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.
Format: CD Condition: New Released: 2013 Country: USA Packaging: Digipack Recorded in June 2007 at Center for New Music and Technology (CNMAT), Berkeley, CA by Frank Gratkowski. Recorded July 2010 at CNMAT by Frank Gratkowski.
"FPR features saxophonists Frank Gratkowski, Phillip Greenlief, and Jon Raskin (ROVA Saxophone Quartet) - a tightly knit, powerhouse ensemble that explores improvisation and new composition systems. The members of the trio, a unique alternative to the standard saxophone quartet, are among the forefront of modern saxophonists who are pushing forward the boundaries of saxophone language and techniques. The composition styles of these three celebrated musicians are varied, as illustrated on their newest CD release ALL AT ONCE on the Relative Pitch label (NYC). FPR's music is both intellectually compelling and emotionally exciting, and has pleased audiences up and down the west coast since 2003."-Relative Pitch
"No surprise in comparing this release to the Rova Sax Quartet. It features Jon Raskin, a founding member of that ensemble, as well as fellow saxophonists Frank Gratkowski and Phillip Greenlief. Recorded on two dates, one in 2007 and the other in 2010, this intrepid trio gives their instruments a workout across nine tracks.
Honestly, limited-palette releases like this can be hit or miss. But in the right hands, three saxes can offer a broad range of pitches and textures. Such is the case for All At Once. Whether improvised or composed, and it can be hard to tell how some of these tracks came about, FPR attacks each effort with gusto and poise.
Little from this recording might be mistaken for the conventional, with squeaks, drones, and contrapuntal melodies throughout. But nothing sounds thrown together or offered for convenience. A subtle and engaging release."-Mike, AMN