A FINE EXAMPLE OF ORGANIC FREE JAZZ BY A LEGENDARY GROUP
Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 06/07/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"43 minutes in length approximately. The sound is clean with good separation between instruments. The booklet contains minimal notes,but anyone interested in the individual players can easily find information on line or in any number of jazz publications. There are b&w photos of the group,with a short explanation of the music.
This album,together with (the sequel) "Air Song",are arguably the two best releases from AIR. Consisting of Fred Hopkins-bass,Steve McCall-drums,and Henry Threadgill-alto/tenor sax,Chinese Musette,Hubkaphone,and flute,this group plays what is still considered some of the best examples of free-jazz. The trio combines their respective sounds into a combination of sometimes fierce/subtle,free-thinking yet an organic sounding whole.
All four tracks (each for a different lead instrument) are long,with the two longest in the 12 minute range,and the shortest around 7 minutes. But no matter the length,each composition (all are by Threadgill) winds and unwinds in a fairly complex interweaving of instruments. This album is a good example of true group-jazz. Each member of the trio is a master,fearless,improviser. Yet each player subsumes his individuality (to some extent) to advance the groups sound. The solos are never gratuitous,they are simply part of the composition. The result is imaginative,intelligent,alive sounding jazz. Credit must go to Threadgill for his compositional skills,yet they would not have the breadth,the depth,or the feeling without the other two musicians. They,at times,seem to almost know what the other is about to play. Even though the songs are written out beforehand,Threadgill leaves ample space for improvisation. The combination of written arrangements and improvisation is truly stunning.
For any jazz listener who wants to hear some fine ensemble jazz from a trio long considered one of the finest examples in free jazz,this album (along with "Air Song") is it. Their playing is outside the mainstream,yet their music is accessible to anyone willing to not just hear,but listen. I've owned both these albums on vinyl for many,many years. Only recently have they been reissued on CD in good sound. It was worth the wait. Listen and hear for yourself."
Track Listings (4) - Disc #1