As anyone can see we're still catching up on a backlog of new releases, which isn't any kind of issue as the albums we've picked up over the last few weeks have added some incredible music to our catalog! Amid that I've been working on programming for our new interview section and some bigger changes to The Squid's Ear, making for a very busy and satisfying week.

On the new interviews on The Squid's Ear, we published reviews from two guitarists � Henry Kaiser and Barry Chabala � and one from pianist Satoko Fujii. A number more are coming over the next weeks, either in-house already or in progress with the musicians, and the process has been well-received so far. If you haven't read Henry Kaiser's interview yet, it provides great advice and interesting perspectives for musicians young and old. Satoko Fujii's interview is very brief yet pointed; and Barry Chabala's interview is near to my heart in the breadth of his influences.

Moving on to albums, with the backlog that we're catching up on, we had a chance to pick some favorites and most anticipated for this week's mailing list. Given that, it's hard to express which are my favorites, as the diversity in this week's offerings is impressive. For my personal listening, I'm preparing for the summer and looking for new albums to accompany me. The mix of options runs from the lyrically beautiful to the darkly aggressive, alongside free albums expressing open approaches, and a free referencing jazz tradition. This week's offerings are a great example of all of those, with joy, wonder, a little fear, and some thought-provoking eclecticism.

I'll start with a personal favorite in Amy Denio's new soundtrack album, Variet�, an eclectic and lyrical album that uses a surprising number of styles and orchestrations. I've been a fan of Denio since the 80s when a friend played me her Birthing Chair Blues on Knitting Factory Works. I was hooked, and soon found connections into my RIO/Henry Cow interests. When I moved Squidco to Wilmington, NC, Amy Denio reached out to me, telling me that she had heard we were presenting shows here. We weren't, but she convinced me to put on our first concert for The Billy Tipton Quartet, a memorably wonderful experience! While researching the new album I ran across this 2023 Amy Denio interview on Canvas Rebel that I recommend reading, as it gives a great overview of her career and the fascinating life she's led.

The new album is superb, a sophisticated and lyrically rich merging of styles, exotic at times with surprising twists and charm. I list a couple of other albums with Denio that we have in stock as I write this entry.

Denio, Amy: Variete (Klanggalerie)

A sophisticated and delightful cinematic work from Seattle multi-instrumentalist Amy Denio, who composes and leads a 12-piece ensemble in a dynamic new soundtrack to the 1925 silent film Variet�, blending electric guitar, accordion, voice, and hammered dulcimer with a chamber orchestra of woodwinds, strings, and percussion in a rich, genre-defying studio recording.

Dark Blue World: The Perilous Beauty of Madness (Drip Audio)

DarkBlueWorld is Elizabeth Fischer's essential rock vehicle for collaborations with noted Canadian musicians, including Tony Wilson, Peggy Lee, Amy Denio, Jesse Zubot, &c &c.

Thollem's Astral Traveling Sessions: Compilation Cassette [CASSETTE w/ DOWNLOAD] (Astral Spirits)

Travelling through the US & Greece to join with performers for duos and trios, in six recordings between pianist Thollem McDonas in a trio with Amy Denio & Samantha Boshnack; a duo with Seetha Shivaswamy; a trio with Mat Weisman and Rick Kodramaz; a duo with Djallo Djakate; a hand percussion duo with Jason Finkelman; and a vocal duo with Maria Karamouza.

The next album that really struck me this week comes in from the opposite angle, a very free improvisation between AMM as drummer/percussionist Eddie Pr�vost and pianist John Tilbury with Japanese electronic improviser and experimenter Sachiko M. This album was very much anticipated here, and we weren't disappointed in the incredible use of tone, space and momentum. I list two other recent releases with Pr�vost and Tilbury � Aura as a duo and Last Calls with Keith Rowe.

AMM with Sachiko M: Testing (Matchless)

A rare meeting between Japanese minimalist Sachiko M and AMM's Eddie Pr�vost and John Tilbury, recorded in 2004 at London's Museum of Garden History, where sine wave precision meets tactile percussion and spacious piano in an intricate electroacoustic improvisation that explores silence, texture, and the fragile tension of deep collective listening.

AMM (Prevost / Tilbury): Aura (Matchless)

Recorded in Finland in 2016, this extended improvisation features a core duo from later AMM configurations � percussionist Eddie Pr�vost and pianist John Tilbury, who also performs on harpsichord � captured in the exceptional acoustics of The Sibelius Museum concert hall where the intimate setting elicits profound, beautifully recorded dialogue between these two masterful performers.

AMM (Rowe / Prevost + Tilbury): Last Calls (Matchless)

To celebrate drummer/percussionist Eddie Pr�vost's 80th birthday, Caf� Oto hosted four concerts once a week in June, 2022, each a differing configuration from Pr�vost's history; this final concert reconvened for an extended improvisation between Pr�vost & guitarist Keith Rowe, with a "Postscript" from pianist John Tilbury recorded at his home in January, 2023.

Two other albums that we finished cataloging this week are also in the very open, non-idiomatic improv field, both of which really impressed me. The first is on the Konnekt label, an expansion of the trio of Nicolas Field on drums, Thomas Florin on piano, and Valerio Tricoli on electronics, expanded with one of my favorite trumpeters � Nate Wooley � and Fritz Welch providing unique vocal additions. I was reminded of Evan Parker's electroacoustic ensemble, though with different instrumentation, but with the same sense of successful exploration.

This is an album to listen to repeatedly for the subtle interactions and unusual twists and turns. I also list the FDR Trio's new album Possibility And Prejudices From Within A Cup, more in the free jazz vein and with the extraordinary playing of saxophonist John Dikeman.

From Australia comes the trio of Jim Denley, Dale Gorfinkel & Peter Farrar using unusual instrumentation, including self-made instruments and sound sculptures, to make a really unique album of free improvisation. In the vein of unique, and returning to the Konnekt label, the duo of Charlemagne Palestine & Seppe Gebruers use four grand pianos tuned in unusual ways to create captivating microtonal interactions. It's also a beautiful pressing, and available in neon green vinyl.

Re-Ghoster Extended: The Zebra Paradox [VINYL] (Konnekt)

Expanding the Re-Ghoster trio of Nicolas Field on drums, Thomas Florin on piano, and Valerio Tricoli on revox and electronics with the addition of Nate Wooley on acoustic and amplified trumpet and Fritz Welch's visceral vocal work, the group explores surreal electroacoustic improvisation through dense, transdimensional soundscapes, fractured time, deranged textures, and ritualistic intensity; incredible!

FDF Trio: Possibility And Prejudices From Within A Cup [VINYL] (Konnekt)

A fiercely expressive trio of drummer Nicolas Field, saxophonist John Dikeman, and pianist Thomas Florin, delivering a raw and evolving session of free improvisation, recorded in Geneva with a spirit of spontaneity and shared energy, channeling aggression, nuance, and dynamic interplay into a collective sound that values connection and honest interaction.

Palestine, Charlemagne / Seppe Gebruers: Beyondddddd The Notessssss [VINYL] (Konnekt)

A mystical microtonal encounter between Charlemagne Palestine and Seppe Gebruers on four grand pianos � two tuned to 428Hz and two to 440Hz � recorded live in Geneva's Fonderie Kugler, where the duo's passion for unusual tunings and multi-piano performance unfolds in deeply resonant, transcendent layers of sound and silence.

Denley, Jim / Dale Gorfinkel / Peter Farrar: Vents (Relative Pitch)

An unconventional Australian trio exploring breath, vibration, and material resonance, as flutist Jim Denley, airdrum inventor Dale Gorfinkel, and sonic sculptor Peter Farrar create a richly textured world of wind, water, and pressure in two improvised pieces of organic, immersive sound, recorded in Sydney and shaped by the physical vitality of their experimental instruments.

Queen Bee Records:

I'm always interested in the improvisatory world of the US West Coast, and one of our latest label additions to our catalog comes from bassist Lisa Mezzacappa's Queen Bee Records. We've added 5 albums from the launch of the label, all of them excellent with players that I'm actively following. Starting with an exploration of Wadada Leo Smith's work, each album has been sophisticated and diverse. I didn't have time to catalog the new trio album from Steve Adams, Lisa Mezzacappa and Jason Levis (Mezzacappa's partner on the excellent duo B. album), but the quartet album from Bristle really struck the right spot for me. Listening to the album I was at times reminded of Henry Threadgill's work, but the quartet has a unique sense of humor and wonder that makes this a great upbeat and sophisticated album. Without a drummer, Murray Campbell's role as violinist and oboist adds a chamber quality to the music, alongside Mezzacappa and two saxophonists � Randy McKean and Cory Wright � but it's not dry or reserved, it's really a fun and bristling album of joyful improvisation.

Bristle (McKean / Wright / Campbell / Mezzacappa): Archimera (Queen Bee Records)

Ten years after their last release, Northern California's Bristle returns with a richly inventive chamber jazz album blending virtuosic improvisation and playful composition, as saxophonists Randy McKean and Cory Wright join violinist/oboist Murray Campbell and bassist Lisa Mezzacappa in a dynamic, Threadgill-esque ensemble sound full of counterpoint, wit, and imaginative sonic twists.

Glenn's, Jordan BEAK : The Party (Queen Bee Records)

An electrifying fusion of diverse musical traditions, this evening-length composition showcases the dynamic interplay of guitarists Karl Evangelista and David James, bassist Lisa Mezzacappa, vibraphonist Mark Clifford, percussionist Robert Lopez, drummer Jon Arkin, and Val Esway, seamlessly blending composed structures with spontaneous improvisation to capture the ensemble's innovative spirit.

Green Mitchell Trio (Wright / Mezzacappa / Levis): Nature Channel (Queen Bee Records)

Expanding the possibilities of the saxophone-bass-drums trio, multi-reedist and composer Cory Wright leads bassist Lisa Mezzacappa and drummer Jason Levis in his Green Mitchell Trio's long-awaited follow-up, recording in the studio in Oakland, California, weaving songful melodies, high-energy free improv, intricate dissonances, and kinetic interplay for five lyrically inclined conversations.

duo B. (Lisa Mezzacappa / Jason Levis): Luminous Axis (Queen Bee Records)

Longtime collaborators Lisa Mezzacappa and Jason Levis deepen their exploration of Wadada Leo Smith's Ankhrasmation language, interpreting his graphic score through an intuitive acoustic bass and drum dialogue shaped by years of study, live performance, and improvisational research, forging their own path through his modular notation in a dynamic and deeply immersive exchange.

Squidco Publishing Roundup:

These are the updates to Squidco and The Squid's Ear over the last week. You can view our latest fully cataloged albums in the Recently Section.

You can also browse new titles as they enter our Just In Stock Section � meaning we physically have the album and can ship it, though we may still be updating additional information about the release.

To see restocks of previously listed titles, visit our Recently Restocked page.

And if you're interested in a future release, you can ask us to notify you by email via our Upcoming Releases page � no obligation necessary.

June 13, 2025: New @ Squidco:
Cecil Taylor/Tony Oxley -Flashing Spirits [CD] (Burning Ambulance Music)
Ava Mendoza/Gabby Fluke-Mogul/Carlina Perez -Mama Killa [CD] (Burning Ambulance Music)

June 12, 2025: New Interview @ The Squid's Ear: Satoko Fujii

June 11, 2025: New Review @ The Squid's Ear: Dennis Egberth - The Dennis Egberth Dynasty (577 Records) by Paul Serralheiro.

June 10, 2025: New Interview @ The Squid's Ear: Barry Chabala

June 10, 2025: New @ Squidco:
AMM with Sachiko M -Testing [CD] (Matchless)
Eddie Prevost -Material Consequences [CD] (Matchless)
Izumi Kimura/Gerry Hemingway -How The Dust Falls [CD] (Auricle)
Wallace/Vazquez/Von Schultz -Siesta [CDR] (577 Records)
Mira Trio (Furioso/Mira/Gibson) -Machinerie [CD] (4DaRecord)
Japp Blonk -Kurt Schwitters Ursonate [CD] (Corbett vs. Dempsey)
Various Artists -Music is a Message From Space [VINYL] (Corbett vs. Dempsey)
Henry Kaiser/Kurt Newman -After [CD] (Fractal)
Eventless Plot | Yorgos Dimitriadis -Entanglements [CASSETTE + DOWNLOAD] (Innovo Editions)
Evan Johnson (Marco Fusi) -Dust Book [CD] (Another Timbre)

June 9, 2025: New Review @ The Squid's Ear: Luciana Bass - Desatornilladonos (Relative Pitch) by Paul Serralheiro.

June 6, 2025: New Interview @ The Squid's Ear: Henry Kaiser

This week had two main foci: adding new features to The Squid's Ear and fixing some long-standing problems, and celebrating Anthony Braxton's birthday.

The latter has been a joy � listening to some of Braxton's compositions while working and offering great prices to those interested in his box sets and DVD. As the US distribution point for New Braxton House, in conjunction with Braxton's Tri-Centric Foundation, we're uniquely positioned to offer these albums, and we're happy to share his music with new listeners and longtime fans alike. With the release of his 6th Trillium Opera, Trillium X, on the Prague PMP label, we celebrate the history of this landmark series.

Braxton's Trillium series � his vast and evolving opera cycle � is one of the most significant and ambitious undertakings in avant-garde music. Conceived as a multi-part system of "modular operas," Trillium fuses complex compositional structures, abstract narrative, and Braxton's unique language systems into works that challenge and expand the very idea of opera. Unlike traditional opera, Trillium is not driven by conventional storytelling, but instead explores philosophical, structural, and musical themes through rich vocal writing, intricate ensemble passages, and carefully staged concepts.

This series reflects Braxton's lifelong pursuit of trans-idiomatic composition � melding elements of classical music, jazz, theater, and experimental practice into a singular artistic vision. With the recent release of a new Trillium set, there's no better moment to dive into this groundbreaking series. We highly recommend starting with Trillium E and Trillium J, both available from Squidco during this birthday sale � essential works that offer a compelling entry point into Braxton's operatic universe.

Squid's Ear Interviews & Technical Updates:

This week we published the first two interviews in a new feature on The Squid's Ear! Conducted by email, the interviews follow a consistent structure for each artist, while allowing room for individual voices to shine through. I'm still refining the formatting and making a few tweaks to the questions, but now seems as good a time as any to begin publishing these conversations � with many more to come.

We started with a personal favorite performer, Chicago saxophonist and community organizer Dave Rempis, whose excellent Aerophonic label we proudly carry. Rempis has performed in North Carolina twice over the past year � once with Tashi Dorji, and then with Ballister. Both performances spanned from beautiful to blistering improvisation, a balance that reflects what draws me so strongly to his work.

The second interview features improvising guitar hero Henry Kaiser, an artist I've followed since the '80s. A versatile improviser who first impressed me with his album The Devil in the Drain, Kaiser offers thoughtful, generous insights and advice to aspiring musicians.