Live recordings from 1973-74 from the trio of drummer John Stevens, guitarist Derek Bailey, and saxophonist Trevor Watts, dynamic works performed "impromptu" with a wealth of ideas as these innovators demonstrate the skills that helped define them as masterful players.

Known for his more abstract Memorize the Sky project, tenor saxophonist and clarinetist Matt Bauder's band Day in Pictures adheres to jazz traditions with the superb quintet of Nate Wooley (trumpet), Kris Davis (piano), Jason Ajemian (bass) and Tomas Fujiwara (drums).

Dutch percussionist Han Bennink meets tenor saxophonist Evan Parker for their first duo release recorded in the studio in Gateway Studios, London, 2000.

The 2nd of 3 releases documenting composer/cornetist Taylor Ho Bynums' Navigation project, in 2 LPs of studio recordings with his Sextet: Jim Hobbs on saxophone, Bill Lowe on trombone & tuba, Mary Halvorson on guitar, Ken Filiano on bass, and Tomas Fujiwara on drums & vibraphone.

A set of playful, upbeat duos from West Coast-born bassist Greg Cohen and NY guitarist Bill Frisell, celebrating Cohen's home state of California in 6 originals and 3 California covers.

West Coast trombonist and electronic artist Michael Dessen's electroacoustic trio with bassist Christopher Tordini and drummer Dan Weiss, balancing detailed compositions and radically open improvisation that equally embraces groove-based improv and soundscape.

Saxophonist & flutist Paul Dunmall continues his Atmospheres series with these 3 varied improvisations performed with Philip Gibbs on electroacoustic guitar and Trevor Taylor on acoustic and electronic percussion.

Bridging the East and West, with Miya Masaoka on koto and Xu Fengxia on guzheng representing the East, and Larry Ochs on sax, Didier Petite on cello, and Sylvain Kassap on clarinet representing the West; exhiliarating and exotic global improvisation.

A mixed work for ensemble revolving around the sequences of video and electronic composition, showing a series of Chilean and Argentine landscapes and cityscapes.

The large Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra, led by Raymond MacDonald, met trombonist George Lewis in 2012 at CCA in Glasgow to record this two part work based on a set of instructions presented graphically, plus an extended free improvisation.

Two amazing wind players - saxophonist, clarinetist and flautist Vinny Golia and saxophonist Urs Leimgruber - in a series of free improvising duos pushing their instruments into unusual and captivating territories.

Pianist Richard Grossman in a trio with double bassist Ken Filiano and percussionist Alex Cline, playing freely improvised jazz in a live setting.

Ensemble Recherche plays chamber music pieces by Polish composer Roman Haubenstock-Ramati that are dynamically explosive and allow for the free communicating of the musicians.

A series of musical "mobiles" from European composer Roman Haubenstock-Ramati, sonic transformations of the visual experiences of Alexander Calder's dynamic sculptures.

Bassist John Hebert continues to explore his Louisana/Cajun roots with his trio of Benoit Delbecq on piano (plus synth & electronics) and drummer Gerald Cleaver, challenging and enigmatic improvisation with a solid rhythmic center.

The free improvising trio of saxophonist Kidd Jordan, drummer Alvin Fielder, and bassist Peter Kowald performing at Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Arts Center in New Orleans in 2002.

The free improvising trio of saxophonist Kidd Jordan, drummer Alvin Fielder, and bassist Peter Kowald performing at Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Arts Center in New Orleans in 2002, plus the duo of Jordan and Fielder in the studio in 2005 and live, 2012 in Texas.

German composer Bernd Konrad masterfully balances composed and improvised parts in these pieces of construction and decay that constantly change texture.

The saxophone trio of Jonas Kullhammar, bassist Torbjorn Zetterberg and drummer Espen Aalberg, the 2nd release in their Basement Sessions merging bop and free European forms in masterful ways.

After many years collaborating together, New York saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and drummer Tom Rainey present their debut as a duo in a series of improvisations, from subtle interaction to rousing interplay.

The exceptional improvising duo of Daunik Lazro (saxophone) and Joelle Leandre (bass, voice) in a live recording from Hasparren of dark and beautiful free improvisation.

Although she has probably become known as one of Australia's best-known composers, Liza Lim's compositions undermine centuries-old Eurocentrism and are largely inspired by Asian culture.

Composer and saxophonist Jon Lloyd comes together for the first time as a quartet with Stan Adler (cello), Marcio Mattos (bass), and Paul Clarvis (percussion) in a series of loosely composed works with a lot of room for improvisation.

After recording Stroomtoon in December 2011, electronic sound artist Rutger Zuydervelt wanted to capture more of the roughness and spontaneity of his live performances, so he recorded more material for this second installation.

Pianist/composer Myra Melford's first solo album, original compositions inspired by Sacramento artist Don Reich, with a 16-page booklet that includes full color photographs of Don Reich's artwork and liner notes by Melford and Charles Johnson.

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

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

Sound artist Annabelle Playe blends electroacoustic, experimental and electronic noise music in her debut album.

Bringing together masterful players Paul Dunmall (sax), Hilary Jeffery (trombone), Alexander Von Schlippenbach (piano), Paul Schuber (sax), Mike Majkowski (bass), and Yorgos Dimitriadis (drums) for a studio release of incredibly well-balanced and insightful improvisation.

Showcasing the working trio of saxophonist Dave Rempis, Joshua Abrams on bass, guimbri and small harp, and percussionist Avreeayl Ra, in a uniquely voiced trio balancing beauty and power.

Rich electronic space explorations in the tradition of Ash Ra Tempel, Klaus Schulze, Tangerine Dream, &c.

The duo of Bryan Day (Eloine, Shelf Life) and instrument builder Jay Kreimer in what they describe as "confrontational gamelan theatre", a form of amplified metal/object-based improvisation.

Splatter's 3rd CD resulted from a meeting between the London-based quartet Splatter (Noel Taylor-clarinet; Anna Kaluza-sax; Tom Greenhalgh-drums; Pedro Velasco-electric guitar) and Polish bassist Rafal Mazur after their successful collaboration at Cafe Oto in 2010.

The 1977 Derby concert performance by the SME quartet with John Stevens (percussion, cornet, voice), Nigel Coombes (violin), Colin Wood (cello) & Roger Smith (guitar), with a tribute to Anton Webern, plus concert recordings as a trio.

Composer Ernstalbrecht Stiebler presents three solo pieces, one for accordion (Teodoro Anzellotti) one for piano (Marianne Schroeder) and the third for organ (Huub Ten Hacken).

Prisme is the music for a sound installation by sound artist Franck Vigroux and a collaboration with Fabien Zocco in a live audiovisual performance.

An hour of improvised duo music by Per Henrik Wallin (piano) and Sven-Ake Johansson (drums) on one CD, and another hour of exceptional playing by the trio of Wallin, Peter Janson (double bass) and Leif Wennerstrom (drums) on the second CD.

Calgary's saxophonist Darren Williams, who has worked with Mats Gustafsson, Cody Oliver, Eugene Chadbourne, and Han Bennink, in a solo album of remarkable power using extended techniques in composed and improvised pieces that push Williams into astounding territory.

A live recording from Le Carre Bleu, France, of the superb improvising trio of Christine Wodrascka (piano), Jean Luc Cappozzo (trumpet), and Gerry Hemingway (percussion).

Acclaimed free improvising saxophonist Jack Wright is joined by his son Ben on double bass for these exceptional duos that balance space and color through extended techniques and an impecable sense of timing.

The quartet of Cosottini, Melano, Pisani, Miano (EAQuartet Electroacoustic) in compositions referring to the 4 cardinal map points using graphic scores, games, open readings, &c.

Legendary trumpeter, composer and educator Bill Dixon in a 17 piece orchestra playing original compositions live at the 12th Vision Festival in New York City.

Sound artist Nathaniel Bartlett electronically processes the marimba and a variety of metal objects in an extended composition commissioned by sculptor Andree Valley for an exhibition featuring metallic sculptures.

Two pieces by sound artist Nathaniel Bartlett, one written for percussionist Justin Alexander and the second studying an enormous variety of sounds from metal objects.

Two different renderings of the same composition by Nathaniel Bartlett featuring an acoustic and electronic manipulation of the marimba and a mallet-tracking computer interface designed by Bartlett.

Guitarist Barry Chabala's interpretation of composer Pisaro's piece, instructing the performer on structure and pitch but allowing the precise timing and sound to the player; plus a reworking of Chabala's recording taking advantage of cassette hiss and sine tones.

A masterful fountain of melodic ideas, intriguing rhythms, and exceptional technical skill from the duo of Hamid Drake on drums and frame drum, and Sylvain Kassap on clarinets and chalumeau, recording live at the France Musique at Studio Theatre dÕAlfortville and in the studio.

A live performance at Judson Church in Manhattan as part of the 20th Vision Festival from the NY/France free improvising trio of Joelle Leandre on double bass, Mat Maneri on viola, and Gerald Cleaver on drums and percussion, two tracks of steadily building, incredibly compatible dialog.

Roman philosopher Titus Lucretius Carus named "Clinamen" the unpredictable (in time and space) swerve of atoms falling in the void, which aptly describes the unexpected directions taken in subtle free improvisation from this French trio, led by bassist Louis-Michel Marion, with Jacques Di Donato on clarinet, and Philippe Berger on viola.

Live recordings at LOFT in Cologne, Germany from the trio of George Wissel on prepared saxophone, Achim Tang on doublebass, and Simon Camatta on drums & percussion, performing seven "Movements" that use prodigious technique with reserve and direction, revealing the structure of their work as the pieces build and recede in fascinating ways.

Electric jazz from the trio of Swedish born Greek Jiannis Pavlidlis on guitar, Greek organist Giorgos Kontrafouris, and American jazz/fusion drummer Adam Nussbaum, funky melodic and superb improv from an international group looking forward and back.

Bassist Kent Carter chose the ensemble of two string and two wind players from amongst the most experienced musicians in Europe to record the studio and live compositions in this exceptional 3 CD set.

Michael Pisaro & Greg Stuart collaborate on a work scored for bowed crotales and sine tones in 4 large pieces, a challenging work that provide hallucinatory overtones that shift with the listener's perspective.

A young band comprised of Bryan Rogers (sax), Alban Bailly (guitar), Matt Engle (bass) and David Flaherty (drums) in a release that explores post rock, modern jazz, minimal and improvised music.

Composer Michael Pisaro teams up with Toshiya Tsunoda for an 85 minute work in 8 sections developed over 14 months, a profound saga of subtle lowercase interactions using electronics and field recordings.

A beguiling and atmospheric work of overtones, harmonics, tonal and microtonal progressions from a trio of clarinetists (Hans Koch, Michael Thieke, and Paed Conca) with Japanese vocalist Maki Hachiya, an immaculately paced and exotic work of sound.

The duo of Paul Abbot on drum kits, percussion & computer, and Seymour Wright on alto saxophone and feedback, in a massive edge-of-your seat live recording from London's Cafe Oto in 2015, a mix of brutal and beautiful playing with unexpected and surprising twists.

A split 7" release between Cremaster (Alfredo Costa Monteiro (electronics) and Ferran Fages (feedback mixing board and electroacoustic devices); and the Komora A trio of Karol Koszniec (electronics), Dominik Kowalczyk (laptop) and Jakub Mikolajczyk (modular synth).

Electronic artist Nathaniel Bartlett (marimba, computer) is joined by Geoffrey Brady (percussion) and Nils Bultmann (viola) for a physical and temporal sound experience.

The NY duo of Ben Miller (voice) and Franck Vigroux (electronics) in a studio recording influenced by industrial, punk, and electroacoustic music.

Franck Vigroux's performance at Museum de la Mine, Saint Etienne, France in 2012, performed without an audience, dramatic textural sound work in an impressive and twisted industrial setting.

Electronic sound artist Franck Vigroux uses electronics, guitar, percussion, and his voice in this dark release with vocalist Annabelle Playe.

The Ensemble fur Neue Musik Zurich plays seven pieces by Swiss composer Dieter Ammann, each made through a very slow creative process that contrasts the very lively and gestural music.

Composer Clarence Barlow, like Beethoven, builds his own labyrinths, brick by brick, and then searches for an escape by creating conceptual forms to get around the traps of time, tonality, and style.

Four composers - John Carisi, Eddie Sauter, Christian Wolff, and Stefan Wolpe - create a program of works with a measured balance in the interrelated and contrasting material.

Two slow-motion radio pieces by Swiss audio artist Herbert Distel that blur the threshold between the "real" sound world and the sonic realms of illusion and imagination.

Guillermo Gregorio produces a series of compositions that reinterprets the structural concepts of Constructivism, Concretism, and Madi, focusing on the physicality of sound.

Pianist Stephen Clarke plays seven works for solo piano by Estonian-born, Canadian-naturalized composer Udo Kasemets that focus on specific designs of micro-detail.

Indian-born, currently Amsterdam-based American Rajesh Mehta expands the timbral and textural palette of the trumpet in twelve pieces with accompaniment by Paul Lovens on drums and cymbals.

Six musicians play along with Wolfgang Mitterer's one hour and fifty-four minute computer track which leaves ample room for free improvisation, mixing contemporary composition with electronic and jazz music.

Musician and composer Max Nagl in his first release that breaks away from his standard miniaturist compositions and is played with a broad-band ensemble.

The duo of saxophonist Boris Hauf and pianist D Bayne team up with guitarist Martin Siewert in this collection of tracks inspired by different U.S. national parks and their representation in iconic posters.

An interesting mixture of sound and spoken word originally recorded as a DJ set by RLW for a birthday celebration that was remixed with help from Stephen Meixner.

Pianist Steffen Schleiermacher plays six spiritual pieces by composer Dane Rudhyar that are not meant to be analyzed and thought about, but to be felt and experienced.

Pianist and composer Daniel N. Seel plays four pieces from four generations of different composers including Stefan Wolpe, Morton Feldman, Walter Zimmerman, and his own work.

Since 1997 drummer Tim Daisy and saxophonist Dave Rempis have worked together as part of the vital Chicago improvising scene, heard here in these superb duo sessions of great technical, musical, and inventive skills.

Concert and studio recordings of peace music organised by John Stevens for himself and Trevor Watts with numerous workshop musicians and audience people on saxophones, percussion and voices mostly contributing a flexible drone.

Wire's annual survey of the past 12 months, including their Top 50 Releases, Top 50 Archive Releases, and commentary from Simon Reynolds, Clive Bell, Agata Pyzik, &c. &c.

Two reed players, Frode Gjerstad from Norway and Luis Conte from Buenos Aires, in studio recordings of improvised interactions using unusual and extended techniques through eleven short and incisive tracks.

Musician and composer Max Nagl in his first release that breaks away from his standard miniaturist compositions and is played with a broad-band ensemble.

The duo of saxophonist Boris Hauf and pianist D Bayne team up with guitarist Martin Siewert in this collection of tracks inspired by different U.S. national parks and their representation in iconic posters.

Composer and pianist Russ Lossing explores the eloquence of silence as his music grows out of silence and the space between thought and gesture in this trio with Ed Schuller (bass) and Paul Motian (drums).

Max Nagl (composer, saxophones), Otto Lechner (accordion, piano, voice) and Bradley Jones (double bass) play ten pieces inspired by Charles Mingus but with a unique signature that is Nagl's own.