The Squid's Ear Magazine
West Coast/Pacific US Jazz


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

(Astral Spirits -- USA )


Price: $11.95    




In Stock

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

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

(Kettle Hole Records -- USA )


Price: $9.95    




In Stock

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

Cameron, Lisa / Sandy Ewen: See Creatures Too [2 CASSETTES]
Cameron, Lisa / Sandy Ewen:
See Creatures Too [2 CASSETTES]

(Astral Spirits -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




Out of Stock

From the depths of the deepest electroacoustic sea, the duo of Lisa Cameron on berimbauophone, percussion & devices and Sandy Ewen on guitar & devices release the second of their "Sea Creatures" series: two cassettes of dark aquatic audio, one recorded in the studio and the other during their 2019 Texas tour celebrating the release of the first album.

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

(Astral Spirits -- USA )


Price: $11.95    




In Stock

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

Miranda, Roberto Home Music Ensemble (Bradford / Carter / Newton / Tapscott / &c): Live At Bing Thea
Miranda, Roberto Home Music Ensemble (Bradford / Carter / Newton / Tapscott / &c):
Live At Bing Theatre: Los Angeles, 1985

(Dark Tree Records -- France )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

Dark Tree's Roots series continues to unearth hidden masterworks from the West Coast scene, here with bassist Roberto Miranda's Home Music ensemble in 1985, an 11-piece large band performing Miranda's lyrically rhythmic compositions, with an all-star cast including flutist James Newton, clarinetist John Carter, pianist Horace Tapscott, trumpeter Bobby Bradford, &c.

Feichtmair, Tanja / Damon Smith / Gino Robair: The Shrilling of Frogs
Feichtmair, Tanja / Damon Smith / Gino Robair:
The Shrilling of Frogs

(Balance Point Acoustics -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Discovered in a box of recordings in BPA's possession, this recording from 2003 restores a stimulating freely improvised studio encounter between then-West Coast frequent collaborators, double bassist Damon Smith and percussionist Gino Robair, in a trio with Austrian alto saxophonist & bass clarinetist Tanja Feichtmair, mastered to pristine quality by Weasel Walter.

Mitchell, Roscoe / Sandy Ewen / Damon Smith / Weasel Walter: A Railroad Spike Forms The Voice
Mitchell, Roscoe / Sandy Ewen / Damon Smith / Weasel Walter:
A Railroad Spike Forms The Voice

(ugEXPLODE -- USA )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

The first meeting between Art Ensemble of Chicago saxophone legend Roscoe Mitchell and the long running improvisational trio of Sandy Ewen (guitar), Damon Smith (double bass) and Weasel Walter (drums), in an epic 72-minute recording captured live at Duende in Oakland, CA in 2014, an amazing display contrasting control & chaos, form and deconstruction; exemplary!

Noyes, Charles K. : Crimes In High Places, Part 1
Noyes, Charles K. :
Crimes In High Places, Part 1

(zOaR Records -- USA )


Price: $11.95    




In Stock

Known as a percussionist, Bay Area improviser Charles K. Noyes' first part of his Crimes In High Places is performed on electric & resonator guitars plus amplified guqin, expanding on the innovations of Derek Bailey in free-form non-idiomatic playing as he works to create a personal language on the instrument, presenting a dark and creatively foreboding vision.

Bradford, Bobby / Tom Heasley / Ken Rosser: Varistar
Bradford, Bobby / Tom Heasley / Ken Rosser:
Varistar

(Full Bleed Music -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

1999 recordings from the trio of cornetist Bobby Bradford, Tuba player Tom Heasley and guitarist Ken Rosser, bridging chamber and free jazz with a unique orchestration.

Kaiser, Henry / John Oswald / Paul Plimley: At One Time - Improvisations for Cecil Taylor
Kaiser, Henry / John Oswald / Paul Plimley:
At One Time - Improvisations for Cecil Taylor

(Metalanguage -- USA )


Price: $9.95    




Out of Stock

In tribute to late free jazz pianist Cecil Taylor, the West Coast/Vancouver trio of guitarist Henry Kaiser, alto saxophonist John Oswald and vibraphonist Paul Plimley explore the intention of Taylor's singular style in six anagrammatically titled improvisations, with Chicago violinist Tracy Silverman joining for the massive "Oceans Felons Salad", and Scott Amendola joing for "fir loom".

Smith, Wadada Leo / Henry Kaiser / Alex Varty: Pacifica Koral Reef
Smith, Wadada Leo / Henry Kaiser / Alex Varty:
Pacifica Koral Reef

(577 Records -- USA )


Price: $16.00    




In Stock

Interpreting trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith's Ankhrasmation graphic score--the term joining the Egyptian symbol for life, the Ethiopian word for leader and the universal term for mother--Smith and guitarists Alex Varty & Henry Kaiser use the rich combination of visual cues and musical notation to record this rapturous and unduplicable album of profound and engaging improvisation.

Novak, Rebecca / Danny Kamins / Sandy Ewen / Damon Smith / Jerome Bryerton: Groundwater Recharge
Novak, Rebecca / Danny Kamins / Sandy Ewen / Damon Smith / Jerome Bryerton:
Groundwater Recharge

(Balance Point Acoustics -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Explorative improvisation, from mysteriously quiet moments to scrabbling and determined conversation, configured as trios and quintets by Rebecca Novak on piano, cornet, radio & glassware, Danny Kamins on baritone saxophone, Sandy Ewen on guitar, Damon Smith on double bass and Jerome Bryerton on percussion, all bringing unique moments through extended techniques, objects & radio.

Rova Saxophone Quartet: The Circumference of Reason
Rova Saxophone Quartet:
The Circumference of Reason

(ESP Disk -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Four decades into their project, the SF Bay Area saxophone quartet ROVA of Bruce Ackley (soprano & tenor), Steve Adams (alto & sopranino), Larry Ochs (tenor) and Jon Raskin (baritone) continue expanding their magnificent repertoire with original compositions, collective improvisations, and a piece from Glenn Spearman (Cecil Taylor, Double Trio) arranged by Larry Ochs.

Richards, Steph / Joshua White: Zephyr
Richards, Steph / Joshua White:
Zephyr

(Relative Pitch -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Exploring the sonic and visual territory of water, centering on concepts of metamorphoses and breathing underwater, pianist Joshua White and trumpeter & flugelhorn player Steph Richards also employ resonating water vessels and percussion as they present three fluid and introspectively fathomed works in multiple movements: "Sacred Sea"; "Sequoia"; and "Northern Lights".

Wong, Theresa: Venice Is a Fish
Wong, Theresa:
Venice Is a Fish

(Euphorbia Records -- USA )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

Five pieces composed as a diary manifest in song from Bay Area cellist and singer Theresa Wong, reflecting on her time in Venice through labyrinthine melodic and rhythmic pathways, adding piano and the Japanese 5-string tonkori instrument to add exotic flavor to each eclectic song, blurring genres as Wong's impressions and expression lets each song lead where it must.

Golden, Barbara: Not Dead Yet [CD+ 10 Postcards]
Golden, Barbara:
Not Dead Yet [CD+ 10 Postcards]

(fo'c'sle -- USA )


Price: $17.95    




In Stock

[Bonus Edition] Bay Area experimental music scene legend and multi-disciplinary artist Barabara Golden celebrates her 80th birthday presents works created between 1980-2020, including performances by Robert Ashley, Maggi Payne, Chris Brown, WIGband with Johanna Poethig, George Lewis, William Winant, Mary Oliver and texts by Melody Sumner Carnahan.

Golden, Barbara: Not Dead Yet [CD]
Golden, Barbara:
Not Dead Yet [CD]

(fo'c'sle -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Bay Area experimental music scene legend and multi-disciplinary artist Barabara Golden celebrates her 80th birthday presents works created between 1980-2020, including performances by Robert Ashley, Maggi Payne, Chris Brown, WIGband with Johanna Poethig, George Lewis, William Winant, Mary Oliver and texts by Melody Sumner Carnahan.

Thollem's Astral Traveling Sessions: w/ Hafez Modirzadeh
Thollem's Astral Traveling Sessions:
w/ Hafez Modirzadeh

(Astral Spirits -- USA )


Price: $11.95    




In Stock

One of a series of pianist Thollem McDonas' Astral Traveling Sessions, this unique duo configuration with NY saxophonist Hafez Modirzadeh uses a sonic palette of eight re-tuned pitches for piano and saxophone in an attempt to expand harmonic empathy, bringing Eastern pitch relationships to Western improvisation through a series of extraordinary solo and duo recordings.

Thollem's Astral Traveling Sessions: Thollem + Karl Berger, Thollem + Michael Snow
Thollem's Astral Traveling Sessions:
Thollem + Karl Berger, Thollem + Michael Snow

(Astral Spirits -- USA )


Price: $11.95    




In Stock

One of a series of pianist Thollem McDonas' Astral Traveling Sessions, a 25-album series of concerts from around the globe, performing concerts in varying configurations with 70 musicians, here with two collaborations: in Kingston, NY with the great vibraphonist Karl Berger for 3 improvisations, and in Toronto with pianist Michael Snow for an extended piano duo.

Thollem's Astral Traveling Sessions: w/ Avreeayl Ra & Matt Lux / Sunken Cages
Thollem's Astral Traveling Sessions:
w/ Avreeayl Ra & Matt Lux / Sunken Cages

(Astral Spirits -- USA )


Price: $11.95    




In Stock

As part of Thollem McDonas' Astral Traveling Sessions concert series, the pianist met Chicago legendary drummer Avreeayl Ra and and highly active improvising bassist Matthew Lux for this exceptional concert of two extended improvisations, followed by 8 duo studio improvisations as "Sunken Cages" recorded in Philadelphia with electroacoustic drummer Ravish Momin.

Breylin, Aaron Foster / Luke Martin: Recursive Retent
Breylin, Aaron Foster / Luke Martin:
Recursive Retent

(Edition Wandelweiser Records -- Germany )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

Excerpting part of an eight-hour performance recorded over an amplified live environment of a text score for two pianists using one piano, each positioned at the opposite registers of the piano, one player creating a block of note phrases using intervals of a 2nd or 3rd with each note allowed to decay before the next, repeated by the other player following a set of rules.

Frith, Fred Trio: Road [2 CDs]
Frith, Fred Trio:
Road [2 CDs]

(Intakt -- Switzerland )


Price: $29.95    




Out of Stock

Taking his Bay Area trio with bassist Jason Hoopes and drummer Jordan Glenn on the "Road", guitarist and improviser Fred Frith first presents the trio itself in a wonderfully diverse extended set at the Week-End Fest in Koln, Germany; then invites trumpeter Susana Santos Silva at Old Cabell Hall in University of Virginia; and then saxophonist Lotte Anker at Altes Kino in Ebersberg, Germany.

Lacy, Steve / Andrea Centazzo / Kent Carter: Trio Live [VINYL]
Lacy, Steve / Andrea Centazzo / Kent Carter:
Trio Live [VINYL]

(Ictus -- Italy )


Price: $29.95    




Out of Stock

Recorded a few days after the Ictus duo album Clangs of percussionist and label leader Andrea Centazzo and soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy, this 1977 release presents the joyfully sophisticated 1976 concert in Udine, Italy of the percussionist & saxophonist joined in a trio with double bassist Kent Carter, performing 5 improvisations including the 3-part "Tao" series.

Houben, Eva-Maria : John Muir Trails
Houben, Eva-Maria :
John Muir Trails

(Edition Wandelweiser Records -- Germany )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

Four compositions depicting the John Muir Trails, a high-quality set of biking trails near Madison and Milwaukee two hours from Chicago, composed by Eva-Maria Houben and performed by the West Coast percussion duo DesoDuo of Katie Eikam and Kevin Good, portraying the trails through bowed cymbals, marimba & vibraphone along with field recordings from the outdoor ambiance.

Kaiser, Henry / Rome Yamilov: The Lenoir Investigation
Kaiser, Henry / Rome Yamilov:
The Lenoir Investigation

(Little Village -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

The Little Village Foundation run by keyboardist Jim Pugh assembled this band through Indian blues harmonica player & singer Aki Kumar, who brought drummer June Core and guitarist Rome Yamilov, deciding to make the release a "crazy guitar album" by adding Henry Kaiser; along with vocalist Lisa Leuschnet they hit the mark in an exuberantly diverse set of blues performing the music of J.B. Lenoir.

Ellis, Lisle / Cauley / Robinson / Ruthier / Ochs / McPhee / Spearman: Elevations
Ellis, Lisle / Cauley / Robinson / Ruthier / Ochs / McPhee / Spearman:
Elevations

(Les Disques Victo -- Canada )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

"Elevations is one of the very rare albums on which bassist Lisle Ellis assumes leadership. It was recorded in a San Francisco studio in June 1993. At the core of the instrumentation is Ellis' quartet, which includes Christopher Cauley a...

Goldberg, Ben (Goldberg / Ellis / Dunn / Sarin / Schott / Ochs): Eight Phrases For Jefferson Rubin
Goldberg, Ben (Goldberg / Ellis / Dunn / Sarin / Schott / Ochs):
Eight Phrases For Jefferson Rubin

(Les Disques Victo -- Canada )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

"Recorded in studio in November 1996, Ben Goldberg's project Eight Phrases for Jefferson Rubin was his second composition for sextet (after Twelve Minor, released by Avant in 1998). Rubin, who died tragically at the age of 35, was one o...

Kaiser, Henry / Mari Kimura / Jim O'Rourke / John Oswald : Acoustics
Kaiser, Henry / Mari Kimura / Jim O'Rourke / John Oswald :
Acoustics

(Les Disques Victo -- Canada )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

"This weird little album was made by a quartet of improvisers from all ends of the improvisational planet, who came together in 1993 for a recording date. Edited by Oswald in Toronto, the result can be found here. With two guitarists (K...

Masaoka Orchestra: What Is the Difference Between Stripping and Playing the Violin?
Masaoka Orchestra:
What Is the Difference Between Stripping and Playing the Violin?

(Les Disques Victo -- Canada )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

"What Is the Difference Between Stripping and Playing the Violin? contains two compositions by West Coast avant-garde artist Miya Masaoka. Although an accomplished koto player, Masaoka does not play on this CD: her hands are full conduc...

Plimley, Paul Trio: Safe-Crackers
Plimley, Paul Trio:
Safe-Crackers

(Les Disques Victo -- Canada )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

"Vancouver pianist Paul Plimley and his comrades, bassist Lisle Ellis and drummer Scott Amendola, have issued a tough little gem of a recording in Safe-Crackers. Plimley's pianism ranges in voice from fierce avant-garde improvisation to...

Rova: Ptow!!
Rova:
Ptow!!

(Les Disques Victo -- Canada )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

The West Coast Rova Saxophone quartet in a 7 track studio album from 1995, from Jon Raskin on alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, sopranino saxophone, Steve Adams on alto saxophone, sopranino saxophone, Bruce Ackley on soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone and Larry Ochs on tenor saxophone, sopranino saxophone.

Renzoku (Kondo / Kaiser / Goodman / Oswald): Jump
Renzoku (Kondo / Kaiser / Goodman / Oswald):
Jump

(Metalanguage -- USA )


Price: $10.95    




In Stock

Revealing 40 years of collaborations between late trumpeter Toshinori Kondo and West Coast guitarist Henry Kaiser, in configurations of duos between Kondo & Kaiser--most notably a beautiful and extended 2016 improvisation--then earlier duos from 1978, a 1980 trio with pianist Greg Goodman, a 1979 trio with saxophonist John Oswald, ending with a wonderfully idiosyncratic 2020 duo.

Alexander, Sarah Ruth / Damon Smith: God Made My Soul an Ornament
Alexander, Sarah Ruth / Damon Smith:
God Made My Soul an Ornament

(Balance Point Acoustics -- USA )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

An unusual duo of double bass, voice, hammered dulcimer, recorder, slide whistle, and various objects, recorded in 2019 between bassist Damon Smith and Sarah Ruth Alexander, freely improvising through nine pieces that show the breadth of creative imagination and powerful technical skills of each; curiously compelling, unpredictable and marvelously diverse.

Brice, Olie / Binker Golding / Henry Kaiser / N.O. Moore / Eddie Prevost: The Secret Handshake with
Brice, Olie / Binker Golding / Henry Kaiser / N.O. Moore / Eddie Prevost:
The Secret Handshake with Danger Vol. One

(577 Records -- Italy )


Price: $16.00    




In Stock

A merging of free jazz and free improvisation in the UK/US West Coast quintet of legendary AMM drummer Eddie Prévost, guitarist Henry Kaiser on "ismguitar", N.O. Moore on "guitarisism", Blinker Golding on saxophone and Olie Brice on double bass, in a rollicking album of electric jazz recorded in the studio in London for two exhilarating "Doors" of quick shifting improv.

Coultrain: Phantasmagoria
Coultrain:
Phantasmagoria

(577 Records -- USA )


Price: $16.00    




In Stock

West Coast songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Coultrain, aka Aaron Michael Frison or Seymour Liberty, in an collection of songs based around a sequence of images reminiscent of a dream, capturing the hazy state of mind that drove the process behind this album, as well as its dreamy effect; soulful and introspective, an album of poetic observation and reflection.

Coultrain: Phantasmagoria [VINYL]
Coultrain:
Phantasmagoria [VINYL]

(577 Records -- USA )


Price: $18.99    




In Stock

West Coast songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Coultrain, aka Aaron Michael Frison or Seymour Liberty, in an collection of songs based around a sequence of images reminiscent of a dream, capturing the hazy state of mind that drove the process behind this album, as well as its dreamy effect; soulful and introspective, an album of poetic observation and reflection.

Flinn, Stephen: Red Bell
Flinn, Stephen:
Red Bell

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

An immersive album of solo percussion, slowly sculpted through bowed cymbals, tension across drum heads, resonance and extraneous percussive elements, from New York-based experimental percussionist, composer & improviser, each piece unfolding a meditative yet substantial story built of powerful elements, creating mysterious and often daunting soundscapes.

Greenlief, Phillip : Barbedwire: 37 Graphic Scores For Trio Volume One
Greenlief, Phillip :
Barbedwire: 37 Graphic Scores For Trio Volume One

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Four trios perform selections from composer and reedist Phillip Greenlief's BARBEDWIRE - 37 Graphic Scores For Trio, featuring John Bischoff, Kyle Bruckmann, Mark Clifford, Evelyn Davis, Tim Decillis, Gabby Fluke Mogul, Jane Rigler, and Tim Perkis, each composition a unique sonic sculpture, creating a diverse set of unique recordings realized by consummate performers.

Jerkagram / Martin Escalante : Parkour
Jerkagram / Martin Escalante :
Parkour

(577 Records -- USA )


Price: $16.00    




In Stock

Ater a concert in Los Angeles with Martin Escalante on the same bill, the twin brothers, guitarist Derek Gaines and drummer Brent Gaines, asked the extreme saxophonist to join them in the creation of a new, cathartic form of improvisation, filled with angst and dramatic release, ending with an extended journey in sound and squawk; a gripping album of gritty improv.

Treesearch: Know More Knowledge
Treesearch:
Know More Knowledge

(577 Records -- USA )


Price: $16.00    




In Stock

West Coast/San Diego violinist Keir GoGwilt and bassist Kyle Motl are Treesearch, improvising on contrabass and violin with warm strength and expression, using a mix of traditional and creative approaches to their instruments as they bridge jazz and modern compositional approaches to create their own unique approach to free improvisation.

Treesearch (GoGwilt / Motl / Kuester): Birdward
Treesearch (GoGwilt / Motl / Kuester):
Birdward

(577 Records -- USA )


Price: $16.00    




In Stock

The 2nd album from the trio of Keir GoGwilt on violin, Kyle Motl on bass and Nicolee Kuester on horn, the pieces combining original poems written by GoGwilt and Kuester with precise musical arrangement and poetic structures, around which the trio improvise with melodic and unexpected approaches, fascinating their listeners with peculiar insight and superb playing.

Charming Hostess: The Ginzburg Geography
Charming Hostess:
The Ginzburg Geography

(Tzadik -- USA )


Price: $12.89    




Out of Stock

An examination of the lives and work of anti-fascist political activists Natalia and Leone Ginzburg during World War II, researched and developed by late vocalist and composer Jewlia Eisenberg, this album completed by her longtime collaborator Marika Hughes and performed with musicians including Nils Frykdahl, Darren Johnston, Dan Cantrell, &c.

Clucas, Dan / Kyle Motl / Nathan Hubbard: Daydream and Halting
Clucas, Dan / Kyle Motl / Nathan Hubbard:
Daydream and Halting

(FMR -- UK )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

A collective West Coast trio from double bassist Kyle Motl (Treesearch) with cornetist Dan Clucas, also on violin and moxeno (an Andean wind instrument) and drummer Nathan Hubbard, imbued with a spiritual and natural chamber jazz feeling, their improvisations influenced by concepts of daydreams, incandescence and zephyrs; a beautiful and open-minded album.

Thollem: Obstacle Illusion
Thollem:
Obstacle Illusion

(Astral Spirits -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Taken from concerts during Thollem's 3-month European tour, at Centro d'Arte dell'Università di Padova; AngelicA at Teatro San Leonardo in Bologna; and Rassegna di Nuova Musica 39, performing on acoustic pianos or a Korg Wavestate, showing his technically impressive, creative drive over a diverse set of approaches to solo piano improvisation.

Jones Jones (feat. Larry Ochs / Vladimir Tarasov / Mark Dresser): Just Justice
Jones Jones (feat. Larry Ochs / Vladimir Tarasov / Mark Dresser):
Just Justice

(ESP -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

The eccentrically named group "Jones Jones" is the trio of Lithuanian drummer Vladimir Tarasov, NY/West Coast bassist Mark Dresser and Rova Saxophone Quartet saxophonist Larry Ochs, since 2008 expressing humor and vexation at the world in sometimes meditative and sometimes explosive collective free improvisation, here in their 4th outstanding album and their 1st in the studio.

Carter, Daniel / Evan Strauss / 5-Track / Sheridan Riley: The Uproar In Bursts Of Sound And Silence
Carter, Daniel / Evan Strauss / 5-Track / Sheridan Riley:
The Uproar In Bursts Of Sound And Silence

(577 Records -- USA )


Price: $16.00    




In Stock

A collage of styles and experimentation developed over several years by bassist and multi-instrumentalist Evan Strauss, using long-form graphically notated conceptual compositions based on bird calls along with thematic material from Ursula K. Le Guin, expanded with narration and poetry from Daniel Carter and titled from an excerpt by Virginia Woolf.

Motl, Kyle / Patrick Shiroishi: Apparitions [CASSETTE w/ DOWNLOAD]
Motl, Kyle / Patrick Shiroishi:
Apparitions [CASSETTE w/ DOWNLOAD]

(Notice Recordings -- USA )


Price: $8.95    




In Stock

The second album on Notice Recordings for West Coast free improvising saxophonist Patrick Shiroishi is a duo with San Diego-based double bassist Kyle Motl, in an exceptionally well-balanced example of powerful expression from both players, free blowing and turbulent exchanges offset by experimental introspective passages in four extended and excellent improvisations.

Kaiser, Henry / Anthony Pirog: Figure / Ground
Kaiser, Henry / Anthony Pirog:
Figure / Ground

(Ramble Records -- Australia )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

A gorgeous album of duo work from West Coast guitarist Henry Kaiser and D.C. guitarist Anthony Pirog, creating "ground" structures of beautifully rich harmonics over which "figures" of virtuosic guitar playing emerge and submerge, the overlap creating almost hallucinatory effects as the listener is transfixed somewhere between exquisite foregrounds and backgrounds.

Magill, Rob: Blues Etudes
Magill, Rob:
Blues Etudes

(Kettle Hole Records -- USA )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

A series of reed and wind improvisations, including two pieces with electronics, from Southern California composer and improviser Rob Magill, each of the 9 tracks on this album focusing on a different instrument: alto saxophone, soprano saxpohone, clarinet, flute, bass clarinet, bass recorder, sheng and tenor saxophone, plus a multi-instrumental "misc".

Reeder, Kory  / Apartment House: Codex Vivere
Reeder, Kory / Apartment House:
Codex Vivere

(Another Timbre -- UK )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

A beautifully unfolding story in connected works forming a codex from Texas composer and Wandelweiser artist Kory Reeder, a long form work performed by the UK Apartment House Ensemble in a septet of strings, winds and piano, each section creating a loose narrative ark through several notational strategies envisioned with characters, scenes, diversions, and digressions.

Nakatani, Tatsuya / Kris Tiner: Dagny
Nakatani, Tatsuya / Kris Tiner:
Dagny

(Nakatani-Kobo -- USA )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

An extended improvisation in two parts at Dagny's Coffe Company in Bakersfield, CA: first a solo performance by Japanese percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani in a sweeping sonic manifestation of bowed gongs, cymbals, bass drums and objects, which then continues as a duo with trumpeter Kris Tiner for an exhilaratingly peak of adept brass excitement ending in a pensive reflection.

Nakatani, Tatsuya / Kyle Motl: Quicksand
Nakatani, Tatsuya / Kyle Motl:
Quicksand

(Nakatani-Kobo -- USA )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

Innovative Japanese percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani met with bassist Kyle Motl (Peter Kuhn Trio) at Nakatani Kobo Studio, in New Mexico to record these two extended improvisations, the 1st creating an aural environment through ringing metal and bowed contrabass, the 2nd a set of agitated and disruptive interactions through incredible technical skill and expressive dialog.

Parker, Jeff / Eric Revis / Nasheet Waits: Eastside Romp
Parker, Jeff / Eric Revis / Nasheet Waits:
Eastside Romp

(RogueArt -- France )


Price: $16.95    




Out of Stock

Though having worked together in various collaborations, the trio of Jeff Parker on guitar, Eric Revis on double bass and Nasheet Waits on drums had never recorded as a trio before this 2016 studio date in Pasadena, CA, each player contributing compositions for the album, along with one collective improvisation and a cover of Marion Brown's "Similar Limits".

Ball, Hugo (Jaap Blonk / Bart van der Putten / Pieter Meurs / Damon Smith): Six sound Poems 1989 & 2
Ball, Hugo (Jaap Blonk / Bart van der Putten / Pieter Meurs / Damon Smith):
Six sound Poems 1989 & 2013 [2 CDs]

(Balance Point Acoustics / kontrans -- USA )


Price: $21.95    




In Stock

Dedicated to Dada legend Hugo Ball, founder of the Cabaret Voltaire, through modern interpretations of six sound poems written by Ball in 1916, performed at BIMHUIS in 1989 by the trio of Jaap Blonk (voice), Bart van der Putten (saxophone) and Pieter Meurs (double bass); and in 2013 at radio station KUHF by the duo of Jaap Blonk and Damon Smith on double bass.

Blonk, Jaap / Damon Smith: Hugo Ball: Sechs Laut- Und Klanggedichte 1916 (Six Sound Poems, 1916) [CA
Blonk, Jaap / Damon Smith:
Hugo Ball: Sechs Laut- Und Klanggedichte 1916 (Six Sound Poems, 1916) [CASSETTE]

(Balance Point Acoustics -- USA )


Price: $10.95    




In Stock

Three free improvisations for voice & double bass + improvisations on Hugo Ball's Six Sound Poems from the duo of free improvising vocalist Jaap Blonk and double bassist Damon Smith.

Bruckmann / Djll / Heule / Nishi-Smith: Brittle Feebling
Bruckmann / Djll / Heule / Nishi-Smith:
Brittle Feebling

(Humbler -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

The title gives a sense of the unusual acoustic improvisation this West Coast collective perform, along with their description "prickles and bleats, an abrasive delicacy; fricative rasp and withheld breath seethe together in a discomfiting cuddle" — from Kyle Bruckmann on oboe & English horn, Tom Djll on trumpet, Jacob Felix Heule on floor tom, and Kanoko Nishi-Smith on koto.

Bruckmann, Kyle: Triptych (Tautological)
Bruckmann, Kyle:
Triptych (Tautological)

(Carrier Records -- USA )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

Performing on oboe, English horn and live electronics, West Coast double-reedist Kyle Bruckmann presents three extended solo works of deep electroacoustic binding, each dedicated to a writer, artist or musician: "A Spurious Autobiography for John Barth (2015)"; "An Extruded Introversion for Blixa Bargeld (2016)"; and "A Fuzzy Monolith for James Turrell (2015)".

Corcoran, Kevin / Jacob Felix Heule: Erosion [CASSETTE + DOWNLOAD]
Corcoran, Kevin / Jacob Felix Heule:
Erosion [CASSETTE + DOWNLOAD]

(Notice Recordings -- USA )


Price: $8.95    




In Stock

An improvisational investigation into two bass drums over two extended recordings from West Coast experimental improvisers Kevin Corcoran and Jacob Felix Heule, as they apply an arsenal of unusual techniques and engage every inch of the drums with a diverse set of objects, evoking strange sounds, pattering rhythmic echoes, metallic cries and deep rumbling effects.

Estamos Trio: People's Historia
Estamos Trio:
People's Historia

(Relative Pitch -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Taking song titles from the Arawak language, the Estamos Trio of Thollem McDonas (piano), Milo Tamez (drums) and Carmina Escobar (voice & electronics) brings together artists from the Mexican/U.S. border, creating beautiful creative works.

Estamos Trio (McDonas / Escobar / Tamez): Dire Warning
Estamos Trio (McDonas / Escobar / Tamez):
Dire Warning

(Relative Pitch -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Highlighting issues between the US & Mexican borders, Thollem McDonas' Estamos Trio presents their 2nd album, here with Carmina Escobar (vocals, electronics, guitarron), Milo Tamez (percussion, found objects, electronics) and Thollem (keyboard, vocals, clay pot) in a work commissioned by and recorded at the 2018 "Casa Tomada" (House Taken Over) in Santa Fe for SITE.

Gonzalez, Dennis Ataraxia Trio+2 (w / Phelps / Lakpriya + Derek Rogers / Jess Garland): Nights Enter
Gonzalez, Dennis Ataraxia Trio+2 (w / Phelps / Lakpriya + Derek Rogers / Jess Garland):
Nights Enter

(Ayler Records -- France )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Unlike anything in trumpeter Dennis Gonzalez's discography, this album was developed from Moog recordings by Derek Rogers, whose shifting tonalities and colors led Gonzalez to a Jon Hassel-influenced approach, adding a rhythmic basis of tabla and djembe from Jagath Lakpriya and sitar-inspired harp from Jess Garland, underpinned by the rich bass work of Drew Phelps.

Gratkowski, Frank / Damon Smith / Jerome Bryerton: The Voice Imitator
Gratkowski, Frank / Damon Smith / Jerome Bryerton:
The Voice Imitator

(Balance Point Acoustics -- USA )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

German reeidst Frank Gratkowski in a trio with West Coast percussionist Jerome Bryerton and bassist Damon Smith, in an album of free music that blends the sensibilities of free improv with contemporary compositional music.

Surplus 1980: Pigeon Obstacle Course
Surplus 1980:
Pigeon Obstacle Course

(Surplus Industries -- Czech Republic )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

Created out of Sleepytime Gorilla Museum and drummer/percussionist Moe Staiano's Mute Socialite, this 7-piece improvising rock band turns rock on it's side in mostly instrumental, energetically complex and twisted rock pieces with acerbic social narrative, the band employing three drummers, bass & two guitars, piano and trumpet from Darren Johnston.

Carter, Daniel / Evan Strauss / 5-Track / Sheridan Riley: The Uproar In Bursts Of Sound And Silence
Carter, Daniel / Evan Strauss / 5-Track / Sheridan Riley:
The Uproar In Bursts Of Sound And Silence [VINYL]

(577 Records -- USA )


Price: $18.99    




In Stock

A collage of styles and experimentation developed over several years by bassist and multi-instrumentalist Evan Strauss, using long-form graphically notated conceptual compositions based on bird calls along with thematic material from Ursula K. Le Guin, expanded with narration and poetry from Daniel Carter and titled from an excerpt by Virginia Woolf.

Tapscott, Horace Quintet: Legacies For Our Grandchildren: Live In Hollywood, 1995
Tapscott, Horace Quintet:
Legacies For Our Grandchildren: Live In Hollywood, 1995

(Dark Tree Records -- France )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

The French Dark Tree label continues its curation of the unreleased material of West Coast pianist and band leader Horace Tapscott with this exuberant and substantial collection of live sessions at Catalina's Bar & Grill in Hollywood with Michael Session on saxophones, Thurman Green on trombone, Roberto Miranda on double bass, Fritz Wise on drums and vocal stylist Dwight Trible.

Mines, Kelsey: Look Like
Mines, Kelsey:
Look Like

(Relative Pitch -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

The first complete solo release from Seattle, Washington bassist and vocalist Kelsey Mines, active in both classical music as a member of Yakima Symphony, Symphony Tacoma and the Paramount Orchestra, and as an improviser, here presenting a series of improvised solo-duets that explore how listening to our on-going internal dialogue helps us conjure honest, outward expressions.

Wong, Theresa: Practicing Sands
Wong, Theresa:
Practicing Sands

(fo'c'sle -- USA )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

A series of instrumental pieces and songs from Chinese-American composer, cellist, and vocalist Theresa Wong, inspired by the sounds of the natural world and a personal sense of "sonic genetic memory", her works merging composition and improvisation, the album recorded by Wong herself using specific microphone placement to bring out the warmth of her instrument and voice.

Baker, Duck: Contra Costa Dance
Baker, Duck:
Contra Costa Dance

(Confront -- UK )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

In 1980 Duck Baker's first label deal had expired and the label changed direction, as did Baker himself from arranging traditional tunes into compositions for improvisation; still, these well-recorded demos from 1982 held an appeal through song selection and a uniquely edgy yet lyrical approach to his playing, now finally released to the public 40 years later.

Boyce, David  / Phillip Greenlief: Mystery School
Boyce, David / Phillip Greenlief:
Mystery School

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

A confluence of reeds from Bay Area saxophonists David Boyce and Phillip Greenlief, both performing on and professing an open love letter to the tenor saxophone, the positioning of each clear through stereo placement as they improvise seven dialogs of intent listening and tremendous technique, from high speed intertwining to introspective contemplation.

Maroney, Denman / Scott Walton / Denis Fournier : O Kosmos Meta
Maroney, Denman / Scott Walton / Denis Fournier :
O Kosmos Meta

(RogueArt -- France )


Price: $16.95    




In Stock

A truly inventive collective trio of free improvisers from Denman Maroney on hyperpiano (a conventional piano played with one hand on the keys and other inside the piano), West Coast double bassist Scott Walton and French drummer Denis Fournier, performing within the piano trio format and then turning it on its side with unexpected approaches to their conversations.

Titan to Tachyons (Gates / Dunn / Grohowski / Hollenberg): Vonals
Titan to Tachyons (Gates / Dunn / Grohowski / Hollenberg):
Vonals

(Tzadik -- USA )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

Led by West Coast-based New Zealand guitarist Sally Gates, the 2nd album from this genre-blurring heavy improv band of original members Matt Hollenberg on the 6-string bass VI and Kenny Grohowski on drums, now officially a quartet with prior guest bassist Trevor Dunn a fourth member, here in 6 tracks that shred and weave intricate layers of jazz, rock, blues and metal.

Bennett / Johnston / Mezzacappa / Rosaly: Shipwreck 4
Bennett / Johnston / Mezzacappa / Rosaly:
Shipwreck 4

(NoBusiness -- Lithuania )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

Named for Shipwreck Studios, this is the first meeting between San Francisco Bay Area improvisers Darren Johnston (trumpet), Aaron Bennett (sax) and Lisa Mezzacappa (bass) with Chicago drummer Frank Rosaly, for 6 tracks of outstanding interactive and playful improvisation.

Hartshaw / Aspelin / Smith / Bryerton: Ausfegen (Dedicated To Joseph Beuys)
Hartshaw / Aspelin / Smith / Bryerton:
Ausfegen (Dedicated To Joseph Beuys)

(Balance Point Acoustics -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Unusual improvisational forms from the quartet of saxophonist Paul Hartsaw, guitarist Kristian Aspelin, bassist Damon Smith and percussionist Jerome Byrerton, recording in Oakland, CA in 2006.

Josephson / Wachsmann / Lindsay / Smith / Blume: Zero Plus
Josephson / Wachsmann / Lindsay / Smith / Blume:
Zero Plus

(Balance Point Acoustics -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

The Triple D Trio of Aurora Josephson (voice), Jacob Lindsay (clarinet) & Damon Smith (bass) met with visiting European improvisers Philipp Wachsmann (violin) and Martin Blume (drums) to record these live concerts in Oakland and SF.

Rempis, Dave / Darren Johnston / Larry Ochs: Spectral
Rempis, Dave / Darren Johnston / Larry Ochs:
Spectral

(Aerophonic -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Inspired by Larry Ochs' Rova and Darren Johnston's collaborations with Rempis, this free-improvising trio began life in 2011, developing an "invisible architecture" that guides their playing, as heard in these seven superb recordings.

Robinson, Perry / Andrea Centazzo: The Journey
Robinson, Perry / Andrea Centazzo:
The Journey

(Ictus -- Italy )


Price: $13.95    




Out of Stock

In the spring of 2015 multi-reedist and wind player Perry Robinson travelled to Southern California for a series of concerts, recording this duo with Italian percussionist living on the US West Coast Andrea Centazzo, a free and open session with Robison on clarinet, micro ocarina & bird calls, and Centazzo also using a MalletKat & sampling.

Rova Saxophone Quartet: In Transverse Time
Rova Saxophone Quartet:
In Transverse Time

(Les Disques Victo -- Canada )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

Celebrating 40 years as a performing ensemble, the West Coast saxophone quartet ROVA of Bruce Ackley on soprano saxophone, Steve Adams on alto & sopranino saxophones, Jon Raskin on baritone saxophone, and Larry Ochs on tenor saxophone, reworked compositions from all members transversing their past 34 years, in an absolutely impressive and diverse album.

Spectral (Dave Rempis / Darren Johnston / Larry Ochs): Empty Castles
Spectral (Dave Rempis / Darren Johnston / Larry Ochs):
Empty Castles

(Aerophonic -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Spectral, since 2012 the working horn trio of Dave Rempis on alto & baritone sax, Darren Johnston on trumpet, and Larry Ochs on sopranino & tenor sax, split their time between San Francisco and Chicago, in their 3rd album of spontaneous, complex free improv, here using the setting of Bunker A-168 in Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve, CA, to influence their performance.

Ochs-Robinson Duo: A Civil Right
Ochs-Robinson Duo:
A Civil Right

(ESP-Disk -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




Out of Stock

Coming out of the tradition of saxophone and drum duos, Bay Area compatriots since 1991 in The Glenn Spearman Double Trio and Larry Ochs Sax and Drumming Core, saxophonist Larry Ochs and drummer Don Robinson, present their second album of creative original improvised music, employing energetic and intelligent approaches to jazz freedom that pay homage to those who came before them.

Red Fiction: Visions of the Void
Red Fiction:
Visions of the Void

(Tzadik -- USA )


Price: $15.45    




Out of Stock

Composer and guitarist Jason Schimme of Secret Chiefs 3 steps out on his own with a set of effusive and irresistible compositions for a large ensemble of primarily West Coast musicians, his works blending a wide variety of traditions and styles, from blues, jazz and surf rock to Balkan folk, shifting quickly within each piece in nimble and clever ways.

Coultrain: Mundus
Coultrain:
Mundus

(Positive Elevations -- USA )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

West Coast songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Coultrain, aka Aaron Michael Frison or Seymour Liberty, in a sequel to his Phantasmagoria album, a soulful, introspective and lyrical collection of songs based around a sequence of images reminiscent of a dream, capturing the hazy state of mind that drove the process behind this album, as well as its dreamy effect.

Lee, Ingrid: Mouth to Mouth
Lee, Ingrid:
Mouth to Mouth

(Another Timbre -- UK )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

Hong Kong composer Lee Ingrid in four pieces from subtle beauty to harsh power, including a duo for piano and accordion, a piece for vibrating amplified snare drums, a work for piano, electric guitar and percussion, and one for string quintet and vibraphone.

Coultrain: Mundus [VINYL]
Coultrain:
Mundus [VINYL]

(Positive Elevations -- USA )


Price: $18.99    




In Stock

West Coast songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Coultrain, aka Aaron Michael Frison or Seymour Liberty, in a sequel to his Phantasmagoria album, a soulful, introspective and lyrical collection of songs based around a sequence of images reminiscent of a dream, capturing the hazy state of mind that drove the process behind this album, as well as its dreamy effect.

Surplus 1980 + G.W. Sok: Kremlin Gremlin [VINYL 7'']
Surplus 1980 + G.W. Sok:
Kremlin Gremlin [VINYL 7'']

(Surplus Industries -- USA )


Price: $5.00    




In Stock

Reminiscent of the packaging of early releases from The Ex, the vocalist from that band--G.W. Sok--provides the words for the first tracks on this 7" from Sleepytime Gorilla Museum drummer/composer Moe! Staiano's long-running band, a brutal wordplay stab at Russian president Putin for his invasion of Ukraine; plus a dub remix of a song on the upcoming full-length Surplus 1980 album.

Dewar, Andrew Raffo / John Hughes / Chad Popple: Reflejos IV-VII
Dewar, Andrew Raffo / John Hughes / Chad Popple:
Reflejos IV-VII

(Waveform Alphabet -- USA )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

A student of Steve Lacy & Anthony Braxton and active from NYC to the San Francisco Bay Area, soprano saxophonist Andrew Raffo Dewar is heard in these studio recordings with bassist John Hughes and drummer/vibraphonist Chad Popple, a follow-up to the 2018 trio album Reflejos on pfMENTUM, presenting a series of compositions based on reflection/refraction-based compositional forms.



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