A smaller than usual Freezone Appleby Festival, 2007 presents duos and trios with the excellent lineup of Paolo Angeli, Evan Parker and Ned Rothenberg.

Recorded on various floors and in different rooms at the music school Bochum in Germany in 2014, the duo of reedists Katharina Bohlen and Claudius Reimann add spring drums, gongs, cymbals, tubular bells, and sound plates to their understated and moody improvisations.

The trio of Peter Brotzmann, Massimo Pupillo (Zu) and Paal Nilssen-Love seriously tearing it up at the Casa del Jazz in Rome, December 2008.

Live recordings of this incredible improvising trio as influenced by a 'tempestuous' storm buffeting & rattling the windows of the church in which the performance took place.

Percussionist Hemingway with John Butcher on tenor and soprano sax performing live in 2005, demonstrating their extended language in a brilliant and eccentric dialog.

British saxophone phenomenon John Butcher meets Vancouver's premiere bassist Torsten Müller and drummer Dylan van der Schyff for an amazing live set at the Western Front.

The second volume of Eddie Prevost's 2011 series of concerts at Network Theatre, Waterloo, London meeting with remarkable saxophonists, here with John Butcher on tenor & soprano, with Guillaume Viltard on double bass.

Percussionist Mark Sanders and saxophonist John Butcher in recordings from two concerts: the 2010 Freedom of the City festival in London, and a year later at Southampton University; exceptionally expressive and technically unique playing.

UK saxophone phenomenon John Butcher in 10 live solo recordings using the unique sonic environments of Richmond Hall, a Houston art gallery that has been compared to a bowling alley, and Issue Project Room's high-ceilinged marble room in Brooklyn, NY.

Extreme acoustic space recordings from saxophonist John Butcher, part of Arika's Resonant Spaces event, with performances from resonant and remote corners of Scotland.

Sonic experiments and solo improvisations on tenor and soprano with 2 pieces using amplified feedback, and 1 piece dedicated to Derek Bailey.

After their "Live in Russia" volumes, eloquent French Canadian saxophonist and creative drummer Michel Lambert present 9 new improvisations recorded at Resonance studios in their home town of Montreal, a tremendous dialog between these two free yet lyrical players.

Four generations of Chicago saxophonists--Dave Rempis, Ken Vandermark, Mars Williams, and Nick Mazzarella--come together in an interactive saxophone quartet with each player providing 2 compositions of well-developed, powerful, engaging free and lyrical jazz.

An absolutely essential extension to the late Lindsay Cooper's discography, 2 CDs collecting rare works from projects and groups including recordings with Alfred Harth, Phil Minton, Robert Wyatt, David Thomas, Connie Bauer, Fred Frith, Chris Cutler, &c. &c.

Recorded live in an Australian National Park on a 15-day walk, saxophonist Jim Denley performs solo on the alto saxophone in response to and in conversation with the environment around him using the natural acoustics of this rugged and awe-inspiring region.

The duo of tenor saxophonist Bertrand Denzler and percussionist Antonin Gerbal, 2/3 of the Zoor trio, in an album of free improvisation contrasting simple and complex sounds, organic and mechanical rhythms while evoking asymmetric, geometric or enigmatic shapes.

A curious and remarkably enjoyable collection of works from Jorrit Dijkstra (sax, lyricon and electronics) in a quintet with Phillip Greenlief (reeds), Kyle Bruckman (double reeds & electronics), Frank Gratkowski (reeds), and Jon Raskin (sax & electronics).

The duo of French saxophonist Matthieu Donarier and Dutch pianist/prepared pianist Albert van Veenendaal (I Compani), beautifully paced and inventive dialog between two melodic players who embrace both improvisational and compositional styles.

A collection of solo pieces from forward-thinking French soprano saxophonist Michel Doneda, using extended techniques and utilizing every inch of the horn, creating unconventional and captivating sonic expressions from the instrument.

The collaboration of UK saxophonist Paul Dunmall and American ex-pat drummer Tony Bianco has at least a 15 year history, heard in these telepathic duos of free improvisation recorded at Delbury Hall, Shropshire in 2014 for 3 extended works of breathtaking playing.

Three West Coast saxophonists, Jon Raskin (Rova), Frank Gratkowsk (Zeitkratzer) and Phillip Grenlief, in a free improvising trio of highly interactive music using extended techniques to captivate and entertain the listener.

Solo clarinetist Lori Freedman in 13 new pieces of improvisation for soprano and bass clarinets that are vibrant, captivating, and full of texture.

Two masters who rarely play together--guitarist Fred Frith and saxophonist Evan Parker--performing together as a duo at the 30th Musique Actuelle Festival in Victoriaville, Canada for an amazing exchange of ideas and intensely subtle dialog.

The duo of electric guitarist Olaf Rupp and soprano saxophonist Christoph Gallio in a set of 13 studio improvisations, restrained and thoughtful dialog of great technical skill and unusual tonal approaches to both instruments.

A great duo recording on clarinets and terrogoto from multi-reedist Frode Gjerstad and legendary free jazz musician Peter Brotzmann, incredible free improvisation from two masters.

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.

Complex, hyper-contrapuntal and molecular modes of group playing from the quartet of Stephen Grew (keyboard, processing), Richard Scott (wigi, buchla lightning, blippoo box), Nick Grew (transduction) & David Ross (drosscillator), joined by Evan Parker.

Joane Hetu in her first solo album for alto saxophone and voice that is poetic and intimate.

Tenor saxophonist Bertrand Denzler's pseudo-drone piece for the ensemble of Pierre-Antoine Badaroux (alto sax), Fidel Fourneyron (trombone) and Luis Laurain (trumpet) where the players keep the sound alive while moving in a small, pre-established musical perimeter.

The duo of Berlin clarinetists Kai Fagaschinski and Michael Thieke (The Magic I.D.) create rich, evolving soundscapes using tones and odd interjections in unison and in dissonance, dark works of subtle beauty in unique sound oriented compositions.

During his residency in Vienna as part of Johannes Heuer's "Vor Anker", Kuchen recorded these curious solo works using saxophone and preparations, 6 pieces of understated intent using unconventional approaches rewarding the active listener.

Recorded in Paris in 1979, Steve Lacy (soprano sax) and Steve Potts (alto sax) perform music for the aphorisms of Georges Braque, as sung by Irene Aebi; originally issued on Hat Hut records, this reiusse remasters the original release and includes images from the score.

Highlights from saxophonist Steve Lacy's first solo concerts in Avignon 1972 originally released on LP in 1974, with additional recordings and a solo performance of his "Clangs" cycle from Berlin, 1974.

Solo saxophone performances of three of Steve Lacy's cycles--"Shots", "Sands", and "Hedges"--recorded in concert and in the studio in the late 70's and 1980, with the majority of the material previously unreleased; thoughtful, technical, lyrical, astounding music from a true master!

Four sessions of music mostly against the Vietnam War - all featuring Steve Lacy and Irene Aebi, in sextet, trio, and quintet with associates including Enrico Rava, Karl Berger, Kent Carter, Richard Tietelbaum, &c.

The Canadian duo of reedist Philippe Lauzier and bassist Eric Normand freely improvise in sound environments that are both introspective and precarious, using subtle and aberrant approaches to playing that evoke unusual aspects of their instruments in oddly refined dialog.

A much-needed reissue of McPhee's 1979 Hat Hut LP documenting his 1977 concert at Salle Ste Croix des Pelletiers, performing 3 original compositions and Monk's "Round Midnight" with incredible skill and inventiveness.

Two improvisations with Misha Mengelberg on piano & Evan Parker on tenor saxophone, one in concert and the other before the audience arrived, recorded at the Bimhuis in Amsterdam in 2006.

Using an alto saxophone where the original mechanisms have been replaced with water, gas & compressed air taps, saxophonist Sergio Merce can microtonally move the tuning of any note and create multiphonics, allowing him to play several sonic layers while using circular breathing.

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.

Flautist Nicole Mitchell's solo album of her own impromptu compositions and interpretations of other artists' works composed for her, reflecting her deep relationship with nature and her instrument.

The long-running duo pairing of Mats Gustafsson (The Thing, Peter Brotzmann Chicago Tentet, etc) and Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth, Chelsea Light Moving, Dream/Aktion Unit, etc) in a limited LP of power and sound.

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 classic European Free Improv trio of Evan Parker, Barry Guy and Pual Lytton is joined by New York trumpeter Peter Evans for an incredible live concert at Casa de Musica, Portugal.

Superb improvisation from three masters - Evan Parker on sax, Barry Guy on bass and Paul Lytton on drums - performing at the Maya Recordings Festival, September 23 - 25, 2011 at Theater am Gleis, Winterthur, Switzerland.

British sax giant Evan Parker meets Swiss tenor and soprano explorer Urs Leimgruber in an album of intertwining sax discussion using an unusual and unique language.

Six "Rex", 2 "Wrecks" and 1 "XXX" from the duo of British reedist Evan Parker and NY pianist Matthew Shipp in a double CD release, one in the studio and one live at Vortex in London, exceptional interplay from two masters.

Evan Parker met live sampling/electronic artist Matthew Wright in the studio to create these layered studio compositions, a unique approach for this hard-core free improvising saxophonist.

A sequence of six duo improvisations from Evan Parker on tenor saxophone & Sten Sandell on church organ recorded at Evan Parker's recording studio of choice, St Peter's in Whitstable, UK, 2009.

Evan Parker's followup to The Snake Decides is this live recording of saxophone solos from 1989 recorded in the Holywell Music Room by Michael Gerzon.

Three open improvisations recorded in concert at Kunstencentrum Belgie Hasselt, Belgium in 2010 by sub-groups from the Electrocacoustic Ensemble, plus an extended performance by the whole ensemble.

Evan Parker's trio with John Russell and John Edwards, unexpectedly augmented by stroh viola, saw, and wax cylinder recordist Aleks Kolkowski; free ranging, sophisticated and unusual dialog.

Exceptional free improvisation by Evan Parker performing solo at St. Michael and All Angels Church in England in 2001, urgent and powerful playing using extended techniques while playing to the natural reflections in the cathedral.

The four part "Monoceros" was recorded by saxophonist Evan Parker, here on soprano, in 1987, originally for the Incus label, here in a remastered form with Parker showing his masterful use of the extended techniques that have influenced a generation of players.

Evan Parker's 1st solo saxophone recording from 1975 with additional FMP recordings from the same year, extreme and amazing improvisations aptly titled "Aerobatics".

Previously unissued recordings from 2003 of Parker's work based on Lynn Margulis' serial endosymbiosis theory (SET), performed by Parker, Barry Guy, Paul Lytton, Furt, Lawrence Casserley, &c.

Eight jaw-dropping, inspired soprano saxophone solos from Evan Parker recording in his studio of choice, the marvelously resonant St. Peter's church in Whitstable, UK.

The enduring sax and drum duo format is invigorated with US drummer Chris Corsano and Danish saxophonist Mette Rasmussen, who push each other in free improvisation that uses insanely great technique while delivering a passionate and ecstatic dialog.

Two passionate studio improvisations from saxophonist Matana Roberts, who lovingly dedicates the album to "those bard(s) of summer...the ideas herein of which I gleaned/interrogated/investigated/celebrated with you..."; subtle, rich, and inspiring.

New York multi-reed and wind player Ned Rothenberg performing on the shakuhachi in orignal compositions performed with viola and spoken word in beautiful and nuanced performances.

The free improvising duo of pianist Manon-Liu Winter and saxophonist Udo Schindler performing at the SALON fur KLANG + KUNST in Kralling, Munich in 2012, an amazing dialog that balances subtle and explosive playing in inventive ways.

Tzadik's new Spectrum series begins with the collaboration of 3 legendary NY performers--Wadada Leo Smith (trumpet); George Lewis (trombone); John Zorn (alto sax)--in 8 technically superb and joyfully unique compositions and collective improvisations.

The third collaboration from the duo of Israeli saxophonist Assif Tsahar and Japanese percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani, an amazing journey in tone and rhythm from two kindred spirits through 20 short, inventive, and stunning improvisations.

Surprisingly after long partnerships with Peter Brotzmann's Tentet and the saxophone trio Sonore, this is the first time that Ken Vandermark & Mats Gustafsson have recorded as a duo, here in 6 incredible improvisations balancing technique, power, and beauty.

Pure Trevor Watts performing solo on the alto saxophone, showing his lyrical and technical skills in full force through 13 studio recordings, from succinct tracks of a minute in length to longer displays of powerful playing with great skill and ingenuity.

Music inspired and fascinated by Italian cultural history, art, poetry, &c., from the collective quartet of John Butcher, John Edwards, Fabrizio Spera and Alberto Braida.

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.

Two iconic New York players - saxophonist John Zorn and guitarist Thurston Moore - meet for the first time, presenting seven exhilarating improvisations of great diversity, inventiveness, sonic power, and creative drive.

A beautiful solo album from Montreal/Brooklyn trumpeter Philippe Battikha, who also developed the field recordings over which he plays, joined on two tracks by double bassist Johan Fortune, in a melancholy and haunting album of emotionally rich soundscapes.

The long-running duo of US-based Japanese percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani and French saxophonist Michel Doneda in an album merging superb technical skills and creative approaches in an almost telepathic dialog of surprising twists and turns.