative Pitch)
Jemeel Moondoc's third release on New York's Relative Pitch label is this duo with bassist Hilliar Greene, a soulful album of bluesy free playing, Greene's solid finger and bow work anchoring Moondoc for beautiful, informed, quirky and sincerely heartfelt playing.
Jean-Brice Godet Quartet (Godet / Attias / Niggenkemper / Costa)
Mujo
(Fou Records)
The debut album of French clarinetist Jean-Brice Godet, recording with a New York quartet of Michael Attias on alto sax, Pascal Niggenkemper on doublebass, and Carlo Costa on drums for seven tracks of adventerous original compositions, using weaving lines in melodic heads that propel his sidemen to lyrically rich solos and asides.
Linda Smith Catlin
Drifter [2 CDs]
(Another Timbre)
Ten pieces dating from 1995 to 2015 from Canadian composer Linda Catlin Smith, performed by Quatuor Bozzini and Apartment House, the first in Another Timbre's Canadian Composer series, a 2-CD release focusing on Smith's "equal and simultaneous drive toward abstraction and lyricism" in slowly developing, lush and sophisticated compositions.
Trevor Watts / Stephen Grew Duo
All There Is
(Discus)
A strong and enthralling set of dialogs captured live from the working duo of pianist Stephen Grew and saxophonist Trevor Watts on alto & soprano, intricate exchanges of great energy but also great compassion and introspection, a well-rounded set of adventurous exchanges that highlight the incredible skills of both players.
Anthony Pateras
Blood Stretched Out
(Immediata)
A dramatic work for solo piano, exploring sound phenomena in fast repetitions that generate whirlpools of overtones, "Blood Stretched Out" is the primary track on composer & pianist Anthony Pateras' first solo album in 10 years, paired with "Chronochromatics", recorded live at The Loft in Cologne as part of the Plush Music Festival in 2013.
Dunmall / Edwards / Noble / Sanders
Go Straight Around The Square
(FMR)
The stellar quartet of Paul Dunmall on tenor and soprano saxophone, John Edwards on bass, Liam Noble on piano, and Mark Sanders on drums performing 2 extended improvisations balancing energetic playing with contemplative conversation, captured live at the Vortex, in London, England, in 2016.
Ned Rothenberg / Hamid Drake
Full Circle - Live in Lodz
(Foundation Listen)
Two legendary improvisers, Downtown New York multi-reedist and shakuhachi player Ned Rothenberg met Chicago drummer Hamid Drake at Ciagoty I Tesknoty, in Lodz, Poland in 2016 to record this effusive, extraordinary live concert of improvised music, demonstrating both enormous instrumental skill while imparting wonderfully upbeat energy; outstanding!
Matthew Shipp
Invisible Touch At Taktlos Zurich
(Hatology)
A fluid and freely improvised solo set from New York pianist Matthew Shipp performing live at the Taktlos Festival in Zurich, Switzerland, 2016, presenting profoundly virtuosic playing skills and remarkable instincts in a continuous 45 minute set that maintains interest and strong bearing as he takes his audience on a commanding and coherent journey.
Albert Ayler Quartet
Copenhagen Live 1964
(Hatology)
In 1964 Albert Ayler's approach to free improvisation had found its voice, in a quartet supported by the now-legendary players Don Cherry on cornet, Gary Peacock on doublebass, and Sunny Murray on drums, heard live in a well-recorded concert at Club Montmarte, in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1964; ferocious and forward thinking, an astonishing concert!
David Stackenas
Bricks
(Clean Feed)
An amazing solo CD of free improvisation from guitarit David Stackenaus, showing incredible technique and melodic intent, equally at ease when exploring tonality and melody or abstract noisy textures; compelling and impressive playing!
Mario Pavone (Pavone / Ballout / Malaby / Noriega / McEachern / Sarin)
Vertical
(Clean Feed)
Drawing from some of the finest players on the New York Downtown jazz scene, with Dave Ballou on trumpet, Tony Malaby and Oscar Noriega on reeds, Peter McEachern on trombone and Michael Sarin on drums, double bassist Mario Pavone presents a set of 11 new compositions of lyrical and sophisticated jazz anchored by the leader's powerful compositional structures.
Taylor Bynum Ho / John Hebert / Gerald Cleaver
Book of Three: Continuum
(Relative Pitch)
Collective improvisation from Ho Bynum's Book of Three with bassist John Hebert & drummer Gerald Cleaver, following their RogueArt CD with this exceptional album of original compositions plus works from Bobby Bradford, Salim Washington, and Jim Hobbs.
Rafel Mazur / Keir Neuringer
Diachronic Paths
(Relative Pitch)
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.
Sylvie Courvoisier / Mary Halvorson
Crop Circles
(Relative Pitch)
A studio encounter between pianist Sylvie Courvoisier and electric guitarist Mary Halvorson, both using sophisticated techniques giving unique voices to their playing styles, in a set of improvisations that balance playful, subtle, energetic, and emotional playing.
Jerman / Salis / Sanna
KIO GE
(Confront)
A collaboration between American sound artist Jeph Jerman and Italian percussionists Paolo Sanna and Giacomo Salis, twelve intriguing short improvisations using extended techniques and lowercase approaches that include minimal textures, field recordings, abstract atmospheres and organic sounds.
Rachael Wadham / Philippe Lenglet / Bruno Duplant
everydayisagoodday
(Confront)
Starting from John Cage's Zen quote--"Every day is a good day"--the trio of Rachael Wadham on piano, Philippe Lenglet on acoustic guitar and cithar (a type of harp), and contrabass, recorded these improvisations approaching their instruments not for melodies but as tools for experimentation, from which this trio finds a wealth of inventive sound.
Mostly Other People Do The Killing
Loafer's Hollow
(Hot Cup)
New Yorks' Mostly Other People Do the Killing step back in time to the 1930s-40's in modern swing-ear compositions from bassist Moppa Elliott, performed with the amazing septet of Steven Bernstein, Jon Irabagon, Kevin Shea, Ron Stabinksy, David Taylor, and Brandon Seabrook.
Tristan Honsinger / Nicolas Calioa / Jesse Zubot
In The Sea
(Relative Pitch)
The transatlantic string trio of Amsterdam-based cellist Tristan Honsinger (also on voice) with Montreal free improvisers violinist Joshua Zubot and double bassist Nicolas Caloia in an album of informed improvisation that bring an upbeat approach to authoritative dialog which is both sharp-witted and irreverent, but never less than engaging.
Mat Maneri / Evan Parker / Lucian Ban
Sounding Tears
(Clean Feed)
Viola improviser and composer Mat Maneri leads this trio with British UK legend Evan Parker on soprano and tenor saxophone and Romanian ex-patriot and frequent collaborator Lucian Ban on piano, for ten compositions blending tradition, song, and improvisational tactics, recalling 20th century modern classical music in addition to jazz.
Nate Wooley
The Complete Syllables Music [4 CD Box Set]
(Pleasure of the Text Records)
Composer, improviser, and trumpet player Nate Wooley continues to cement his place as an American iconoclast by releasing the complete recordings of his revolutionary solo [Syllables] compositions as a deluxe 4 CD set consisting of two reissues of out-of-print early works: 8 [Syllables] (2013) and 9 [Syllables] (2014) as well as the premiere recording of his 150 minute epic For Kenneth Gaburo.
Evan Parker & Sylvie Courvoisier
Either Or And
(Relative Pitch)
A powerful duo recorded in the studio after their 2013 performance at The Stone in NYC from NY pianist Sylvie Courvoisier and UK saxophonist Evan Parker, with extraordinary playing over eight pieces presenting an inspired range of technical and impressionistic styles.
Joe McPhee / Damon Smith / Alvin Fielder
Six Situations
(Not Two)
Frequent collaborators, West Coast double bassist Damon Smith and AACM charter member Alvin Fielder on drums travel north to join free improv saxophone legend Joe McPhee at Roulette in New York City in 2016, recording this excellent example of informed free improvisation.
Frode Gjerstad Trio
Nothing Is Forever
(Circulasione)
Mary Halvorson / Kirk Knuffke / Matt Wilson
Sifter
(Relative Pitch)
Presenting compositions from all three players, the NY-based trio of Kirk Knuffke (cornet), Mary Halvorson (guitar) & Matt Wilson (drums) this exceptional trio play a stripped down, rocking blend of free form improvisation.
Jemeel Moondoc / Hilliard Greene
Cosmic Nickelodeon
(Relative Pitch)
Jemeel Moondoc's third release on New York's Relative Pitch label is this duo with bassist Hilliar Greene, a soulful album of bluesy free playing, Greene's solid finger and bow work anchoring Moondoc for beautiful, informed, quirky and sincerely heartfelt playing.
Jean-Brice Godet Quartet (Godet / Attias / Niggenkemper / Costa)
Mujo
(Fou Records)
The debut album of French clarinetist Jean-Brice Godet, recording with a New York quartet of Michael Attias on alto sax, Pascal Niggenkemper on doublebass, and Carlo Costa on drums for seven tracks of adventerous original compositions, using weaving lines in melodic heads that propel his sidemen to lyrically rich solos and asides.
Linda Smith Catlin
Drifter [2 CDs]
(Another Timbre)
Ten pieces dating from 1995 to 2015 from Canadian composer Linda Catlin Smith, performed by Quatuor Bozzini and Apartment House, the first in Another Timbre's Canadian Composer series, a 2-CD release focusing on Smith's "equal and simultaneous drive toward abstraction and lyricism" in slowly developing, lush and sophisticated compositions.
Trevor Watts / Stephen Grew Duo
All There Is
(Discus)
A strong and enthralling set of dialogs captured live from the working duo of pianist Stephen Grew and saxophonist Trevor Watts on alto & soprano, intricate exchanges of great energy but also great compassion and introspection, a well-rounded set of adventurous exchanges that highlight the incredible skills of both players.
Anthony Pateras
Blood Stretched Out
(Immediata)
A dramatic work for solo piano, exploring sound phenomena in fast repetitions that generate whirlpools of overtones, "Blood Stretched Out" is the primary track on composer & pianist Anthony Pateras' first solo album in 10 years, paired with "Chronochromatics", recorded live at The Loft in Cologne as part of the Plush Music Festival in 2013.
Dunmall / Edwards / Noble / Sanders
Go Straight Around The Square
(FMR)
The stellar quartet of Paul Dunmall on tenor and soprano saxophone, John Edwards on bass, Liam Noble on piano, and Mark Sanders on drums performing 2 extended improvisations balancing energetic playing with contemplative conversation, captured live at the Vortex, in London, England, in 2016.
Ned Rothenberg / Hamid Drake
Full Circle - Live in Lodz
(Foundation Listen)
Two legendary improvisers, Downtown New York multi-reedist and shakuhachi player Ned Rothenberg met Chicago drummer Hamid Drake at Ciagoty I Tesknoty, in Lodz, Poland in 2016 to record this effusive, extraordinary live concert of improvised music, demonstrating both enormous instrumental skill while imparting wonderfully upbeat energy; outstanding!
Matthew Shipp
Invisible Touch At Taktlos Zurich
(Hatology)
A fluid and freely improvised solo set from New York pianist Matthew Shipp performing live at the Taktlos Festival in Zurich, Switzerland, 2016, presenting profoundly virtuosic playing skills and remarkable instincts in a continuous 45 minute set that maintains interest and strong bearing as he takes his audience on a commanding and coherent journey.
Albert Ayler Quartet
Copenhagen Live 1964
(Hatology)
In 1964 Albert Ayler's approach to free improvisation had found its voice, in a quartet supported by the now-legendary players Don Cherry on cornet, Gary Peacock on doublebass, and Sunny Murray on drums, heard live in a well-recorded concert at Club Montmarte, in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1964; ferocious and forward thinking, an astonishing concert!
David Stackenas
Bricks
(Clean Feed)
An amazing solo CD of free improvisation from guitarit David Stackenaus, showing incredible technique and melodic intent, equally at ease when exploring tonality and melody or abstract noisy textures; compelling and impressive playing!
Mario Pavone (Pavone / Ballout / Malaby / Noriega / McEachern / Sarin)
Vertical
(Clean Feed)
Drawing from some of the finest players on the New York Downtown jazz scene, with Dave Ballou on trumpet, Tony Malaby and Oscar Noriega on reeds, Peter McEachern on trombone and Michael Sarin on drums, double bassist Mario Pavone presents a set of 11 new compositions of lyrical and sophisticated jazz anchored by the leader's powerful compositional structures.
Taylor Bynum Ho / John Hebert / Gerald Cleaver
Book of Three: Continuum
(Relative Pitch)
Collective improvisation from Ho Bynum's Book of Three with bassist John Hebert & drummer Gerald Cleaver, following their RogueArt CD with this exceptional album of original compositions plus works from Bobby Bradford, Salim Washington, and Jim Hobbs.
Rafel Mazur / Keir Neuringer
Diachronic Paths
(Relative Pitch)
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.
Sylvie Courvoisier / Mary Halvorson
Crop Circles
(Relative Pitch)
A studio encounter between pianist Sylvie Courvoisier and electric guitarist Mary Halvorson, both using sophisticated techniques giving unique voices to their playing styles, in a set of improvisations that balance playful, subtle, energetic, and emotional playing.
Jerman / Salis / Sanna
KIO GE
(Confront)
A collaboration between American sound artist Jeph Jerman and Italian percussionists Paolo Sanna and Giacomo Salis, twelve intriguing short improvisations using extended techniques and lowercase approaches that include minimal textures, field recordings, abstract atmospheres and organic sounds.
Rachael Wadham / Philippe Lenglet / Bruno Duplant
everydayisagoodday
(Confront)
Starting from John Cage's Zen quote--"Every day is a good day"--the trio of Rachael Wadham on piano, Philippe Lenglet on acoustic guitar and cithar (a type of harp), and contrabass, recorded these improvisations approaching their instruments not for melodies but as tools for experimentation, from which this trio finds a wealth of inventive sound.
Mostly Other People Do The Killing
Loafer's Hollow
(Hot Cup)
New Yorks' Mostly Other People Do the Killing step back in time to the 1930s-40's in modern swing-ear compositions from bassist Moppa Elliott, performed with the amazing septet of Steven Bernstein, Jon Irabagon, Kevin Shea, Ron Stabinksy, David Taylor, and Brandon Seabrook.
Tristan Honsinger / Nicolas Calioa / Jesse Zubot
In The Sea
(Relative Pitch)
The transatlantic string trio of Amsterdam-based cellist Tristan Honsinger (also on voice) with Montreal free improvisers violinist Joshua Zubot and double bassist Nicolas Caloia in an album of informed improvisation that bring an upbeat approach to authoritative dialog which is both sharp-witted and irreverent, but never less than engaging.
Michael Attias Quartet (w/ Ortiz / Hebert / Hebert)
Nerve Dance
(Clean Feed)
New York alto saxophonist Michael Attias presents his new quartet with Aruan Ortiz on piano, John Hebert on bass and Nasheet Waits on drums, in his sixth album as a leader, a lyrical album dealing with the theory of elasticity and the concept of equality in music.
Johan Berthling / Martin Kuchen / Steve Noble
Threnody, At The Gates [VINYL]
(Trost Records)
Urgent and inspired free jazz from the Swedish/UK trio of Martin Kuchen on tenor and soprano sax, flute and retardophone, Johan Berthling on double bass, and Steve Noble on drums and percussion, recording a series of "Gate" improvisations, anguished laments of power and pulchritude.
Bill Nace / Chris Corsano / Paul Flaherty
These [VINYL]
(Open Mouth)
After years of collaboration in various configurations, the trio of guitarist Bill Nace, drummer Chris Corsano and tenor saxophonist Paul Flaherty met in the studio in 2015 to create these three extended tracks of gut-wrenching and fierce free improvisations.
Keiji Haino
1973 Live - Milky Way [REISSUE VINYL]
(Black Truffle)
Recorded in a live performance in Kyoto in 1973, five years before Fushitsusha, Keiji Haino uses primitive electronics, homemade acoustic instruments, piano and voice to create a 48 minute, slowly evolving cosmic (or kosmische) wash of sound culminating in a vocal catharsis.
Keiji Haino / Jozef Dumoulin / Teun Verbruggen
The Miracles Of Only One Thing [VINYL]
(Sub Rosa)
While on a 2-week tour of Japan, Belgium sound artists Teun Verbruggen on drums & electronics and Jozef Dumoulin on Fender Rhodes, joined forces with Keiji Haino on guitar, vocals, flute & gongs, capturing these darkly intense and powerful tracks in the studio and live at SDLX.
Jason Kahn
Monads [VINYL 2 LPs]
(Editions)
Getting down to the atomic, elementary nature of his work, electroacoustic explorer Jason Kahn dedicates each side of this double LP release to his interests in percussion, electronics, environmental recording and voice, constructing unique compositions that reveal the strong and recognizable methodology that drives him in his work.
Mike Majkowski
Days and Other Days [VINYL]
(Astral Spirits)
Following double bassist Mike Majkowski's Astral Spirts cassette "Neighbouring Objects", this vinyl release is Majkowski's 7th solo album, here using analog synthesizer, percussion, piano, vibraphone, samples, and field recordings to create an amazing sonic universe through sound, tone, timbre, deep cogitation and mutant interjections.
Angles 9
Disappeared Behind the Sun [VINYL]
(Clean Feed)
Saxophonist Martin Kuchen's amazing 9-piece Angles ensemble returns for an album titled for the grief of those who disappear due to war, crime and oppression, music that celebrates the tense balance in the challenge to confront and lead away from darkness and tyranny.
Joe McPhee & Chris Corsano
Under A Double Moon [VINYL]
(Roaratorio)
Saxophone and free jazz legend Joe McPhee performing live in Paris with open-minded drummer Chris Corsano, 5 challenging and modern takes on improvisation.
The Necks
Mindset [VINYL]
(Recommended Records)
The Necks 16th release layers polyrhythmic material to form seething blocks of sound, in two long pieces, one more stripped back to the live trio, the other featuring multiple strata of swirling Hammonds, noise-guitar and electronics.
Joey Molinaro
The Inalienable Dreamless / We
(Inverted Music Company)
Music teacher, student, and violinist Joey Molinaro offers two progressive recordings on one piece of wax that summarize his comprehensive approach to acoustic folk music, classical execution, and hardcore punk aesthetics.
The Group (Abdullah / Brown / Bang / Sirone / Hopkins / Cyrille)
Live [VINYL]
(NoBusiness)
A previously unreleased concert recording from 1986 of a group of leading out jazz artists (Billy Bang, Fred Hopkins, Andrew Cyrille, &c.) playing original compositions as well as a cover of Mingus' "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat".
Mary Halvorson
Bending Bridges [2 VINYL LPs]
(Firehouse 12 Records)
Limited edition LP of Brooklyn-based guitarist/composer Mary Halvorson's second recording with her amazing working quintet of trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson, saxophonist Jon Irabagon, bassist John Hebert, and drummer Ches Smith.
Steve Lacy & Joe McPhee
The Rest [VINYL]
(Roaratorio)
A previously unreleased, excellent improvised piece with two soprano saxophones from a concert in June 1977 in Basel, Switzerland when Steve Lacy invited Joe McPhee to join him to close his set.
Jason Kahn
Open Space [VINYL 2 LPs]
(Editions)
Jason Kahn developed these graphic scores, commissioned by the 2012 now NOW Festival in Australia, to push these specific players into situations outside of their comfort zone, as heard in this double LP which includes copies of the score plus notes and interviews.
Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band
Take Me to the Land of Hell [VINYL]
(Chimera Music)
Yoko Ono's fifteenth solo album produced by her son, Sean Lennon, featuring guests tUnEyArDs, ?uestlove, Lenny Kravitz, Nels Cline, Andrew Wyatt, &c..
Thurston Moore & Mats Gustafsson
Vi Ar Alla Guds Slavar [VINYL]
(Otoroku)
The long-running duo pairing of Mats Gustafsson (The Thing, Peter Brotzmann Chicago Tentet, etc) and Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth, Chelsea Light Moving, Dream/Aktion Unit, etc) in a limited LP of power and sound.
Angles 9
In Our Midst [VINYL]
(Clean Feed)
Clean Feed's 2nd LP is their 4th Angles release, expanding saxophonist Martin Kuchen's band to 9 pieces with Mattias Stahl, Johan Berthling, Alexander Zethson, Mats Aleklint, Eirik Hegdal, Goran Kajfes, and Magnus Broo in an album of rare expressiveness and power.
Chicago / Sao Paulo Underground feat Pharoah Sanders
Pharoah and the Underground - Primative Jupiter [VINYL]
(Clean Feed)
Live from Lisbon's Jazz em Agosto Festival, cornetist Rob Mazurek merges his Chicago and Sao Paulo Underground bands, adding bassist Matthew Lux and jazz legend tenor saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, for a potent blend of modern jazz, electronics, and free improvised music.
Brandon Seabrook
Sylphid Vitalizers [VINYL]
(New Atlantis)
Insane banjo works from New York-based banjo/guitar shredder Brandon Seabrook, performing solo and with the Dr. Vitalizer drum program, using the banjo in ways that no country player ever contemplated, with thrilling dexterity and speed that has to be heard to be believed!
Hyrrokkin (Ed Ricart, Larkowski, Nagafuchi)
Pristine Origin [VINYL + REMIX CD]
(New Atlantis)
Hyrrokkin is an avant rock trio from Yellow Springs, OH consisting of Ed Ricart (guitar, bass), Paul Larkowski (bass), and Brett Nagafuchi (drums), influenced by the methods and spirit of jazz, the tones and textures of new music, and the electric backbone of rock.
Baloni
Ripples [VINYL]
(Clean Feed)
The trio of Belgian reedist Joachim Badenhorst, French-Japanese violist Frantz Loriot, and French-German bassist Pascal Niggenkemper formed the Baloni trio in Brooklyn in 2008, presenting a blend of chamber and free jazz; reserved to frenetic playing that consistently surprises.
Jason Kahn
Songline [VINYL 2 LPs]
(Editions)
Swiss improviser Jason Kahn continues his forays into vocal experimentation with this solo album, recorded in the rooms of a former Swisscom telephone relay station in Zurich, recorded in a single take, pushing himself over the edge in these unique vocal compositions that are stark examples of his creative and confrontational skills.
Bobby Bradford / Frode Gjerstad Quartet
The Delaware River [VINYL]
(NoBusiness)
The longstanding collaboration of cornetist Bobby Bradford and reedist Frode Gjerstad (together since '86) with bassist Ingebrigt Haker-Flaten on bass and Frank Rosaly on drums, recording at Philadelphia Art Alliance in 2014, a powerful lineup of modern free players.
Peter Brotzmann Sextet/ Quartet
Nipples [VINYL]
(Cien Fuegos)
A legendary and intense album of European Free Improvising masters recorded in 1969 from a band led by saxophonist Peter Brotzmann, with Evan Parker on tenor sax; Derek Bailey on guitar; Fred van Hove on piano; Buschi Niebergall on bass; and Han Bennink on drums.
This Heat
Deceit [VINYL REISSUE]
(Light in the Attic)
This Heat (Charles Hayward, Charles Bullen, Gareth Williams) "Deceit" expands on the band's amazing mixture of avant/prog rock, sonic and electronic experimentation, tape collage, and other inexplicable elements, a monumental album that still sounds ahead of its time today.
Evan Parker & Sylvie Courvoisier
Either Or And
(Relative Pitch)
A powerful duo recorded in the studio after their 2013 performance at The Stone in NYC from NY pianist Sylvie Courvoisier and UK saxophonist Evan Parker, with extraordinary playing over eight pieces presenting an inspired range of technical and impressionistic styles.
Joe McPhee / Damon Smith / Alvin Fielder
Six Situations
(Not Two)
Frequent collaborators, West Coast double bassist Damon Smith and AACM charter member Alvin Fielder on drums travel north to join free improv saxophone legend Joe McPhee at Roulette in New York City in 2016, recording this excellent example of informed free improvisation.
Frode Gjerstad Trio
Nothing Is Forever
(Circulasione)
Mary Halvorson / Kirk Knuffke / Matt Wilson
Sifter
(Relative Pitch)
Presenting compositions from all three players, the NY-based trio of Kirk Knuffke (cornet), Mary Halvorson (guitar) & Matt Wilson (drums) this exceptional trio play a stripped down, rocking blend of free form improvisation.
Jemeel Moondoc / Hilliard Greene
Cosmic Nickelodeon
(Relative Pitch)
Jemeel Moondoc's third release on New York's Relative Pitch label is this duo with bassist Hilliar Greene, a soulful album of bluesy free playing, Greene's solid finger and bow work anchoring Moondoc for beautiful, informed, quirky and sincerely heartfelt playing.
Jean-Brice Godet Quartet (Godet / Attias / Niggenkemper / Costa)
Mujo
(Fou Records)
The debut album of French clarinetist Jean-Brice Godet, recording with a New York quartet of Michael Attias on alto sax, Pascal Niggenkemper on doublebass, and Carlo Costa on drums for seven tracks of adventerous original compositions, using weaving lines in melodic heads that propel his sidemen to lyrically rich solos and asides.
Trevor Watts / Stephen Grew Duo
All There Is
(Discus)
A strong and enthralling set of dialogs captured live from the working duo of pianist Stephen Grew and saxophonist Trevor Watts on alto & soprano, intricate exchanges of great energy but also great compassion and introspection, a well-rounded set of adventurous exchanges that highlight the incredible skills of both players.
Dunmall / Edwards / Noble / Sanders
Go Straight Around The Square
(FMR)
The stellar quartet of Paul Dunmall on tenor and soprano saxophone, John Edwards on bass, Liam Noble on piano, and Mark Sanders on drums performing 2 extended improvisations balancing energetic playing with contemplative conversation, captured live at the Vortex, in London, England, in 2016.
Ned Rothenberg / Hamid Drake
Full Circle - Live in Lodz
(Foundation Listen)
Two legendary improvisers, Downtown New York multi-reedist and shakuhachi player Ned Rothenberg met Chicago drummer Hamid Drake at Ciagoty I Tesknoty, in Lodz, Poland in 2016 to record this effusive, extraordinary live concert of improvised music, demonstrating both enormous instrumental skill while imparting wonderfully upbeat energy; outstanding!
Matthew Shipp
Invisible Touch At Taktlos Zurich
(Hatology)
A fluid and freely improvised solo set from New York pianist Matthew Shipp performing live at the Taktlos Festival in Zurich, Switzerland, 2016, presenting profoundly virtuosic playing skills and remarkable instincts in a continuous 45 minute set that maintains interest and strong bearing as he takes his audience on a commanding and coherent journey.
Albert Ayler Quartet
Copenhagen Live 1964
(Hatology)
In 1964 Albert Ayler's approach to free improvisation had found its voice, in a quartet supported by the now-legendary players Don Cherry on cornet, Gary Peacock on doublebass, and Sunny Murray on drums, heard live in a well-recorded concert at Club Montmarte, in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1964; ferocious and forward thinking, an astonishing concert!
David Stackenas
Bricks
(Clean Feed)
An amazing solo CD of free improvisation from guitarit David Stackenaus, showing incredible technique and melodic intent, equally at ease when exploring tonality and melody or abstract noisy textures; compelling and impressive playing!
Mario Pavone (Pavone / Ballout / Malaby / Noriega / McEachern / Sarin)
Vertical
(Clean Feed)
Drawing from some of the finest players on the New York Downtown jazz scene, with Dave Ballou on trumpet, Tony Malaby and Oscar Noriega on reeds, Peter McEachern on trombone and Michael Sarin on drums, double bassist Mario Pavone presents a set of 11 new compositions of lyrical and sophisticated jazz anchored by the leader's powerful compositional structures.
Taylor Bynum Ho / John Hebert / Gerald Cleaver
Book of Three: Continuum
(Relative Pitch)
Collective improvisation from Ho Bynum's Book of Three with bassist John Hebert & drummer Gerald Cleaver, following their RogueArt CD with this exceptional album of original compositions plus works from Bobby Bradford, Salim Washington, and Jim Hobbs.
Rafel Mazur / Keir Neuringer
Diachronic Paths
(Relative Pitch)
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.
Sylvie Courvoisier / Mary Halvorson
Crop Circles
(Relative Pitch)
A studio encounter between pianist Sylvie Courvoisier and electric guitarist Mary Halvorson, both using sophisticated techniques giving unique voices to their playing styles, in a set of improvisations that balance playful, subtle, energetic, and emotional playing.
Jerman / Salis / Sanna
KIO GE
(Confront)
A collaboration between American sound artist Jeph Jerman and Italian percussionists Paolo Sanna and Giacomo Salis, twelve intriguing short improvisations using extended techniques and lowercase approaches that include minimal textures, field recordings, abstract atmospheres and organic sounds.
Rachael Wadham / Philippe Lenglet / Bruno Duplant
everydayisagoodday
(Confront)
Starting from John Cage's Zen quote--"Every day is a good day"--the trio of Rachael Wadham on piano, Philippe Lenglet on acoustic guitar and cithar (a type of harp), and contrabass, recorded these improvisations approaching their instruments not for melodies but as tools for experimentation, from which this trio finds a wealth of inventive sound.
Mostly Other People Do The Killing
Loafer's Hollow
(Hot Cup)
New Yorks' Mostly Other People Do the Killing step back in time to the 1930s-40's in modern swing-ear compositions from bassist Moppa Elliott, performed with the amazing septet of Steven Bernstein, Jon Irabagon, Kevin Shea, Ron Stabinksy, David Taylor, and Brandon Seabrook.
Tristan Honsinger / Nicolas Calioa / Jesse Zubot
In The Sea
(Relative Pitch)
The transatlantic string trio of Amsterdam-based cellist Tristan Honsinger (also on voice) with Montreal free improvisers violinist Joshua Zubot and double bassist Nicolas Caloia in an album of informed improvisation that bring an upbeat approach to authoritative dialog which is both sharp-witted and irreverent, but never less than engaging.
Michael Attias Quartet (w/ Ortiz / Hebert / Hebert)
Nerve Dance
(Clean Feed)
New York alto saxophonist Michael Attias presents his new quartet with Aruan Ortiz on piano, John Hebert on bass and Nasheet Waits on drums, in his sixth album as a leader, a lyrical album dealing with the theory of elasticity and the concept of equality in music.
Jerman / Barnes
Karst [CASSETTE]
(Astral Spirits)
Experimental sound artists Jeph Jerman and Tim Barnes continue the exploration heard in their erstwhile and Confront releases, here in two new tracks recorded in Arizona and Louisville as they prepared for their 2016 performance at the No Idea Festival in Austin, TX.
Runcible Quintet, The (featuring John Edwards / Neil Metcalfe)
Five
(FMR)
The Runciple Quintet of John Edwards on double bass, Marcello Magliocchi on drums, Neil Metcalfe on flute, Adrian Northover on soprano saxophone, and Daniel Thompson on acoustic guitar recording at IKLECTIC, in London in 2016 for 5 excellent examples of detailed, collective improvisation.
Peter Brotzmann / Heather Leigh
Sex Tape
(Trost Records)
The second album between European Free Jazz legend Peter Brotzmann and US-born, Scottish residing pedal steel guitarist Heather Leigh, performing live at Music Unlimited Festival, in Wels, Austria in 2016 for a biting yet intimate set between the two, both players on fire as they weave long sinuous lines in an emotional and often brutal orgy of sound.
Brian Marsella
Buer: The Book of Angels Volume 31
(Tzadik)
Brian Marsella, pianist from Banquet of the Spirits, Zion80 and The Flail, in a trio album taking on John Zorn's Masada compositions, The Book of Angels, with the actual Masada rhythm section of Trevor Dunn on bass and Kenny Wollesen on drums, in 16 lyrical and effusive pieces focused through the eyes of piano masters from Satie to Pullen.
Eric La Casa
Paris Quotidien [CD+60 page booklet of photos & text]
(Swarming)
Eric La Casa documents his home environment in Paris through audio investigation and field recordings, creating 3 large works that reveal the properties, singularities, banalities and features of his audio environment in perspective to his status as a citizen of the city, presented in a gatefold CD package with a color 60-page booklet of photos and text.
Thomas Dimuzio
Slew
(Recommended Records)
Tom Heasley / Toss Panos
Passages
(Full Bleed Music)
Tonal tuba player Heasley's 4th CD, an atmopsheric duo with drummer Toss Panos recorded livat at Tossimo's, North Hollywood in 2006.
Guido Fabbro Del
Ctenophora
(&Records)
Violinist Guido Del Fabbro in a 5-piece work with violin, voice, electronics and synthesizer, blending compositional and electroacoustic principles for an unusual, rich, and thoroughly modern album.
Keiji Haino
1973 Live - Milky Way [REISSUE VINYL]
(Black Truffle)
Recorded in a live performance in Kyoto in 1973, five years before Fushitsusha, Keiji Haino uses primitive electronics, homemade acoustic instruments, piano and voice to create a 48 minute, slowly evolving cosmic (or kosmische) wash of sound culminating in a vocal catharsis.
Keiji Haino / Jozef Dumoulin / Teun Verbruggen
The Miracles Of Only One Thing [VINYL]
(Sub Rosa)
While on a 2-week tour of Japan, Belgium sound artists Teun Verbruggen on drums & electronics and Jozef Dumoulin on Fender Rhodes, joined forces with Keiji Haino on guitar, vocals, flute & gongs, capturing these darkly intense and powerful tracks in the studio and live at SDLX.
Jason Kahn
Monads [VINYL 2 LPs]
(Editions)
Getting down to the atomic, elementary nature of his work, electroacoustic explorer Jason Kahn dedicates each side of this double LP release to his interests in percussion, electronics, environmental recording and voice, constructing unique compositions that reveal the strong and recognizable methodology that drives him in his work.
Ernst Schultz / Stamm, Holger
Go Lep-Lai-Lai: A Musical Journey
(Meta Records)
Pedro Chambel
Utpote
(Fractal Sources)
Guitarist and electronic arist Pedro Chambel in a solo release, a single extended work of persistent electronic tone with guitar and objects.
Bunda Love
mit Saft [DVD]
(Funhole Records)
Live concert DVD from Bunda Love (id & Mike) with Jamie Saft, filmed at Strange Maine in Portland, Maine; sheer communications in wierdness of doom metal meeting schizoid noise.
Lionel Marchetti / Jean-Baptiste Favory
1988 (3Xboxset $9.00) [CASSETTE]
(Banned Productions)
3 cassette set from French composers Lionel Marchetti & Jean-Baptiste Favory; one dedicated to Favory's early work; one a composition from Marchetti performed with Favory and reed/synth player Pierre Jacob; one a multitrack duo improvisation from Paris, 2011.
Gallio / Streuli
Road Works [CD & DVD]
(Percaso)
72 extractions of electroacoustic improvisation from saxophonist Christoph Gallio, and an accompanying DVD from director Beat Streuli, with music and sound coming from Dominique Girod (bass), Julian Sartorius (drums), Andrea Neumann (piano), and Ernst Thoma (synth).
Feedback
Order From Noise [2 CDs & a DVD]
(Mikroton Recordings)
Presenting live recordings from the 2004 UK "Feedback: Order from Noise" tour, an ambitious presentation of artists including Alvin Lucier, Otomo Yoshihide, Knut Aufermann, Sarah Washington, Toshimaru Nakamura, & Nicolas Collins, performing solo, in duos, and as an ensemble.
Michel Banabila / Oene Van Geel
Music For Viola And Electronics II
(Tapu Record)
In the second volume of their collaboration, Banabila and Van Geel explore further into their neo-classical mix of viola improvisations, ambient textures, minimal compositions, and modular experiments.
Michel Banabila
Float
(Tapu Record)
A compilation of tracks from the melodic side of string and electronic artist Michel Banabila, with two exclusive tracks, and collecting previous work with artists like Anton Goudsmit, Eric Vloeimans, Michel van Schie, Salar Asid, Anne Bakker, Mete Erker, Mehmet Polat, Yasar Saka, &c.
Gregory Buttner
Pochen
(Herbal International)
Composer Gregory Buttner captured recordings from the 19th century French Performance Arts Forum in St. Erme, Picardy in 2011, using the house as a sound generator, resonant space and instrument, organizing the recordings into this excursive and exploratory composition.
Jason Kahn
Songline [VINYL 2 LPs]
(Editions)
Swiss improviser Jason Kahn continues his forays into vocal experimentation with this solo album, recorded in the rooms of a former Swisscom telephone relay station in Zurich, recorded in a single take, pushing himself over the edge in these unique vocal compositions that are stark examples of his creative and confrontational skills.
Kevin Drumm / Jason Lescalleet
Busman's Holiday
(erstwhile)
A meditation on the inner mental environments that one encounters and endures during times of work-related travel, intended as a distraction in airports, bus stations, train stations, subway terminals, &c, reflected in literal and abstract sound for a mix of patience and terror.
Michael Pisaro
Transparent City (Volumes 1 And 2)
(Edition Wandelweiser Records)
Composer Pisaro made a series 10 minute field recordings from different locations in Los Angels between 2004-2006, mixing them with sine tones and punctuating them with silence, mastered for home stereo playback to create a dynamic set of impressions of the city.
Michael Pisaro
Transparent City (Volumes 3 And 4)
(Edition Wandelweiser Records)
Composer Pisaro made a series 10 minute field recordings from different locations in Los Angels between 2004-2006, mixing them with sine tones and punctuating them with silence, mastered for home stereo playback to create a dynamic set of impressions of the city.
Michael Pisaro
Hearing Metal 1
(Edition Wandelweiser Records)
Greg Stuart realizes Michael Pisaro's first and haunting "Hearing Metal" on tam-tam, a large piece of metal which is mic-ed and recorded to create a vast and rich sound when played by bow or hand, here in 3 compositions layering the instrument in combination with sine tones.
Carl Kruger / NJ9842
1/11-GR Opal [CASSETTE]
(Bicephalic)
Part of a series of 8 split release cassettes, hand-painted & numbered; Side A is our very own Carl Kruger for improvised, manipulated acoustic recordings through an unusual peep hole; the mysterious NJ9842 presents a lurching sound collage of unusual sources.
Christian Fennesz / Jim O'Rourke
It's Hard For Me To Say I'm Sorry [VINYL]
(Editions Mego)
Viennese experimental guitarist and laptop artist Christian Fennesz and Jim O'Rourke on synthesizer in a beautiful album of sonic environments, with "gurgling harmonies swimming among the shimmering frequencies and strummed melodies"; recommended.
John Autryno - Zorn
Flauros: The Book Of Angels Volume 29
(Tzadik)
Zorn's Book of Angels series presenting the Masada composition books performed by a wide variety of groups, here with AutorYno, a wild power trio of three Paris avant rockers, taking Masada into heavy rock territory blanding Metal, Punk, Thrash, Dub and Surf rock.
Marc Baron
Un Salon Au Fond D'un Lac
(Potlatch)
Beautifully paced and enigmatically interesting compositions from Marc Baron, using only analog processes in three compositions for reel to reel tape, blending field recordings, cut-up, noise, found sound, pre-recorded and degraded tapes in unusual and absorbing ways.
Linda Smith Catlin
Drifter [2 CDs]
(Another Timbre)
Ten pieces dating from 1995 to 2015 from Canadian composer Linda Catlin Smith, performed by Quatuor Bozzini and Apartment House, the first in Another Timbre's Canadian Composer series, a 2-CD release focusing on Smith's "equal and simultaneous drive toward abstraction and lyricism" in slowly developing, lush and sophisticated compositions.
Eva Houben Maria
Organ Sonatinas And Drones [2 CDs]
(Edition Wandelweiser Records)
American organist and composer Carson Cooman performs three sontatinas, each in three movements, and the 2014 work "drones", by German contemporary composer Eva Maria Houben, a member of the Wandelweiser group, all slowly evolving works of tone and subtle harmonics.
Jurg Frey
Ephemeral Constructions
(Edition Wandelweiser Records)
Three works, two for large ensembles of performers on sax, guitar, clarinet, voice, percussion, horn, flute, vibes, and objects that belie the size of the group in its fragile presences, with a shorter trio of Frey, Greg Stuart and Erik Carlson transitioning the large pieces; compositions conceived as both short presences within abundant orchestration.
Robert Ashley
Tap Dancing in the Sand
(Unsounds)
A selection of works by the great musical pioneer Robert Ashley performed by the Dutch Ensemble MAE directed by Yannis Kyriakides, including pieces written for the Ensemble MAE.
Nikola Kodjabashia
The Most Of Now
(Recommended Records)
An exquisite and subtle new composition by Macedonian composer Nikola Kodjbashaia realised by an ensemble of exemplary instrumentalists in a unique musical landscape.
Anthony Pateras / Erkki Veltheim
Entertainment = Control
(Immediata)
Acoustic hallucinations for violin and piano from the duo of violinist Erkki Veltheim and pianist Anthony Pateras, exploring spectral techniques throughout extended temporal structures to generate unrelenting harmonic waves that create a singular psycho-harmonic texture.
Marc Sabat
Harmony
(Another Timbre)
The fifth CD in the Canadian Composers Series is also the debut appearance on Another Timbre by the Jack Quartet, performing works by composer Marc Sabat--two string quartets and a violin/cello duo--all combining an exploration of the soundworld of Just Intonation with a strong underlying lyricism.
Jerome Noetinger / Anthony Pateras / Synergy Percussion
Beauty Will Be Amnesiac Or Will Not Be At All
(Immediata)
Anthony Pateras was commissioned to compose this work by Synergy Percussion for their 40th birthday in 2014, performed with a six piece ensemble including electronic artist Jerome Noetinger, using the same instrumentation as Xenakis' "Pleiades" of more than 100 orchestral percussion instruments, including Xenakis' 17-pitch microtonal metallophones.
Maria de Alvear / Antoine Beuger
Besando El Tiempo [2CDs]
(Edition Wandelweiser Records)
Brigitte Poulin
Edifices naturels
(Collection QB)
For a decade, Brigitte Poulin has been commissioning and premiering works by composers who, she thought, could help better define our own piano culture.
Quatuor Bozzini
Arbor Vitae
(Collection QB)
The sixth QB Collection, "Arbor Vitae", pays homage to the Canadian-American composer James Tenney with performances of the complete quartets and quintets.
Quatuor Bozzini
Michel Gonneville: Hozhro
(Collection QB)
Michel Gonneville's dreamlike, shamanistic journey, "Hozhro", in a brilliantly executed reading by Montreal's Quatuori Bozzini with vocalist Marianne Lamber & saxophonist Mathieu Gualin.
Clara Maida
In Corpore Vili 2003-2008
(Edition Rz)
Composer Clara Maida's compositions performed by Ensemble Resonanz, Kammerensemble Neue Musik Berlin, Ensemble Orchestral Contemporain,
Arditti String Quartet, &c.
Jani Christou
Enantiodromie / Praxis / Epicycle / Anaparastasis III / Mysterion / Anaparastasis I / Praxis For 12
(Edition Rz)
7 works by Greek composer Jani Christou performed by the Oakland Symphony Orchestra, Rundfunkorchester Hanover, NDR, Ensemble "musik unserer zeit", and Christou himself.
Cornelius Cardew
The Great Learning [4 CDs]
(Bolt)
A nearly 5-hour long recording of Cornelius Cardew's work based on one of the 4 classic books of Confucian religion, and the first work to be referred to as minimalist, performed at Wigry in Sejny, 2010.
Katharina Rosenberger
Texturen (2007 - 2011)
(Hat[now]ART)
"Texturen" for seven musicians and eight other works from composer Katharina Rosenberger, blending acoustics, electronics and voice in inventive ways, as performed by the NY Wet Ink Ensemble.
Various Artists
30 Jahre Inventionen 1982-2012 [2 CDs + DVD]
(Edition Rz)
Two re-releases of Edition RZ LPs that are now available in this double CD box with additional tracks, as well as a mainly acousmatic DVD that features electronic tracks by a variety of electroacoustic composers.
Michael Pisaro
The Middle of Life (Die ganze Zeit)
(Gravity Wave)
Michael Pisaro's compositions for translations of Oswald Egger's "Diskrete Stetigkeit, Poesie und Mathematik", performed with Pisaro, Egger, Julia Holter, Taku Sugimoto, Graham Lambkin (who also provides audio), &c.
Luigi Nono
Seguente [2 CDs]
(Edition Rz)
Reissuing composer Luigi Nono's 1990 Edition Rz LP with the addition of 3 works, presenting 6 remarkable symphonic works combining live electronics and voice, intended to expand the technical possibilities of sound and the perceptive faculties of the listener.
Morton Feldman played by John Tilbury & Philip Thomas
Two Pianos And Other Pieces 1953-1969 [2 CDs]
(Another Timbre)
"Two Pianos" is one of Morton Feldman's most experimental and radical works, performed here by John Tilbury & Philip Thomas; plus lesser known works including 'Piece for Four Pianos', 'Between Categories', 'False Relationships and the Extended Ending' and 'Two Pieces for Three Pianos'.
Jurg Frey
String Quartets
(Edition Wandelweiser Records)
Composer Jurg Frey's 1988 work "String Quartet" realized by Nadia Francavilla, Clemens Merkel, Stephanie Bozzini and Isabelle Bozzini, exploring ideas of audibility: the moment when sound waves move in space and the air touches the body.
Iannis Xenakis
GRM Works 1957-1962 [VINYL REPRESS]
(Recollection GRM)
Recollection GRM assembles Greek experimental composer Iannis Xenakis' works for Groupe de Recherches Musicales circa 1957-1962: "Concret PH" (1958); "Orient-Occident" (1960); "Diamorphoses" (1957-58); "Bohor" (1962).
John Zorn
Sacred Visions
(Tzadik)
Two Zorn compositions touching upon the mediaeval world: "The Holy Visions", a Mystery Play in 11 strophes for voice concerning mystic Hildegard von Bingen; "The Remedy of Fortune" is a string quartet inspired by the 12th century troubadour Guillaume de Machaut.
Linda Smith Catlin
Dirt Road
(Another Timbre)
Canadian composer Linda Catlin Smith's extended composition for violin and percussion in 15 parts, performed by percussionist Simon Limbrick and violinist Mira Benjamin, a unique orchestration that reveals a journey of steady pace, tension and beauty.
Hermann Nitsch
25. Aktion (wiederaufgefuhrt) [VINYL]
(Cien Fuegos)
Viennese Actionism founding artist Hermann Nitsch, an Austrian painter, performance-artist, and composer, in an audio recording of a work of sound and drone premiered in NYC in 1968, and recreated in a performance at gallery Pakesch, Vienna in 1982.
Eugene Chadbourne
LSDC&W
(Chadula)
Korekyojinn (Tatsuya / Natsuki / Mitsuru)
Jackson [2014 Remaster] (incl "Kaleidoscope" and "Yes Medley")
(Magaibutsu)
A 2014 reissue of this 2006 release, adding a complete 10.5 minute version of "Kaleidoscope", and an amazing "Yes Medley", from the trio of drummer Yoshida Tatsuya, bassist Nasuno Mitsuru, and guitarist Kido Natsuki.
Korekyojinn (Yoshida Tatsuya)
Arabesque [2nd SPECIAL EDITION with new bonus tracks]
(Magaibutsu)
The insanely great improvising rock trio of drummer Yoshida Tatsuya, guitarist Kido Natsuki, and bassist Nasuno Mitsuru, in the third edition of their 2004 album, with 4 different bonus tracks recorded live At Osaka Bridge: "Hash"; "Arabesque"; "Quicksilver"; and "Freestone".
Orchestra Of The Upper Atmosphere
Orchestra Of The Upper Atmosphere
(Discus)
Peregrine Falls (Grdina / Loewen)
Peregrine Falls
(Drip Audio)
Named for the moment when a Peregrine Falcon falls from flight to attack its prey, the Vancouver duo of Gordon Grdina on guitars, oud, electronics and Kenton Loewen on drums and percussion present a heavy album of improvised rock with raw energy, riveting technique and powerful grooves with an Arabic influence and essence; of interest to King Crimson fans.
Sick Boss (Schmidt / Meger / Peggy Lee / JP Carter / Naylor / Page)
Sick Boss
(Drip Audio)
A richly refined and sophisticated album drawing on improvisation, experimenation and rock elements from the collaborative Vancouver ensemble Sick Boss of core members guitarist Cole Schmidt, bassist James Meger and drummer Daniel Gaucher, with guests including guitarist Tony Wilson, cellist Peggy Lee, trumpeter JP Carter, synth player Tyson Naylor, &c. &c.
Fushitsusha
Withdrawe, this sable Disclosure ere devot'd
(Les Disques Victo)
Eugene Chadbourne
Doc Chad Banjo Book
(Chadula)
Eugene Chadbourne
The English Channel
(Chadula)
Eugene Chadbourne with Malachy Papers
Chadbirish Euck
(Chadula)
This Heat
This Heat (1st album)
(This Is/Recommended Records)
Eugene Chadbourne / Kramer / Licht, David
ShockaprilfoolsAbilly: Shockabilly Live 1983
(Chadula)
Bing Selfish
Space College & the Theory Of Everything
(El Frenzy)
Expanded reissue of the mid-90's cassette only Space College..., a set of mind and cosmologically expanding songs produced by the mysterious Xentos Bentos.
Brainville 3 (Allen / Hopper / Cutler)
Trial By Headline
(Recommended Records)
Gong meets Cow meets Soft Machine in the revised version of Brainville (3), playing a mix of extended songs and instrumental numbers live in Berlin, London and Tel Aviv.
Various Artists
Japanese New Music Festival 2008
(Magaibutsu)
The fifth Japanese New Music Festival 2008 has 7 audio tracks and 7 videos with artists Atsushi Tsuyama & Makoto Kawabata & Tatsuya Yoshida.
Nasuno Mitsuru
Prequel October 1998 - March 1999 + 1
(Doubtmusic)
Reissue with bonus material of Altered States bass player Nasuno Mitsuru's 1st release from '99, amzing underground material with Otomo, Samm Bennett, Numata Jun, &c.
Various Artists
Recommended Records Sampler [2 CDs]
(Recommended Records)
Originally released in 1982, this is a collection of specially commissioned and (at the time) newly recorded pieces by the most interesting groups and individuals then in the ReR catalogue.
Keiji / Makoto / Tatsuya
Ichi to Ichi ga Kasanatte Shimaumade [DVD]
(Magaibutsu)
The trio of Haino Keiji, Kawabata Makoto (Acid Mothers Temple) & Yoshida Tatsuya (Ruins, &c) performing live at Beat Tokyo in 2008, intense improvised rock from three masters.
Boris Savoldelli & Elliott Sharp
Protoplasmic
(MoonJune Records)
Instant compositions from Elliot Sharp on guitar and electronics and Italian free improv vocalist Savoldelli, recorded before their live show at The Stone in Sept. 2008.
Korekyojinn
Swan Dive [DVD + CD]
(Magaibutsu)
Drummer Yoshida Tatsuya's amazing improvising progressive rock band Korekyojinn in a CD and DVD release with guests including Hoppy Kamiyama and Uchihashi.
The World Heritage
Invitation to the World Heritage [DVD + CD]
(Magaibutsu)
CD & DVD of this supergroup of Japanese improvising and advanced rock forms with members of Ruins, Koenji Hyakkei, Korekyojinn, ROVO, Boredoms, Bondage Fruit, &c!
Sekkutsu Jean
DVD
(Magaibutsu)
The intense Japanese rock duo of bassist Sato Kenji and drummer Yoshida Tatsuya performing live at Tokyo's Show Boat in 2008, and at UFO Club in 2006.
Copernicus
Live! In Prague [DVD]
(MoonJune)
Concert footage of Copernicus' entire show at Prague's Slavia Stadium, recorded in 1989 after the release of his album "Deeper", gripping footage of the band's powerful performance.
Korekyojinn with Tsuboy Akihisa
Doldrums
(Magaibutsu Limited)
Korekyojinn (Yoshida Tatsuya, Nasuno Mitsuru and Kido Natuski) in their 7th release, joined by violinist Akihisa Tsuboy, recorded live at Tokyo's Koenji High, Lush, and Missions from 2008-2010.
sim
sec:ond sim
(Doubtmusic)
The Japanese post-rock trio Sim (Oshima Teruyuki (guitar), Ootani Yoshio(electronics) and Uemura Masahiro(drums)) play a compelling stripped-down odd-rhythmic yet funky instrumental rock with unusual electronic counterpoint.
Anthony Braxton
Quintet (Basel) 1977
(Hatology)
Reissuing and remastering Braxton's outstanding radio concert for Radio DRS in Safranzunft, Basel in 1977 in a quintet with George Lewis on trombone, Muhal Richard Abrams on piano, Mark Helias on double bass, and Charles "Bobo" Shaw on drums.
Joe Morris
Perpetual Frontier The Properties of Free Music [BOOK]
(Riti Publishing)
Joe Morris wrote this book to discuss aspects of free music, including responses to his questionnaire written by Joe McPhee, William Parker, Jamie Saft, Ken Vandermark, Marilyn Crispell, Nate Wooley, Jack Wright, Matthew Shipp, &c.
Albert Ayler Quartet with Don Cherry
European Radio Studio Recordings 1964
(Hatology)
Recorded during Albert Ayler's 1964 European tour with Don Cherry on cornet, Gary Peacock on bass, and Sunny Murray on drums, perhaps Ayler's best band and most creative period, well captured at Hilversum in The Netherlands and for Danish Radio Copenhagen, Denmark.
Sylvie Courvoisier / Mary Halvorson
Crop Circles
(Relative Pitch)
A studio encounter between pianist Sylvie Courvoisier and electric guitarist Mary Halvorson, both using sophisticated techniques giving unique voices to their playing styles, in a set of improvisations that balance playful, subtle, energetic, and emotional playing.
BassDrumBone + guests Joe Lovano / Jason Moran
The Long Road [2 CDs]
(Auricle)
The 40th Anniversary release for the creative free improvising jazz trio of Gerry Hemingway (drums), Mark Helias (bass) and Ray Anderson (trombone), with guests Joe Lovano on sax and Jason Moran on piano; superb lyrical soulful collective improvisation of the finest order.
Anthony Braxton / Quartet
(Santa Cruz) 1993 1st Set [REPRESS]
(Hatology)
Reissuing and remastering saxophonist Anthony Braxton's stellar release documenting his 1993 live performance with Marilyn Crispell on piano, Mark Dresser on bass, and Gerry Hemingway on percussion & marimba, demanding collective improvisation from masterful players.
Morton Feldman
Three Voices (performed by Juliet Fraser)
(Hat[now]ART)
Soprano Juliet Fraser performs Morton Feldman's late work for 3 voices, performed by 1 vocalist (originally Joan La Barbara) who performs with themself on tape, in a work that Feldman described as "lucious", "sexy", and "gorgeous", as heard in Fraser's beautiful rendering.
Pauline Oliveros / Roscoe Mitchell / John Tilbury / Wadada Leo Smith
Nessuno
(Angelica)
The unexpected and open-minded quartet of Pauline Oliveros, Roscoe Mitchell, John Tilbury and Wadada Leo Smith performing live in Italy at the Angelika Festival in 2011, presenting the three part improvised work "Nessuno"; delicate, virtuosic, rewarding music from 4 masters.
Mary Halvorson Octet
Away With You
(Firehouse 12 Records)
Mary Halvorson continues her string of excellent modern jazz albums with this octet release with fellow guitarist Susan Alcorn, Jonathan Finlayson (trumpet), Jon Irabagon & Ingrid Laubrock (sax), Jacob Garchik (trombone), John Hebert (bass) and Ches Smith (drums).
Joe Morris
Shock Axis
(Relative Pitch)
A limited edition release of guitarist Joe Morri's new NY-area aggressive improvising trio with younger players Dave Parmelle on drums and Chris Cretella on electric bass, shredding with awesome technical skill and intense harmonic and melodic force, really powerful stuff!
Corsano / Courviosier / Wooley
Salt Task
(Relative Pitch)
First recorded meeting of Chris Corsano (drums), Sylvie Courvoisier (piano), and Nate Wooley (trumpet) in the studio in Brooklyn, 2015, for a completely open, sensitive set of improvisations that are constantly on the edge, at times explosive, and always in a focused dialog.
Evan Parker / Mark Nauseef / Toma Gouband
As The Wind
(psi)
A brilliant album of subtle and masterful improvisation recorded in 2012 at and using the reverb of the St. Peters church in Whitstable by soprano saxophonist Evan Parker with two percussionists: Toma Gouband on lithophone-based percussion and Mark Nauseef on metallophone-based percussion.
Anthony Braxton
Quartet (Santa Cruz) 1993, 2nd Set
(Hatology)
Remaster of the exhilarating second set from saxophonist and composer Anthony Braxton's concert at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, CA, 1993, one of 7 nights performing with the quartet of Marilyn Crispell on piano, Mark Dresser on bass, and Gerry Hemingway on percussion.
James Tenney
Bass Works (performed by Dario Calderone)
(Hat[now]ART)
Fascinating works for doublebass from American composer James Tenney, 3 pieces for solo doublebass, and a large work for viola, cello, doublebass and tape delay system, performed by bassist Dario Calderone with William Lane on viola and Francesco Dillon on cello.
Jimmy Giuffre 3
Bremen & Stuttgart (1961) [2 CDs]
(Emanem)
The sophisticated and influential Jimmy Giuffre 3 led by clarinetist Giuffre with Paul Bley on piano and Steve Swallow on double bass, in a 2-CD reissue of their only known well-recorded concerts, alongside two tracks from their "Fusion" album not included in the ECM reissue.
Morton Feldman
Patterns In A Chromatic Field [2 CDs]
(Hat [now] ART)
Feldman's idiosyncratic large composition is also one of his more active, influenced by John Cage, and using a score that defines organizational procedures in chordal and chromatic patterns, as realized in this '93 recording by Rohan de Saram (cello) and Marianne Schroeder (piano).
Tomas Fujiwara / Ben Goldberg / Mary Halvorson
The Out Louds
(Relative Pitch)
The first release from the NY/West Coast trio of Tomas Fujiwara on drums, Ben Goldberg on clarinet, and Mary Halvorson on guitar, a collaborative improv of lyrical and nuanced improv, using great skill and sophistication in dialog that takes unexpected twists and turns.
John Butcher / Thomas Lehn / Matthew Shipp
Tangle
(Fataka)
After "Exta", where saxophonist John Butcher and electronics artist Thomas Lehn met with pianist John Tilbury, the duo now meet with New York pianist Matthew Shipp for a distinct improvisational entanglement of Butcher's dense streams, Lehn's rich sound floor, and Shipp's thick repetitions.
Huy (Junji / Kazuhisa / Yoshida)
Huy
(Magaibutsu Limited)
The Japanese trio of Hirose Junji on tenor saxophone, Innocence label founder Uchihashi Kazuhisa on guitar, and Yoshida Tatsuya on drums, initiating Magaibutsu's "Improv Session Series" with this on-fire album of controlled chaos, recorded live at Foxhole in Kichijoji.
Cecil Taylor
Garden, 2nd Set
(Hatology)
The second set of Cecil Taylor's superb live set at Grosser Saal Volkshaus, in Basel, Switzerland in 1981, performing solo over five improvisations, presented for the first time in the original concert sequence.
Perch Hen Brock & Rainy (Ab Baars / Ig Henneman / Ingrid Laubrock / Tom Raine)
Live @ The Jazz Happening Tampere
(Relative Pitch)
Crossing Netherland and New York players, Ab Baars on reeds, Ig Henneman on viola, Ingrid Laubrcok on sax and Tom Rainey on drums present an album of insightful improv that borrows approaches to sound from natural world, performed live at Tampere Jazz Happening, Finland in 2014.
Neukollner (Denzler / von Schlippenbach / Grip / Johansson)
Sektion 3-7 [2 CDs]
(Umlaut Records)
The Neukollner trio of Bertrand Denzler on sax, Joel Grip on double bass, and Sven-Ake Johnasson on drums is joined by pianist Alexander von Schlippenbach for a double album of exhilarating free jazz that conjurs standards-based jazz through well-structured instant compositions.
The World Heritage (Yamamoto Seiichi / Katsui Yuji / Kido Natsuki / Nasuno Mitsuru / Yoshida Tatsuya)
The Land of Light
(Magaibutsu)
The Japanese improvising rock quintet The World Heritage--Yamamoto Seiichi, Katsui Yuji, Kido Natsuki, Nasuno Mitsuru, and Yoshida Tatsuya--with two guitars, violin, bass and drums, in a live recording of dynamic collective improvisation at Akihabara Goodman in 2013.
Angles 9 (Zethson / Stahl / Broo / Kajfes / Aleklint / Hegdal / Berthling / Werlin / Kuchen)
Disappeared Behind the Sun
(Clean Feed)
Saxophonist Martin Kuchen's amazing 9-piece Angles ensemble returns for an album titled for the grief of those who disappear due to war, crime and oppression, music that celebrates the tense balance in the challenge to confront and lead away from darkness and tyranny.
Evan Parker / John Edwards / Steve Noble
PEN
(Dropa Disc)
Bringing together three leaders from the UK free jazz scene, the new trio of Evan Parker on tenor sax, Steve Noble on drums & percussion, and John Edwards on double bass present a masterful album drawing from the roots of free improvisation in playing that rises and recedes like a tidal force, captured live at the Oorstof concert series in Antwerp.
Morton Feldman
Clarinet & String Quartet
(Hat[now]ART)
2 works for clarinet and string quartet, active compositions with a unique perspective in sound & texture; 2 versions of the 2 part 1961 work, and the larger 1983 composition.
Peter Brotzmann / William Parker / Hamid Drake
Song Sentimentale
(Otoroku)
One of a dual CD/LP release documenting three nights at London's Cafe Oto by the trio of Peter Brotzmann on reeds, William Parker on double bass, guembri, shakuhachi, and shenai, and Hamid Drake on drums, an incredible display of improvised music from three masters of the form.
Evan Parker / Pat Thomas / John Russell / John Edwards / Alex Ward / Alison Blunt / Benedict Taylor / David Leahy / Kay Grant
Mopomoso Tour 2013 | Making Rooms [4 CD BOX SET]
(Weekertoft)
An excellent 4-CD set from a UK tour of the long-running London monthly concert series Mopomoso, featuring improvisations from various grouping of John Russell, Evan Parker, John Edwards, David Leahy, Pat Thomas, Alison Blunt, Benedict Taylor, Kay Grant & Alex Ward.
Michael Pisaro / Reinier van Houdt
The Earth And The Sky [3 CDs]
(erstwhile)
erstwhile records releases their first CD on their ErstClass imprint, issuing and collecting historically important work, here with composer Michael Pisaro's piano works from 1994-2016, 11 compositions performed by Netherlands pianist Reinier van Houdt.
Mark Dresser Seven (Mitchell / Ehrlich / Boroff / Dessen / White / Black)
Sedimental You
(Clean Feed)
Downtown NY scene pioneering bassist, currently on the West Coast, Mark Dresser presents an album of original compositions performed with an amazing septet including Marty Ehrlich, Jim Black, Joshua White, Michael Dessen, David Morales Borof, and Nicole Mitchell.
Keith Rowe
The Room Extended [4 CDs]
(erstwhile)
A massive and rewarding work of organized sound extending ea-improviser, AMM guitarist Keith Rowe's work "The Room" into a massive 4 CD set of compositions, layering work familiar from his recent improvisations with classical compositions, field recordings, &c. &c.
Korekyojinn Acoustic
Kaleidoscope
(Magaibutsu Limited)
The Korekyojin trio of Tatsuya Yoshida on percussion, Kido Natsuki on guitar and Mitsuru Nasuno on fretless bass, plus violinist Miyamoto Rei on several tracks, take their intricate and exuberant rock into acoustic territory with this impressive album, which includes acoustic takes on "Arabesque", "Careless Heart", "Four Holes in the Sky", &c.
Joelle Leandre 10
Can You Hear Me?
(Ayler Records)
Known mostly as a masterful improviser, this 2015 live performance of her 2009 work for a tenet crosses compositional and improvisation boundaries, reflecting on her 40 year career while bringing out new subtleties from its original release, here with a superb set of performers.
Black Bombaim & Peter Brotzmann
Black Bombaim & Peter Brotzmann
(Shhpuma)
Portugese stoner rock band Black Bombaim and German free jazz saxophonist Peter Brotzmann recorded this album live at Estudios Sa Da Bandeira in Portugal, a power trio + 1 of uncompromising and burning improvisation, a less common but completely rewarding setting for Brotzmann.
Dunmall / Noble / Edwards / Sanders
Chords Of Connections
(FMR)
A stunning example of collective free improvisation from the quartet of frequent collaborators and superb improvisers, Paul Dunmall on tenor & soprano sax, Liam Noble on piano, Mark Sanders on drums, and John Edwards on bass, recording in the studio in Birmingham.
Musica Elettronica Viva
Symphony No 106
(Les Disques Victo)
Documenting a reunion of Musica Elettronica Viva's founders Frederic Rzewski (piano and vocals), Richard Teitelbaum (keyboards and computer) and Alvin Curran (keyboards, computer and shofar) at the 32nd International Festival Of Current Music in Victoriaville, Canada in 2016.
Steve Swell Quintet (Swell / Moondoc / Burrell / W. Parker / Cleaver)
Soul Travelers [VINYL + DOWNLOAD]
(RogueArt)
A great set of Downtown NY players led by trombonist Steve Swell, with Jemeel Moondoc on alto sax, Dave Burrell on piano, William Parker on double bass and Gerald Cleaver on drums, a heartfelt and masterfully soulful album of excellent modern jazz in a limited LP.
Cortex (Johansson / Alberts / Hoyer / Nilssen)
Live in New York
(Clean Feed)
Approaching the free side of 60s postbop in the Ornette Coleman vein, the Cortex quartet of Thomas Johansson (trumpet), Kristoffer Alberts (sax), Ola Hoyer (double bass) and Gard Nilssen (drums) are captured for a dynamic and captivating set at IBeam in Brooklyn in 2015.
Forebrace (Ward / Sassi / Horro / Doulton)
Steeped
(Relative Pitch)
Blending jazz and rock forms with frenetic excitement and masterful control, multi-reedist Forebrace quartet with Roberto Sassi (electric guitar), Santiago Horro (electric bass) and Jem Doulton (drums) run the gamut on exultantly virtuosic improvisation, here recording live at Cafe Oto.
Graham Lambkin
Community [2 CDs]
(erstwhile)
Using electronics, field recordings and spoken word, Graham Lambkin explores "Community" in abstract and literal ways, reflecting on society and describing aspects of community through spoken word and sound, a thought-provoking and complex work of organized sound.
En Corps (Eve Risser / Benjamin Duboc / Edward Perraud)
Generation
(Dark Tree Records)
The 2nd album from En Corps, the improvising trio of Eve Risser on piano, Benjamin Duboc on double bass, and Edward Perraud on drums, was recorded live at Artacts 16 festival in St Johann, Austria in 2016, performing two building works--"Des Corps" and "Des Ames" (The Bodies, The Souls)--which evolve from intricate quiet interplay into rich harmonic interaction.
Mat Maneri / Evan Parker / Lucian Ban
Sounding Tears
(Clean Feed)
Viola improviser and composer Mat Maneri leads this trio with British UK legend Evan Parker on soprano and tenor saxophone and Romanian ex-patriot and frequent collaborator Lucian Ban on piano, for ten compositions blending tradition, song, and improvisational tactics, recalling 20th century modern classical music in addition to jazz.
Jackson Harrison Trio
Sintering
(Hatology)
Melodic and texturally rich jazz from the trio of pianist Jackson Harrison with Ben Waples on double bass and brother James Waples on drums, a lyrical album of original compositions named for the process of coalescing a powder into a solid by heating it without liquefaction.
Kazuto Shimizu / Yoshida Tatsuya / Nasyuno Mitsuru
SYN LIVE
(Magaibutsu Limited)
The Japanese improvising rock trio of Kazuto Shimizu on keyboards, Nasyuno Mitsuru on bass, and Yoshida Tatsuya on drums performing live at Club Goodman in Akihabara, Japan, 2016 for technically superb, fast paced, turn-on-a-dime, joyful prog-oriented playing.
Morton Feldman
For John Cage
(Hat[now]ART)
Morton Feldman was a friend, flatmate and student of John Cage's innovative approaches to composition; he wrote this 3 part work for violin and piano in 1982 as a 70th birthday present for Cage, here performed by violinist Josje Fosie Ter Haar and pianist John Snijders.
Willem Breuker Kollektief
Angouleme, 18 Mai 1980 [2 CDs]
(Fou Records)
The late Willem Breuker's Kollektief was an ensemble focusing on jazz roots in theatrical and dramatic performances, emphasing the fun aspects of historic jazz bands with energetic orchestration and soloing, described as a "mix of circus music, jazz and improvisation".
Harris Eisenstadt
Recent Developments
(Songlines)
NY Composer and percussionist Harris Eisenstadt furthers his exploration into long-form composition and unusual instrumentation in his 20th release as a bandleader, with a spectacular improv ensemble including Nate Wooley, Jeb Bishop, Han Roberts, Anna Webber, &c. &c.
Steve Lacy Four
Morning Joy ...Paris Live [reissue]
(Hatology)
One night at the Paris Sunset Club by saxophonist Steve Lacy's Quartet with Steve Potts on sax, Jean-Jacques Avenel on bass and Oliver Johnson on drums, performing an exuberant mix of Lacy originals and Thelonius Monk tunes, remastered & expanded for Hat's 40th Anniversary.
Hartmut Geerken And Chris Trent
Omniverse Sun Ra [BOOK]
(Art Yard)
Originally published in 1994, Hartmut Geerken and Chris Trent's comprehensive reference of Sun Ra includes a pictorial and annotated discography, essays and photo documents, photographs; this 2nd edition adds new photographs, photo documents, and essays.
Ingrid Laubrock / Tom Rainey
Buoyancy
(Relative Pitch)
Drawing on several years and many shared projects, the duo of Ingrid Laubrock (sax) and Tom Rainey (drums) recorded this excellent album of sophisticated improvisation at the end of a 17-date tour, performing for a studio audience at Audio for the Arts in Madison, Wisconsin.