APRIL ENDS with MASSIVE TREASURES from CUNEIFORM, LEO, ATAVISTIC'S UMS, DRIMALA, ECM, RED TOUCAN, LOTS of REISSUES,...and finally: ELECTRIC MASADA & MEPHISTA next week [Don't Ask Don't Tell] !!!





And Now, an amazing assortment for MAYDAY!




SIX OUTSTANDING & EXCITING DISCS from Our FAVORITE PROGRESSIVE LABEL:


HENRY KAISER & WADADA LEO SMITH - Yo Miles!: Sky Garden [2 CD set] (Cuneiform 191/192) Among the giants enthroned in jazz's pantheon, no one made as big, as broad, as bad-boy brazen of an impact on popular music in many manifestations - jazz, rock and improvisation - as Miles Davis. At the same time, he pioneered new routes for rock. The innovations that Miles made in both jazz and rock spawned immediate followers in his time and continue to infuse and energize the music of today. But even during the revival that began in the 1990s, "É only one band has had the courage to throw itself full bore into the thorniest Davis era, the mid-'70s years when he created a dark, dangerous, haunting, ecstatically wondrous body of music that no one has ever attempted to duplicate."(San Francisco Chronicle). That band is called Yo Miles! And was formed in 1998 to explore, expound and expand on Davis' mid-70s electric music. For 'Sky Garden', Yo Miles!'s 2nd recording and 1st release on Cuneiform, Kaiser and Smith have assembled an all-star cast culled from both the jazz and rock communities. The lineup here includes Smith on trumpet; Kaiser, Mike Keneally and Chris Muir on electric guitars; Michael Manring on bass; Steve Smith on drums; Karl Perazzo on percussion; Greg Osby (alto) and John Tchicai (tenor and soprano) on saxophones; and Tom Coster on percussion. It also features special guests Zakir Hussain on tabla, Dave Creamer on guitar, and the ROVA Sax Quartet. This set is about equally split between Miles' compositions and original compositions in the electric Miles style. The group's studio performance at The Site was recorded live, directly to a stereo DSD (Direct Stream Digital) recorder. The result is a set of two hybrid SACDs (Super Audio CDs, a new technology for enhanced audio quality) playable in either an SACD player or on a standard CD player. And it rocks!
2 CD set for $21

SOFT MACHINE - Live In Paris [2 CD set] (Cuneiform 195/196) The Soft Machine line-up of Elton Dean, Hugh Hopper, John Marshall and Mike Ratledge lasted under half a year and recorded just one half of an album (side two of "5"). Live in Paris is a rare recording of this quartet during that lineup's final days; Dean left Soft Machine later that month. It is also a special, rare example of a Soft Machine concert recorded and released in its entirety. Live in Paris shows Soft Machine playing in top form. As Aymeric Leroy points out in the liner notes, the music illustrates main composers Ratledge and Hopper's "shift in compositional styleÉtowards looser and more minimalistic themes." The track-listing consists of works from "Third" and "5" in often significantly different versions, as well as several piece not recorded elsewhere. This excellent quality release - formerly released as "Live In France" on One Way - is taken from the less than two dozen shows performed by this version of the band, and shows that despite such a short life, that this version of the quartet definitely had their own style and sound.
2 CD set for $18

DAEVID ALLEN'S UNIVERSITY OF ERRORS - Jet Propelled Photographs (Cuneiform 188) University of Errors is led by guitarist, vocalist, and pataphysical icon Daevid Allen. Daevid was one of the founding members of The Soft Machine (and later the founder of Gong), but he left the Softs in August, 1967, and there are only a handful of recordings and demos of his tenure with the band. Allen launched his US-based band, University of Errors, over thirty years, numerous musical escapades and multiple continents later. Jet Propelled Photographs is University of Error's 4th release and their first recording with Cuneiform Records. It is a remake of Soft Machine's first music: their repertoire from the days when Allen was in, and recorded with, the band whose existence he sparked. On Jet Propelled Photographs, University of Errors revives, re-informs, and reinvents Soft Machine's psychedelic rock and pop of the era, kicking it into the 21st century and resulting in a sound that is entirely new!
CD for $13

PIP PYLE'S BASH - Belle Illusion (Cuneiform 193) Drummer and composer Pip Pyle is widely recognized as the drummer of the Canterbury school of progressive rock. As the drummer for Hatfield and the North and National Health, as well as stints with Gong, In Cahoots, Soft Heap and many, many others in both England and France, Pyle is one of the great drummers of both progressive rock and jazz-rock/fusion. His newest project, Bash!, is a modern electric jazz fusion/Canterbury outfit that integrates all of his past musical experiences while showcasing his compositional skills. In 2002, Pyle formed the group Bash! to perform his own jazz-infused, rock-energized compositions. Besides Pyle, the virtuoso ensemble includes guitarist Patrice Meyer, keyboardist Alex Maguire and bassist Fred Baker. Saxist Elton Dean guests on two tracks. Belle Illusion, despite it being this group's first release, is an organic and remarkably mature work. Its success is in part due to the player's high level of skill, and in part due to the fact that Pyle penned his compositions with these specific players in mind. According to Pyle, Belle Illusion "is the nearest to writing for specific musicians that I've ever done". Featuring excellent sound, the CD was recorded live at two festival shows, allowing the excitement that musicians bring to good live performances to be captured here. Bash! is sure to please fans of Pip's work and also to bring new fans to an appreciation of his music.
CD for $13

GARY WINDO - Anglo American (Cuneiform 189) 'Anglo American', the second retrospective of the late saxist Gary Windo's work to appear on Cuneiform, was compiled by Michael King and features liner notes by Pam Windo, as well as rare photos supplied by her. While Gary recorded in an amazing number of situations over several decades of work, he is probably best known for his crucial involvement on Robert Wyatt's classic albums "Rock Bottom" and "Ruth Is Stranger Than Richard". Consisting of over 70 minutes of previously unreleased and rare recordings from 1971-81, it not only highlights a decade of Windo's work but also that of numerous other prominent avant-garde musicians on two continents. Anglo American includes 35 minutes of early 1970s recordings featuring Wyatt, including the only recordings by the legendary WMWM band (Windo, Monkman, Wyatt, MacRae); several tracks featuring Brotherhood of Breath members, including Mongezi Feza, Dudu Pukwana and Louis Moholo; and appearances by Hugh Hopper, Harry Miller, Marc Charig, Nick Evans, Steve Swallow, Laurie Allen, Roy Babbington and numerous other notable artists.
CD for $13

UNIVERS ZERO - Implosion (Cuneiform 190) 'Implosion' features Univers Zero's trademark chamber rock style - a style that they are one of the originators of - subtly modernized, infused with greater classicism and given a sharper, more electric and electronic edge. Besides leader/composer Daniel Denis Denis (drums, percussion, keyboard, samplers, accordion, guitar), musicians on Implosion include Michel Berckmans (oboe, English horn, bassoon), Serge Bertocchi (saxes & tubax), Aurelia Boven (cello), Ariane De Bievre (flute, piccolo), Dirk Descheemaeker (bass clarinet, clarinet), Bart Maris (trumpet, flugelhorn), Eric Plantain (electric bass), Christophe Pons (acoustic guitar), Bart Quartier (marimba, glockenspiel), and Igor Semenoff (violin).Implosion shows that, three decades after it was first formed, Univers Zero continues to evolve, expanding and experimenting with the boundaries of New Music, and, to quote ExposŽ, ceaselessly "proving themselves to be one of the best and most important groups on the planet."
CD for $13




EIGHT (!) NEW TITLES FROM THE FABULOUS LEO LABEL:


CHRISTY DORAN/JOHN WOLF BRENNAN/PATRICK HERAL - Triangulation (Leo 388) It's been almost ten years since the release of the first recording by Irish-born Swiss-residing Christy Doran and John Wolf Brennan (Leo Lab 015 - 'Henceforward') which explored their Irish roots and many varied paths they have taken since. On this recording they are joined by the French percussion shaman Patrick Heral, a veteran of many leading European groups, including the Vienna Art Orchestra and ensembles with Mark Stockhausen. The three virtuosi triangulate among genres, moods, pacing, attack and pause, throwing into the pot their huge experiences of playing jazz, rock, and new music.
CD for $15

THE JOE FONDA/MICHAEL JEFRY STEVENS GROUP - Twelve Improvisations (Leo 394) Featuring Joe Fonda on acoustic bass, MJ Stevens on piano, Herb Robertson on trumpet, Daunik Lazro on alto & bari saxes and Harvey Sorgen on drums. Fifth fabulous cd from the Leo Feygin's favorite domestic quintet with special guest Daunik Lazro. Superb studio date from October of 2002 in Poitiers, France. Consistently great!
CD for $15

FRANK GRATKOWSKI QUARTET - Facio (Leo 398) Featuring Frank on alto sax & clarinets, Wolter Weirbos on trombone, Dieter Manderscheid on bass and Gerry Hemingway on drums.
CD for $15

JOELLE LEANDRE/MAT MANERI/CRISTOPHE MARGUET/JOEL RYAN - For Flowers (Leo 396) Joelle plays contrabass, Mat Maneri is on violin, Joel Ryan (works w/ Evan Parker) is playing computer based electronics and Christophe is at the drum. Recorded live at two festivals in France in June of 2001.
CD for $15

WHO TRIO [MICHEL WINTSCH/GERRY HEMINGWAY/BANZ OESTER] - The Current Underneath (Leo 391) This is the third release by Michel Wintsch (piano) on Leo Records with his fellow-musicians Gerry Hemingway (drums), Banz Oester (bass). (The last piece on the CD has been recorded with the guest Ray Anderson on trombone.) The title of the CD very precisely reflects the nature of the music, and it seems that Michel Wintsch, who wrote most pieces, is moving towards a new aesthetics that can be defined as "less is more". The understatement is always stronger than the overstatement.
CD for $15

VINNY GOLIA & PETER A. SCHMID - Birdology (Leo 389) Featuring L.A. based reeds pioneer Vinny Golia on sopranino, saxello, flutes, ney, tubax, clarinets & bass and Peter A. Schmid on bari & sopranino saxes, flutes, recorder, taragot, tubax, clarinets & basses. Excellent studio duo date from March of 2003, recorded in Switzerland. In depth review next week.
CD for $15

FABIO MARTINI INTRIO - Practicality (Leo 392) Featuring Fabio Martini on alto and Bb clarinets; Tito Mangialajo Rantzer on double bass and Carlo Virzi on drums. Considering how vast the Italian-based Splasch catalogue is with hundreds of releases by mostly Italian jazz musicians, it should come as no surprise that there is dozens (hundreds?) of fine players in Italy, the more one digs below the surface of popular players like Enrico Rava, Giorgio Gaslini, Mario Schiano & the Italian Instabile Orchestra, the more one finds other riches by lesser known players. Can't say that I've heard of any members of this wonderful trio, but the Leo label consistently finds these unsung gems. It is a rarity to hear anyone soloing on alto clarinet, but Fabio does a fine job on both clarinets. Much of this music is more restrained and playful with some exquisite interplay, yet it takes off for points unknown from time to time and is rich with inventive spirits.
CD for $15

MATTHEW MITCHELL/DUNCAN HAYNES - Biathanatos (Leo 393) Matthew Mitchell guitar and electronics, Duncan Haynes on piano.
CD for $15




FIVE EXTRAORDINARY NEW DISCS FROM THE DRIMALA EMPIRE:


BURTON GREENE - Live at Grasland (04-347-01) Solo piano recital recorded live in Grasland, Holland in November of 2002 before a studio audience. Legendary free-jazz piano giant, Burton Greene, has continually evolved throughout his long career which began with two great albums on the ESP label and has long absorbed influences from the vast jazz world (new & old), classical and world music streams, recently working with a fine klez/jazz ensemble called Klezmokum. Take a journey through Burton's world with mostly original tunes, a traditional Chassidic tune and a tasty rendition of Perry Robinson's "Angels". Another treat.
CD for $13

DOMINIC DUVAL / MARK WHITECAGE - Rules of Engagements, Vol. 1 (Drimala 03-347-03) This fine duo features two of my favorite local heroes - contrabassist supreme Dominic Duval, who keeps pretty busy with Joe McPhee, Cecil Taylor and Ivo Perelman and longtime reeds master Mark Whitecage on alto & soprano saxes & clarinet, who has been leading his own bands since the sixties, as well as working with Gunter Hampel and those Fonda/Stevens groups.
CD for $13

STEVE SWELL / PERRY ROBINSON - Invisible Cities (Drimala 03-347-04) Featuring the fabulous Steve Swell on trombone and local legend Perry Robinson on clarinet. Steve Swell never ceases to amaze us with his ten discs out now as a leader and dozens of great improv sets all around the town. I just caught the delightful free-spirited clarinet master, Perry Robinson, in a fine trio with Jeremy Steig on flute and Ed Schuller on bass and what a beautiful performance it was! Both of these cats really shine here and have to work hard just their 'bone and clarinet only and do a truly fine job, nonetheless.
CD for $13

JOE GIARDULLO / CHRIS SULLIVAN / MICHAEL THOMPSON - Language of Swans (Drimala 02-347-05) Featuring Mr. Giardullo on alto & soprano saxes, bass clarinet & flute, Chris on bass and Michael on drums & percussion. Joe Giardullo is no longer one those best kept secret reeds heroes from upstate New York, but now a local contender for one of the saxists around. He continues work with his pal Joe McPhee and has a few cds out under his own name. He now has two superb quartet records with Joe McPhee and fine duo with guitarist Michael Berardi and now this, his new trio with two other players I don't recognize, but who sound fine nonetheless.
CD for $13

JOHN BLUM - Naked Mirror (Drimala 02-347-02) An intense solo piano performance from another of downtown's under-recognized giants. John Blum has worked with orchestras of Cecil Taylor, Wiliam Parker and Bill Dixon, as well as collaborating with Jemeel Moondoc, Denis Charles, Marco Eneidi, Tristan Honsinger and Raphe Malik. Although this studio set was recorded in 1999 and released in 2002, this is the first time we have gotten it in stock. Immensely probing, often dark and brilliant at times.
CD for $13




MORE NEW STUFF [Reviews next week]...


JAP BLONK/MAKIGAMI KOICHI/PAUL DUTTON/PHIL MINTON/DAVID MOSS - Five Men Singing (Victo 92; Canada) Avant vocal quintet live at the Victo Festival 5/16/03!
CD for $15

STEUART LIEBIG/MICHAEL VATCHER/VINNY GOLIA - On The Cusp Of Fire And Water (Red Toucan 9324; Canada) Michael Vatcher: drums, percussion Steuart Liebig: contrabassguitars Vinny Golia: soprano sax, stritch, alto flute, clarinet
CD for $15

10 YEARS OF RED TOUCAN [V.A.] - Amalgam(e) [2 CD set] (Red Toucan 9325; Canada) Specially priced packed 2 disc compilation featuring Brotzmann, Spearman, Hemingway, Gratkowski et al; also has some bonus cuts from the out-of-print Cactus records label!
2 CD set for $16




TWO NEW GEMS the FABULOUS BOXHOLDER LABEL - THEIR NEXT TWO DISCS (SIMMONS SOLO & RAPHE MALIK/FRANK WRIGHT) are JULY RELEASES, so be patient!


COSMOSAMATICS - Three (Boxholder 041) Featuring Sonny Simmons on alto sax & English horn, Michael Marcus on baritone sax & saxello and Jay Rosen on drums & percussion. This is actually the fourth Cosmosamatics disc counting their live date on Bleuregard from last year. 'Three' is half studio and half live and yes, there is no bassist. This allows their wonderful drummer to concentrate on a few different functions and he really does a great job. When I caught the quartet version at a recent Visions Club date, it was Jay that impressed me the most with his riveting drumming. Both Sonny and Michael split up the writing with a fine cover of Monk's "'Round Midnight'. A number of these tunes feature the English horn (an oboe-like double reed) and saxello (rare sax in between the soprano & alto in range) playing those hypnotic middle-eastern harmonies. Jay swings his tush off on "Tonal Magnitudes", which provides Sonny's alto and Michael's saxello ample time to play some spirited solos. Jay plays a different groove on each piece, creating the entire rhythm team support beneath both reeds giants. This is not a heavy duty blow-fest, but rather a calmer, more relaxed vibe, with strong playing, but little or no screaming. Both Sonny and Michael have strong and passionate tones on both reeds and both play with imagination and slow burning energy for this entire modern jazz treasure. Dedicated to NASA's Mars Mission satellite to bring hope for a better future. Amen.
CD for $14

RAPHE MALIK / JOE McPHEE / DONALD ROBINSON - Sympathy (Boxholder 045) Featuring Raphe on b-flat & c trumpets, Joe on soprano sax & pocket trumpet and Donald on drums, a studio date from October of 2002. 'Sympathy' is another strong trio date like the above mentioned Cosmosamatics disc with no bassist involved, yet just as magical as one could hope for. You probably know of Raphe Malik from his fire-breathing trumpet with Cecil Taylor and half dozen great discs on Eremite, FMP & Boxholder. No doubt you know of that multi-horn hero from upstate NY, Joe McPhee, who's been a local legend for about 35 years. You might remember bay area drummer Donald Robinson from his work with Larry Ochs and Glenn Spearman. This cd is dedicated to Raphe's mother Theresa who had recently passed away and there is a beautiful and sad aura surrounding this enchanting offering. The trio play with such exquisite elegance on the opener, "Testament", that it just takes my breath away. This is certainly the most lyrical and touching trumpet playing I've ever heard from Raphe. There are a few duo sections where the drums and trumpet or the drums and soprano take off for the stratosphere and never look back. There are also pieces where both trumpeters swirl around one another in a well-connected display of cosmic spirits. Another enchanting treasure from Boxholder.
CD for $14




FINALLY IN FROM THE FACTORY...


KEITH ROWE / AXEL DORNER / FRANZ HAUTZINGER - A View from the Window (Erstwhile 041) Featuring Keith Rowe on guitar (on table) & electronics, Axel Dorner on slide trumpet and Franz Hautzinger on quarter-tone trumpet. This much anticipated Erstwhile all-star trio was delayed for a couple of weeks, but is finally here. What makes this so special is that we find both of Europe's finest micro-tonal trumpet explorers together for the first time with non-other-than AMM's Keith Rowe who is in many ways the grandfather of the Erstwhile/Grob/Potlatch axis. Both Axel and Franz have solo trumpet releases out which show how rich and focused their explorations are, as well as diverse improvisations with other sonic manipulators. What is most interesting is that neither actually sound like they are playing trumpet from any sort of jazz tradition standpoint. Long, breath-filled tones and drones with a bit of percussive punctuation. Mr. Rowe keeps his input extremely minimal with just occasional fragments (a snippet of radio static) placed carefully within those slowly mutating wind-like sounds. Fascinating or boring, it depends on your point of view and level of patience. I find this trio particularly fascinating. Playing this gem in the store is certainly not the best way to judge it when the front door is open as the near constant traffic and sea of humanity sounds are often distracting. Only when we close the door, keep quiet and pay attention, does the magic begin to work.
CD for $13

LARRY OCHS / JOAN JEANRENAUD / MIYA MASAOKA - Fly Fly Fly (Intakt 092/Swiss) Larry plays tenor and sopranino saxes and is a founding member of the ROVA Sax Quartet, Joan plays cello and was once a member of Kronos (String Quartet) and Miya plays koto and works with a plethora of players on both coasts. This bay area based trio are also part of Fred Frith's 'Digital Wildlife' quartet and both Larry and Miya have worked with Henry Kaiser on occasion. Each keeps quite busy in a wide variety of projects and bands. 'Fly Fly Fly' consists of four long pieces composed by Larry Ochs and each piece explores different (mostly acoustic) textures, moods and ideas. The title track is laid back and sublime at times, with some delicate and quietly mysterious ambience. On "Mystery Street", Larry has written a cool film noir walking bass line which is plucked on the cello with the koto and tenor sax playing charming melody which slows down and melts into a more cerebral section. "Heart of the Matter" is the longest piece here and different inner structures and cueing is involved. The thread which holds it together is not always apparent, yet it certainly feels connected. On "It Happened One Night", both the cello and koto use sampling or electronics, which add some suspense and mild alien textures to the sound. Quite a strong trio excursion throughout.
CD for $16

THE HANUMAN SEXTET - Confusing the Devil [CDR] (RCR-CD 0011) Featuring Andy Haas (Avant label artist) on sax, raita, shofar & electronics; Don Fiorino on banjo, lotar & lap steel; Mia Theordoratus on electric harp, Matt Heyner on bass, Dee Pop on percussion and David Gould on drums. Recorded live at the Sunday Night Free-Style Series at CB's Lounge in September of '03 and in March of '04. Spacious, swirling and alien improvisations from this often mesmerizing sextet.
CDR for $10

JOHN ABERCROMBIE - Class Trip (ECM 1846/0002289) Featuring Mr. Abercrombie on guitar, Mark Feldman on violin, Marc Johnson on double bass and Joey Baron on drums. Abercrombie has been recording for ECM for thirty years as of this year. From one of the first and hottest fusion/jazz/rock guitar heroes to his exquisitely mellow quartet with Richie Beirach, to his organ trios Dr. Lonnie Smith and Dan Wall, there is always a balancing act going on between the extreme nature of his styles. His current group features two members of different versions of Zorn Masada projects - Mark Feldman and Joey Baron, both of whom are especially dynamic at what they do, yet can lay back when need be. On 'Class Trip', John's quartet does much laying back, often playing his mellow, melodic and melancholy tunes with exquisite grace. John's enchanting tone on electric guitar is quite warm, pure and tasteful. He composed most of the tunes here, except for Bartok's "Soldier's Song" and two group improvisations, which are both superb and more energized. At 72 minutes in length, I might've left off three of the more mellow tunes and make this a bit more concise. When they start cookin' on tunes like "Swirl", it does sound great hear our pals Mark and Joey kicking it up a notch or two.
CD for $16

MORGAN CRAFT - Adagio (Circle of Light 001) Morgan is one of half dozen fine guitarists for Burnt Sugar, half of Rough Americana with DJ Mutamasik and a third of a great trio with Daniel Carter & Eric Eigner, who played here at DMG last Sunday and did a swell job of blending jazz, funk and rock influences into their improvised set. 'Adagio' was recorded live at the now defunct Context studios on Ave. A (where I organized a number of concerts throughout the years). Morgan lays down a couple of layers of electric guitar parts, using just handful of devices - some fuzz, some wah-wah, some sustain, often holding a shimmering note, bending it slowly and adding some sampled textures to evoke some mystery. On "Oxford", Morgan loops this charming little melody and then adds spacy effects on top. Much of this deals more with a melancholy mood and subtle changes in textures, getting just a bit weird on occasion.
CD for $12

FRANK KIMBROUGH - Lullabluebye (Palmetto) Featuring Mr. Kimbrough on piano, Ben Allison on acoustic bass and Matt Wilson on drums. Three leaders in their rights as well as playing with several Jazz Composers Collective projects like the Herbie Nichols Project, Ted Nash & Still Evolved, Michael Blake's Free Association and the Ron Horton Quartet. All originals except for John Barry's 007 theme "You Only Live Twice". A superb and often sublime jazz piano trio date with some open ended arrangements. To be savored like fine wine.
CD for $15

JAAP BLONK - Flux De Bouche (Staalplaat 046) Jaap Blonk is a self-taught composer, voice performer and sound poet. His unfinished studies in physics, mathematics and musicology mainly created a penchant for activities in a Dada vein, as did several unsuccessful jobs in offices and other well-organized systems. He took up saxophone and started to compose music, at first mainly jazz pieces and music for experimental theatre. In reciting poetry, especially the works of Antonin Artaud, Lucebert and Kurt Schwitters, he discovered the directness and flexibility of vocal utterance, whether using meaningful words or not. At present, he has developed into a prolific writer/composer and a specialist in the performance of sound poetry, supported by a powerful stage presence and an almost childlike freedom at improvisation. On this debut CD he interprets his own work as well as the work of leading figures of sound poetry such as the Dadaist Hugo Ball, Tristan Tzara and Rudolf BlŸmne.
Netherlands import CD for $18

BLACK OX ORKESTAR - Ver Tanzt? (Constellation 029) Black Ox is a Montreal based quartet that formed in 1999 to play European Jewish folk music. Filtering traditional klezmer tunes through a sensibility shaped by alternative-rock and free-jazz, Black Ox infuses these pieces with a highly original approach to arrangement, freely borrowing from Turkish, Balkan and Greek folk idioms along the way. The band strikes a perfect balance between faithfulness to sources and extrapolation from contemporary influences, offering a challenge (both musically and lyrically) to modern Jewish political orthodoxies along the way. Evenly split between instrumentals and vocal tunes, this debut album is a hypnotic blend of pieces pulled from various Eastern European songbooks as well as several original compositions. Lyrics are in Yiddish and speak forcefully about the bloody history and intractable contradictions of Jewish diaspora and return. The record is of appeal to anyone who appreciates melancholy, minor key melodies and folk music unburdened by antiseptic production and/or cheap sentimentality.
CD for $15

ANOTHER COUNTRY 2 - various artists (Agenda 008) 'Another Country 2' takes us deeper into the heartland of American 'alt.country' -- a place of otherworldly harmonies, stripped-down arrangements, plangent guitars, clanking banjos and a short-story anthology's-worth of intriguing narratives. Not one artist here emanates from Nashville, though the rest of the country is well represented. There are beautiful, harmony-laced porch hymnals from New York's elegantly melodious Cub Country and Georgia's disarmingly intimate Azure Ray. There's heart-swelling, arcane boogie from Brooklynites The Boggs and died-in-the-wool Southerners Iron & Wine. Elsewhere, Arizonan legends Giant Sand chip in with a slice of beauteous desert-flecked country rock, while North Carolina's superstar-elect Ryan Adams and Austin's bucolic troubadours Okkervil River tip their feed caps toward Dylanesque folk-rock. 'Another Country 2' showcases country music, then, but not so as you'd notice. These are songs that, irrespective of genre, you'll simply want to inhabit. Like a tumbledown cottage or a beloved pair of boots; they have a lived-in charm that's truly beguiling.
CD for $17




THREE GREAT DISCS from the CONTEMPORARY CLASSICAL CORNER:


JERRY HUNT - Phalba (Tzadik Composer Series 7093) Composer and modern day shaman Jerry Hunt combines live electronics with esoteric spirituality in creating his own highly unique ritualistic performances. 'Phalba', his second release for Tzadik, presents four rare compositions performed by the Barton Workshop, who had a long and close relationship with the elusive composer until his untimely death in 1993. Featuring an extended work for trombone and electronics, two strange works for chamber ensemble and a charming minimalist piece for violin and piano. Jerry Hunt's hypnotic sound-world transfers brilliantly to this virtuosic ensemble and they in turn perform his challenging scores with passion and intensity.
CD for $14

RICHARD RIJNVOS / IVES ENSEMBLE - Block Beuys (Hat [now] Art 147) Mr. Rijnvos is a Netherlands based composer who studied with Brian Ferneyhough and has received much recognition for his compositions performed by such groups as Ensemble Modern, InterContemporain and the BBC Symphony, 'Block Beuys' was inspired by a museum installation by Joseph Beuys, which consists of about 270 objects arranged in seven rooms. They piece is broken into four long parts for different rooms. "Raum 1" features a tape of the rusty, metallic sounds of bowed piano strings with eleven instrumentalists, like the first room of the installation the overall vibes is one eerie spaciousness with sounds carefully placed in the sonic environment. "Raum 2" adds ten more musicians and like 'Room 2', everything is in a state of flux, somewhat abrasive and occasionally terrifying. Intense sounds leap from the speakers, erupting in a violent upheaval, yet still cautious and stark in certain sections. 'Raum 3' features a tape of Beuy's voice from a lecture he gave, the voice providing cues for the musicians. The music consists of a series of percussive outbursts which occur mostly by hitting, dropping and the friction of the materials used. Quite disturbing and most effective. "Raum 4" features a varying sinister drones which slowly bend shape with playful piano and percussion dialogue slowly dancing on top. An immensely intriguing work that will take some time to fully absorb.
CD for $17

OLGA NEUWIRTH - Bahlamms Fest [2 CD set & 46 page booklet] (Kairos12342) Over the last few years, I've become a big fan of Austrian born composer Olga Neuwirth. The more I hear of her compositions, he more I knocked out by her consistent output. The article in the March issue of The Wire helped clarify some things about her. 'Bahlamms Fest' is "a musical drama or opera in 13 parts meant to trigger a longing for faraway places amongst the listeners and an intensified need to obverse and consider our environments and fellow human beings more carefully." It is based on a surrealist play concerned with a timeless theme of social constriction and repression. Performed by Klangforum Wien with 10 voices/characters and Lydia Kavina at the theremin. The music and vocals here are a brilliant blend of abrupt changes, montages, possessed and bizarre voices, extreme contrasts, constantly shifting orchestral insanity that remains clearly defined throughout. Everything here fits just right, like a strange novel that you just can't put down, completely gripping, considering that I don't understand the language of the words used, just the synopsis outline in the booklet. Ms. Neuwirth mentions "Laughter. An exceptional state" as the heading for a section describing what she is trying to do. I hear nothing funny in any of this, rather something that feels pretty serious. Am I missing something? I think not. Without a doubt, one of the most intense listening experiences of this year.
2 CD set for $22



MICHAEL WERTMULLER - Die Zeit. Eine Gebrauchsanweisung (Grob 545) Performed by the Kammermusik Ensemble (w/ Mark Trayle, computer & Stephan Wittwer, guitar) and European String Quartet (with Alex Buess, live electronics). The compositions of Michael WertmŸller, as diverse as they may be, can all be seen as contributing to solving the problem, how does density originate? Density -- mediated as energy, brute force, loudness, tempo, etc -- results here from extremely gracefully built structures that are folded into each other, linked, and associated such that they result in a great whole. But the graceful build is not exhausted in the compositions, but only elevated. It is audible all along as a trace, as a necessity (as reason, cause). WertmŸller plays out this dialectic of fragility in these compositions to its completion. This is meant literally: his music is derived from a sheer inexhaustible richness, but despite all its aggression, it also has an audibly luxurious character.
CD for $15

KEITH ROWE / OREN AMBARCHI / ROBBIE AVENAIM - Honey Pie (Grob 648) Featuring Keith Rowe on tabletop guitar & electronics, Oren Ambarchi on guitar & more electronics and Robbie Avenaim on percussion and even more electronics. Live recording from the Musique Action Festival, France, 5/26/01. Oren and Robbie were part of a legendary Australian punk/noise/improv band called Phlegm and Keith Rowe continues to be a member of AMM since the mid-sixties.
CD for $15

MULLER / MOSLANG - Boom_Box (Grob 649) Featuring GŸnter MŸller on selected percussion, MD's, iPOD, and electronics and Norbert Mšslang from Voice Crack on cracked everyday-electronics. Recorded in October of 2001 Kšln, Germany.
CD for $15

DAVID TOOP + SCANNER + I/O3 - A Picturesque View, Ignored (Room 40-1) Echoes of disconnected sound reverberate meshing together into a cascading river of intersecting sound elements -- occasionally confrontational, ultimately unforgettable. A Picturesque View, Ignored brings together the talents of seasoned UK improvisers David Toop, Scanner and Australia's I/O3 (Lawrence English, Tam Patton, Heinz Riegler). With a backdrop of moonlight cast across the Brisbane River framing the performance, the five-piece ensemble traversed a vivid sonic terrain. At times the sounds produced are clouded and densely rhythmic, while other moments feel sparse and arid. There's no one theme cementing this improvised performance, though there's always a sense of narrative passed between the musicians. The combinations and interactions documented on 'A Picturesque View, Ignored' are odd, but effective -- dreamy, but all the while focused, clear and unexpectedly beautiful.
CD FOR $15




REISSUES and HISTORIC RECORDINGS for the WEEK OF APRIL 30TH, 2004

KEES HAZEVOET QUARTET - Pleasure (Atavistic Unheard Music Series 234) Featuring Kees on piano, clarinet & trumpet; Kris Wanders on alto sax; Arjen Gorter on bass and the mighty Louis Moholo on drums. Those in the know, are well aware of the legendary Dutch pianist Kees Hazevoet from the stories of his ferocious playing, allegedly destroying pianos with his powerful hands and especially from his other great release on this same Unheard Music Series label - Haazz & Company's 'Unlawful Noise'. This incredibly rare album was recorded in a museum in Amsterdam in September of 1970 and released in small batch of only 250 copies with hand silk-screened covers. Kees' quartet included bassist Arjen Gorter, whose name you should recall from his work with Willem Breuker, Gunter Hampel & others. Kees was searching for the right drummer for this group/session and was incredibly lucky to find South African expatriate drum wizard Louis Moholo in town for a short stay. Louis Moholo is, of course, the only surviving member of the legendary Blue Notes, the South African band that moved to London in the mid-sixties and forever changed the modern jazz scene there. "Moving Lady" blasts open with spirited theme played by the clarinet and alto sax in righteous harmony. The rhythm team plays with vibrant, nervous energy, levitating and ascending in waves. Kees and Kris erupt together on piano and alto, swirling their volcanic forces together higher and higher. Kees' piano solo moves in a few different directions at once and reminds me of the crazed quick-spinning cascades that Keith Tippett often tosses off. "What Happens" begins quietly with simmering tension, yet explodes with some blood-curdling alto sax screaming near the end. "Pleasure" is a side-long over-the-top, free-jazz whirlwind where all four members get some inspired solo space. Kees switches between piano, trumpet and clarinet in a flurry intense interaction and hyper-activity. Quite a tour-de-force that builds organically in waves. Like wow!
CD for $14

MARIO SCHIANO - On the Waiting-List (Atavistic Unheard Music Series 235) Featuring Mario Schiano on alto sax & organ; Maurizio Giammarco & Toni Formichella on saxes & flute; Gaetano Delfini on trumpet; Giancarlo Schiaffini on trombone; Domenico Guaccero on prepared piano & organ; Bruno Tomasso & Roberto Della Grotta on basses and Michele Iannaccone on drums. After hearing/seeing Italian alto sax legend Mario Schiano up at Victo during the nineties, I started getting his dozen plus great releases on the Splasch label. He always chose his collaborators well, utilizing the talents of Evan Parker, Sclippenbach, Peter Kowald, Paul Rutherford & Paul Lovens, amongst others. 'On the Waiting-List' was recorded in a studio in Rome in December of 1973 and features Mario's diverse modern jazz quintet to octet. Mario's main group here features three saxes, bass and drums, with the other horns and the keyboardist on just a few tracks. Each of the eight tunes here deals with a different style or genre. "From New York: Nothing" is a fine swinging tune which loosens up and gets freer as it evolves with a number of fine sax solos and strong rhythm team work throughout. "Happy Night and Golden Dreams" begins as an organ groove tune which is then deconstructed, getting free and sailing out to space as it fades away. Bruno's "Blue Dolphin" has that late night bluesy vibe with great solos from the trombone and bari sax. "All It Takes" is a real blues tune with some silly (lyrics) yet spirited singing from Mario. "Brasil '99" has the saxes playing somber free spirits over some prepared piano and sparse percussion. The title track brings things to a close with another blend of bluesy yet free-floating horns. I kinda expected an announcer to come in and wish us a fond goodbye. This release has been compared to an Art Ensemble record and it does have that earthy, humorous and ancient-to-modern vibe the AeoC do specialize in. A completely groovy experience from some of Italy's finest players.
CD for $14

[ALBERT "TOOTIE" HEATH With] HERBIE HANCOCK [/DON CHERRY/ED BLACKWELL/BUSTER WILLIAMS/JIMMY HEATH/JAMES MTUME/BILLY BONNER] - [KAWAIDA] JAZZ MASTERS (Folio 20015; EEC) This is actually Albert "Tootie" Heath's very rare 1971 album KAWAIDA with Don Cherry, Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Heath, Ed Blackwell, Billy Bonner, James Mtume, and Buster Williams!!!!! Unfortunately this only-CD-edition of this great album is being marketed as a Herbie Hancock album with the generic title Jazz Masters. Never Mind The Packaging - this album boils over! An unearthed 100% gem!!! CD $10.00 7 for 6 SALE.


GLENN BRANCA - Lesson No. 1 (Acute Records 005) After playing in the seminal and influential New York City no wave rock outfits the Theoretical Girls and The Static, Glenn Branca made his first strides towards the more ambitious guitar symphonies he'd become famous for with his first solo release 'Lesson No. 1' in 1980. "Lesson No. 1 For Electric Guitar" is perhaps his most accessible piece of the period. It is a concise yet extended statement of forward motion, guitar motives repeating in a manner recalling the minimalist of Philip Glass, but unlike Glass, with a maximalist approach to sonic density and bombast. Upon its initial release as the first record on the influential 99 Records (Liquid Liquid, ESG, etc.), "Lesson No. 1" was paired with "Dissonance", a more daring experiment that explodes sonic dissonance with rock and roll energy. For this reissue, Acute Records has added 'Bad Smells' (with Sonic Youth's Lee Ranaldo and Thurston Moore), composed as a dance piece for choreographer Twyla Tharp in 1982 & an 18 minute video of 'Symphony #5'.
CD FOR $14

JAMES CHANCE [JAMES WHITE] & THE CONTORTIONS/THE BLACKS/THE FLAMING DEMONICS - Sax Education [2 CD set] (Tiger Style 053; USA) This first disc is a compilation of the classic tracks found on the 4 CD Irresisitible Impulse 4CD set... This package includes a bonus 2nd CD that contains the previously unreleased "Live From Radio Holland" broadcast. All for the price of one CD!
2 CD set for $15

JAMES CHANCE [JAMES WHITE] & THE CONTORTIONS/THE BLACKS/THE FLAMING DEMONICS - Irresistible Impulse [4 CD set] (Tiger Style 60037; USA) Compiles tons of out of print songs, live stuff, and never before released material by this no-wave god. 32 page full color booklet, to boot. This is the defining artist of no-wave, get this. Includes these album and mini-album releases in their entirety: Buy The Contortions, Off White, Sax Maniac, Flaming Demonics, Grutzi Elvis, Melt Yourself Down, Soul Excorcism Live, the unreleased Judy Taylor Sessions
4 CD Box for $40

QUINTESSENCE - In Blissful Company (Repertoire 1009) Originally issued on Island in 1969. As pop music made its way into rock in the late sixties, several of its protagonists decided to leave behind the well-trodden paths of the past. Native Australian Ron Rothfield (flute) formed Quintessence, a six-piece outfit based in London's Notting Hill, that blended jazz, folk and meditative sounds. The group's highly sought after debut album, originally released on the legendary Island Records label, produced a cornucopia of Far-Eastern elements, taxing rock improvisations and religious themes -- all brilliantly executed by six adventurous soloists. For its Repertoire cd debut, 'In Blissful Company' has the addition of two rare extra A & B-side tracks taken from a rarely found single.
CD for $16

QUINTESSENCE - Quintessence (Repertoire 1016) Second splendid album, originally issued by Island, 1970. The unique sound of these pioneers of new age rock and can be fully enjoyed and appreciated on this remarkable CD. Quintessence was the band's second album and was first released in 1970. Featuring a sparkling blend of spiritual lyrics and jazz and rock instrumentals, it still sounds remarkably fresh today. Flute player Raja Ram and vocalist Shiva Shankar, who tear into such classic Quintessence performances as 'Sea Of Immortality', and a 'live' recording of 'Burning Bush', front the group that veers stylistically between Cream and Jethro Tull. Repertoire is proud to reproduce on this important cd the classic cover Quintessence with an LP style gatefold sleeve and striking cover picture of Shiva.
CD for $17

BEGNAGRAD - self/titled (MIO 006) "Begnagrad was a group from the former Yugoslavia that released their only album in 1983. Considered one of the best albums to come out of eastern Europe, this reissue includes several live bonus tracks and a 20+ minute M-PEG video of the group in concert in the early '80s that's never been seen; the record has also been meticulously re-mastered and sounds phenomenal. RIO-influences, Balkan folk, and electric rock combine with humor & sadness in wild compositions that are completely unique. Accordion, melodica, keyboards, clarinet, sogra, baritone sax, ocarina, whistling, voice, bass, mandolin, screaming, drums, violin, conga, percussion, tiny instruments, and guitar.
CD for $15

PHILIPPE BESOMBES - Libra (MIO 008) Philippe Besombes was engaged in the French avant-garde music scene from the early 1970s. Abandoning his doctoral degree for his groundbreaking work with new electronics in a variety of musical contexts, he supported himself through the seventies creating and composing the sounds for theater and ballet. Besombes was also well-known as an audio engineer in the French contemporary concert scene. Perhaps best known for his group Hydravion, Besombes still records and releases music at his studio in Versailles. Conceived as the soundtrack (and, in fact, the ONLY sound in the movie) for the avant-garde film Libra, the music on this 1973 album ranges in style from electronic pop mixed with music concrete ala Parmegiani/Henry to psychedelic exercises, progressive rock, sitar raga, and fusion. By including a mix of rock musicians and electronic treatments, Besombes was a pioneer in a very new way of working. Bonus tracks will include three cuts from the Libra sessions that have never been released, and a lengthy, experimental minimalist prepared-piano composition will also be included. From the Nurse With Wound list. Libra is the first in a trilogy of Besombes's albums MIO will release.
CD for $15

FLAMEN DIALIS - Symptome-Dei (MIO 014) After releasing a 45 in England in 1971 as the Yecta Plus Band (a trio, with guitars, vocals, and keyboards) Didier Le Gallic formed Flamen Dialis in 1976. They recorded a 7" that was released in 1978. The basic components for their following masterpiece are evident on this short release. For their 1979 LP Symptome Dei, a number of players, vocalists, and instruments were added, and the band's sound became much richer and dense. The music developed an otherworldly atmosphere combined with child-like melodies composed around sequences of unearthly themes and solemn chanting, whispers, and injections of flute, bombarde (a twin-reed precursor of the oboe) and vibraphone to weave a sound that is both disquieting and dreamy. Yet with the next breath, the atmosphere can turn both heavy and strangely familiar. Layers of mellotron and airy keyboard sonorities further underscore the music's dramatic tensions. Elements of this recording call to mind Franco Battiato's Fetus and Pollution and the vocal exercises share similarities with the French group Magma, although Flamen Dialis are certainly unique for their impressionist cosmic music and a powerful dramatic intensity. Completely unavailable for decades, this reissue includes the group's first 45 as bonus tracks. These two releases represent the group's entire body of work.
CD for $15

MOSAIC - Ultimatum (MIO 029) A lost jewel in the crown of the French underground. Mosaic made this, their only album, in 1978. You'll hear similarities to Zeuhl bands, Hatfield and the North, King Crimson, National Health. The music is mostly instrumental fusion/progressive performed on acoustic and electric guitars, synths, cello, double bass, electric bass, keyboards, drums and percussion. This reissue includes their 1977 demo tape CuvŽe 77 and two additional bonus tracks.
CD for $15

TERRY REID - Silver White Light: Live at the Isle of Wight 1970 (Water 108) Coming out of the 1960's, singer/songwriter Terry Reid was on a roll. He'd toured with the Stones, been offered the spot of fronting Led Zeppelin and there was an Atlantic Records contract waiting for him (which become the legendary River CD in 1973). Captured live at the Isle Of Wight Festival in 1970, this previously unreleased live recording features Terry and his band including maverick David Lindley on lead guitar and original King Crimson drummer Michael Giles rocking through nine Terry Reid original classics (including a couple of songs from River). Fans of the Faces, Joe Cocker and Free will enjoy this 1970's British blues-rock at its best.
CD for $15

HOLY MODAL ROUNDERS - Bird Song: Live 1971 (Water 130) Calling the Holy Modal Rounders 'legendary' is an understatement. Peter Stampel, Steve Weber and company was the original 'acid folk rock' band. This 1971 previously unreleased live radio broadcast, captures these wild and wacky visionaries at their peak. Includes their two biggest 'hits' -- 'If You Want to be a Bird' (featured in the Easy Rider movie & soundtrack) and 'Boobs A Lot' (not politically correct, but still very funny). There's also a song by former Rounder and legendary playwright Sam Shepard and a Johnny Otis tune thrown for good measure as well. This expanded seven piece version of The Rounders cover rock, latin, swing and everything in between during this nearly hour long show -- all through a good time, beatnik haze.
CD for $15

ETHIOPIQUES: ASNAQETCH WERQU - Vol. 16: The Lady With The Klar (Buda Musique 82265; EEC) "MORE HIGHLIGHTS FROM A STELLAR ETHIOPIAN MUSIC SERIES Now well into the double digits, the consistently amazing Ethiopiques series compiles Ethiopian pop and traditional music that was recorded in the early seventies, a brief window of artistic freedom for Ethiopian musicians between the imperial rule of Haile Selassie and a repressive communist regime known as the Derg. The sixteenth volume focuses on the spare, haunting music of Asnaqeth Werqu, who accompanies herself on the traditional Ethiopian lyre, called a krar. On the unrequited love song "Ende lyerusalem" ("Like Jerusalem"), Werqu attacks the strings of her instrument and scatters notes in every direction as she sings, in an eerie wail, "I have come to the point of desiring him and his wife at the same time." It's as minimal and tortured as the American blues of Robert Johnson - like Johnson, Werqu regards love as something that burns like acid. - Pat Blashill/Rolling Stone
CD for $15

ETHIOPIQUES: TIAHOUN GESSESSE - Vol. 17: Tlahoun Gessesse (Buda Musique 82266; EEC) "Tlahoun Gessesse has been one of Ethiopia's best-known singers since he was a teenager in the 1950's. That didn't keep him out of trouble.He was jailed in 1960 after a coup failed to unseat Ethiopia's emperor, Haile Selassie. His hit at the time, "Altchalkoum," was couched as a love song but received as a protest, and was banned by both Selassie and the military regime that followed him. All the songs on Ethiopiques 17 (Buda), Mr. Gessesse's volume of the Ethiopiques series of reissued Ethiopian pop, are from 1970-75, so 'Altchalkoum' isn't included. But the album introduces Western listeners to a striking voice: clear and impassioned, adding ornate arabesques to pop melodies and leaping to almost hysterical peaks. Most of the music is modal funk, with horn-section riffs and scrubbing guitar chords that send Mr. Gessesse's vocals spiraling above them. It's primitively recorded, with out-of-tune instruments that only make it seem funkier. Seven of the songs, described as 'modernist,' match Mr. Gessesse with tightly arranged small groups that add jazz harmonies to the hybrid. The lyrics, translated in the liner notes, are about lost love, desperate nostalgia and an uncertain future, and they're especially poignant because they were recorded in the last turbulent years of Selassie's rule. In one song Mr. Gessesse sings: 'Record my voice so that you can cry for me/It will be a memory on the day of my death.' He's still alive, and these recordings ought to let the world know about him." - Jon Pareles "Gessesse's startling voice often leaps from a quivering moan to a scabrous shout while the tunes blur the line between secular and sacred: On "Aykedashem lebe" ("My Heart Will Not Betray You"), Gessesse sings in Amharic, but soon the lyrics dissolve into an anguished, almost supernatural "Mmm-mmmhh!" As the singer cries helplessly, "Aykedashem" becomes a case study in the sort of desire that requires an exorcism!" - Pat Blashill/Rolling Stone
CD for $15

BULGARIAN WOMEN'S CHOIR - ANGELITE - Voices Of Life (Globe 2000; USA) The West became aware of the wonderful Bulgarian female choirs through La Mystere des Voix Bulgaires. This is, perhaps, the next step. This compilation of released and unreleased tracks [variously produced by Vladimir Ivanoff, Ulrich Balss, Peter Schultze and Eddie Jobson] is remixed/newly produced by former Roxy Music keyboard/violin player Eddie Jobson, explores the unique harmonies and overtone singing of the voices. In many ways, the singers represent the crossroads between West and East and between ancient and modern in a music that often seems timeless, especially on tracks like "Jano, Hubavo Jano," with its variant pitch intonation. But this isn't just folk music; a lot of the pieces come from contemporary classical composers, like Ivan Spassov's "Mechmetio," with its startling dissonances that work beautifully. Three tracks on the album have minimal instrumental accompaniement: "Utopia" featuring Jobson's violin and Tony Levin's Chapman stick; "Zavesata Pada" with the Prague Symphony Strings and violin solo by Jobson; and "Nov Den" with Vassil Bebelekov on gaida [a simple Balkan wind instrument that is a distant member of the bagpipe] and Bill Bruford on percussion. But understandably, this is about the voices and the way the human voice can sound. There's an eerie, staggering beauty about the singing, whether in the folk or classical material that pulls the listener into another, less-familiar world and makes this music a universal portrait of human emotion. -- Chris Nickson
CD FOR $16

FAUST - The Wumme Years [5 CD Box set] (ReR FB1; UK) This 5 CD set contains all Faust's early classic albums, a John Peel session and unreleased early material. The 40 page booklet is stuffed with unpublished photos, stills from super 8 footage of the famous studio at Wumme, and revealing interviews with many of the key players of the Faust story, including Peron, Irmler, Uwe Nettlebeck & Kurt Graupner! Most of the photos have never been published. Discs/albums included are: Faust, So Far, Faust Tapes, 71 Minutes and BBC Sessions (their great 1973 Top Gear performance and a substantial amount of extra material, all of which had never been previously released!).
CD $70.00 STOCK




DMG RECOMMENDED CALENDER OF GIGS for APRIL 30th - MAY 9th, 2004:


Friday April 30th-

NED ROTHENBERG/DAVE TRONZO/MARCUS ROJAS at 8:30 at Location One 26 Greene St. (bet. Canal & Grand) - a rare & wonderful trio!

2004 IMPROVISED AND OTHERWISE: A FESTIVAL OF SOUND AND FORM at the Williamsburg Art neXus (WAX) 205 N 7th St at Driggs, Brooklyn, NY starts at
7pm- Vera Nevanlinna - movement (Finland)
7:15 - 7:45 Remains - Written and directed by Aaron Petrovich (NYC)
7:45 - 8:15 David Appel - dance, Loren Connors - guitar (NYC)
8:15 - 9:15 Tomas Ulrich's Cargo Cult - Kevin Norton - percussion, Steve Swell - trombone, Dom Minasi -guitar, Tomas Ulrich - cello (NYC) 9:15 - 9:30 Corrina Kalisz - dance (NYC)
9:30 - 10:30 Chris Forsyth - guitar & Chris Heenan - reeds (NYC, Los Angeles)
10:30 - 11:00 Sabotage - Jaime Fennelly & Miguel Gutierrez - this annual festival is becoming one of the great things that happens in Williamsburg!


Saturday May 1st-

OTHER DIMENSIONS IN MUSIC (ROY CAMPBELL/DANIEL CARTER/WILLIAM PARKER/RASHIED BAKR) at 8pm at the Vision Club Series downstairs at St. Nick's -228 E. 10th & Ave A - they f**king rule!!

DAVID S. WARE QUARTET at 10pm at the Vision Club Series downstairs at St. Nick's -228 E. 10th & Ave A - the volcanic quartet returns to slay us once more!

RAVI COLTRANE QUARTET at Tonic at 8 & 10pm - he's getting better all the time!

2004 IMPROVISED AND OTHERWISE: A FESTIVAL OF SOUND AND FORM at the Williamsburg Art neXus (WAX) 205 N 7th St at Driggs, Brooklyn, NY starts at
7pm- Charles O. Anderson/dance theatre X, Performers - Charles O. Anderson, Sidney Johnson, Michael Velez, Samuel Reyes, Musicians - D.J. Lucas Rivera, Xande Cruz - percussion (Philadelphia);
7:30 - Ricardo Arias - bass balloon kit, Matthew Ostrowski - computer, Barry Weisblat -electronics, Jack Wright - reeds (NYC)
8:00 - 8:30 Clyde Forth Visual Theatre - Clyde Forth - movement, Thomas Lail - prepared guitar, Bob Lukomski - keyboard, Hajji Majer -guitar (NYC);
8:30 - The Lou Grassi PoBand - Paul Smoker - trumpet, Perry Robinson - clarinet, Dave Taylor - trombone, Adam Lane - bass, Lou Grassi - drums (NYC);
9:30 - Materiality in Sound and Image - video screening curated by Maria Dumlao (NYC);
10:00 - Music For Large Ensemble by Scott Rosenberg (Los Angeles, NYC) Rachel Golub, Chris Tignor - violin; Jessica Pavone, Leanne Darlin - viola; Chris Hoffman - cello; Adam Lane, Terence Murren - bass; Chris Heenan, Tony Barba, Shawn Hansen, Colin Stetson - reeds; Bethany Ryker - French horn; Jay Rozen - tuba; Nate Wooley, Sam Hoyt, Jesse Nueman, Matt Lavelle - trumpet; Jacob Garchick, Ben Gerstein - trombone; Ron Anderson - guitar; Barry Weisblatt - electronics; Aaron Siegel, Tim Barnes - percussion - an incredible festival that should really blow some minds!


Sunday May 2nd-

THE INBETWEEN S here at DMG at 7pm for free - incredible post-fusion power trio that are one of NY's best kept secrets!

GIANNI GEBBIA solo alto sax here at DMG at 8pm for free - extraordinary Italian alto saxist makes a rare appearance!

The Free-Style Series at CB's Lounge (313 Bowery) starts at
7pm - monika heidemann;
8pm - ayelet gottlieb;
9pm - amanda monaco 4;
10pm - kris davis group: Bill Mchenry - sax, Kris Davis - Piano, Chris Higgins - Bass, Jeff Davis - Drums


Monday May 3rd-

Roberto Rodriguez at 8pm at Tonic w/ Ted Reichman (accordion / piano / pump organ), Brad Jones (bass), Matt Darriau (woodwinds), Sam Bardfeld (violin), Curtis Hasselbring (guitar / trombone), Mary Wooten (cello), Okkyung Lee (cello) & Meg Okura (violin).


Tue, May 04-

Wayne Horvitz & Sweeter Than the Day (NYC version) at 8pm at Tonic w/ Ben Perowsky (drums), Wayne Horvitz , Tim Luntzel (bass) & Jim Campilongo (guitar) - looks great!


Fri, May 07-

CHRIS SPEED'S YEAH NO at 8pm & 10pm at Tonic w/ Ted Reichman (accordion / piano / pump organ), Cuong Vu (trumpet), Chris Speed (tenor sax / clarinet), Jim Black (drums / percussion) & Skuli Sverrisson (bass / electronics). YEAH NO have just returned from three weeks in Europe touring with their new record 'Swell Henry', which is now soon on Squealer records!