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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Live recordings from the Dom Cultural Center in Moscow by the trio of Norbert Moslang on cracked everyday-electronics, Ilia Belorukov on sax, electronics & laptop, and Kurt Liedwart on analog synthesizer, electronics, ppooll, superb ea-improv balancing reserve and cracked power.

Merging Hannes Strobl's electric bass and effects with David Moss' unusual vocal approach into stream of consciousness observations and rich music of momentum and mood that are evocative, mysterious and fully engaging.

The transnational quartet of artists from Germany, Latvia and Poland comprised of Karlis Auzins (sax), Lucas Leidinger (piano), Tomo Jacobson (double bass), and Thomas Sauerborn (drums), performing intuitive and collective free improvisation of great sensitify and skill.

An acoustic trio using ea approaches in a set of distinct tracks using trombone, prepared piano and double bass, a fascinatingly diverse set of improvisations that alternately lull and jar the listener.

An acoustic transcription of Marcus Schmicker's electronic composition, the palindrome Sator Rotas (A-Musik, 1999)

Percussionist Seijiro Murayama and Saxophonist Stephane Rives focus on creating drone music while exploring the many subtle variations of texture sounds.

Twelve recordings constructed from 2012 field recordings of public locations in Paris by Eric La Casa and Seijiro Murayama, including subway stations, parks, open gardens, tunnels and fountains; a fascinating portrait of communal sound in this great city.

Percussionist Murayama and Soundworm (Hiromits Shoji) in a work following a score that switches between clusters of live microphones as Murayama improvises to the resulting sound.

Revisiting Sex Pistols' "Never Mind the Bollocks" in a band with Benoit Delbecq on piano, Gilles Coronado on guitar, Olivier Py on sax, Franck Vaillant on drums, and Sarah Murcia on bass, splitting the vocals with Mark Tompkins in a unique take on a punk classic.

An open dialog between 15 year collaborators pianist Nabatov and trombonist Wogram, both members of Wogram's Quartet and the NDR Big Band.

Using his no-input mixing board Toshimaru Nakamura, perhaps the ultimate Onkyo artist, spent two years creating this work, which is also the second release in the Erstsolo series.

Percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani in a duo with Ahleuchatistas guitarist Shane Perlowin, who complements Nakatani's intuitive percussive work with arpeggiated grooves and intricate guitar work, to create introspective and ardent works of music and sound.

From Between Trio partners percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani and saxophonist Michel Doneda in a duo release of unusual improvisation, the first release on Tatsuya's new Kobo label.

Percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani presents thirteen pieces that take the listener on an expedition in the modern use of percussion, beautifully paced with rich sound, unexpected harmonic properties, fascinating punctuation, a mesmerizing journey.

The Complete Studio Recordings from John Zorn's most popular and most controversial musical project, Naked City, with artists including Fred Frith, Bill Frisell, Mike Patton, Wayne Horvitz, Yamataka Eye, and Zorn himself.

ZGA leader Nick Sudnick meets with extreme vocalist Sainkho Namchylak for 15 parts of "Play", unusual and frightening work of rhythm, sound and vocalization of intense calibre.

The duo of Johannes Nastesjo on double bass and Vasco Trilla on drums and percussion, an album of extended techniques and unexpected devising, using quietly aggressive techniques balanced by concentrative improv to create unexpected eruptions and unusual sonic environments.

An historic meeting of four legendary improvisers, recording at Evan Parker's favorite Whistable church, and in New York City; mindblowing electro-acoustic improvisation.

The Necks trio of Chris Abrahams (piano), Tony Buck (drums) and Lloyd Swanton (bass) return to their evolving improvisation format, with ethereal arco harmonics, mesmeric piano riffs, subliminal pulses, twittering electronics, and even an arco bass choir.

Formed in Australia the late 1980s by Chris Abrahams, Tony Buck and Lloyd Swanton, the Necks play post-jazz, post-rock, post-everything, slowly morphing improvised music, here in a limited numbered box set presenting 8 of their CDs from the UK Recommended Records label.

The Necks 18th album finds the trio of drummer/percussionist Tony Buck, bassist Lloyd Swanton and pianist/keyboardist Chris Abrahams in a vertiginous 44 minute dark excursion punctuated by cliff hanging moments through homemade instruments and unusual textures.

Using clarinet, household objects, field recordings & domestic electronics, Anett Nemeth applies Cage's concepts of indeterminancy and chance as frameworks for two extended compositions.

The excellent trio of Maggie Nicols (voice), Caroline Kraabel (saxophone, voice) and Charlotte Hug (viola) record a set of improvisation just a month after performing at the Freedom of the City Festival.

With 2 clarinetists--Joris Ruhl and Joachim Badenhorst--and 2 prepared pianists--Eve Risser and Philip Zoubek--plus flutist Julian Elvira, leader/bassist Pascal Niggenkemper explores his "different twins" concept in 9 uniquely orchestrated and impressive improvisations.

Ever-active bassist Pascal Niggenkemper in his first solo album of riveting and intriguing double bass work, from aggressive to contemplative and immersive improvisations using work using bass preparations to transform the instrument and make us rethink its potential.

Percussionist Niggli's group Zoom meets Arte Quartett for a set of Niggli compositions.

Ex guitarist Terrie and drummer/percussionist Paal Nilssen-Love met in the Jottem Studio in Wormerveer, NL, to record these 4 extended and rugged improvisations; rhythm vs strings with a skronky temperament.

Paal Nilssen-Love's Large Unit of some of Norway's brightest young improvisers in a solid 3-CD box set recorded live during their 2014 tour, performing Nilssen-Love's compositions that focus on interaction, free improvisation, sound, dynamics and energy.

Paal Nilssen-Love's Large Unit of some of Norway's brightest young improvisers in a 4 LP box set with a bonus CD & flexi disc, recorded live during their 2014 tour, performing Nilssen-Love's compositions that focus on interaction, free improvisation, sound, dynamics and energy.

Assembling a wide range of percussive instruments accumulated through world travels, from Korean gongs to scrap metal sheets from Ethiopia, Paal Nilssen-Love presents an intense and wide-ranging solo percussion tour-de-force, recorded in Oslo by frequent collaborator Lasse Marhaug.

This versatile trio combine influences from the free improv, ea-improv, noise, ambient and contemporary art scenes into an original sound language.

The second release from the Portugese trio of Joao Paulo Esteves Da Silva (piano), Nelson Cascais (bass) and Joao Lensastre (drums) after their 2012 JACC Records release "Volume I", meeting in the studio for instant compositions of graceful and sophisticated improvisation.

Erstwhile's debut of percussionist, microphone and electronic artist Will Guthrie in a duo with tape machine Revox and electronic artist Jerome Noetinger ("Hands of Caravaggio") in an interactive "face off" between the two.

Drawing from Xenakian architextures, Carterian set theory, Carnatic music, sharp-edged pointillism & orchestrational symbiosis, pianist Anthony Pateras steps back from electronic music for chamber-oriented improvisations with trumpeter Scott Tinkler & voilinist Erkki Veltheim.

Jonathan Webb and Robert Hopps combine processed field recordings with guitar, turntables, electronics, and found sounds in long form drone-oriented improvisations.

Originally released in 1984 on cassette by ADN tapes, these early works from Bernard Pruvost and Pierre Bastien use an unusual array of instruments to create irregular improvised music with a No Wave aesthetic.

Guitarist Joacim Nyberg, also performing on double bass, bell and recorder, in a live performance in Stockholm, Sweden at Fylkingen in 2014, using "Wood, steel, air. Hands, fingers, heart" in an open-ended and ardent exposition of his interpretation of jazz.

An incredible Vancouver-Seattle-Cork coming together of three experienced experimental improvisers in a mix of free jazz, free rock, Korean Court Music and electronics.

Recordings from Cork, Ireland (home of O'Leary) and Basel, Switzerland, of subtle, dark and powerful experimental improv from two masters of the form.

Live recordings from 2012 & 2015 by German pianist Uwe Oberg performing a mix of original compositions and work by Monk, Bley, Lacy, & A. Peacock, balancing melodic and exploratory playing with passionate conviction backed by masterly skills and impeccable pacing.