Search - Henry Threadgill, Make a Move :: Everybodys Mouths a Book

Keep right on playing through the mirror over the water

Dan Keener | Denver, CO United States | 01/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"thank the stars henry threadgill is back recording music, after a half-decade hiatus following his getting dropped from columbia jazz. i should also note that these are the first two releases on a new and promising jazz label, pi recordings. this disc and "up popped the two lips" are about what you'd expect from threadgill -- that is to say, they're quite unlike anything you've ever heard before, from threadgill or anyone else. UPTTL, in particular, with the new all-acoustic "zooid" configuration (reeds, guitar, oud, cello, tuba and drums) presents a delightful new sound. i won't bother trying to describe the music -- i can't think of any other musician on the scene whose art is so slippery to try and capture with words. so i'll just say this: if you know threadgill and enjoy his music, you won't be disappointed by these two new discs. and if you're not so familiar with threadgill's music, take the opportunity to see what you're missing, and help out a brand new label with some great ideas in the process!"

Beyond the Olympics

Lester Brown | Tampa, Florida | 05/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a loyal fan of Henry Threadgill for the past 12 years since I first heard him. This album is naturally as unpredictable as all his other albums - but this album also is beyond the 'Olympics' in the musical world in sheer compositional advancement and conception. I believe Threadgill has brought down barriers in terms of musical habits and acceptances completely and amazingly with this one. Try following the compositional aspect of each piece - see where you get - see what you can figure - you know its not random, random improvisation it certainly is not - the time, the solos, the progressions - mind-boggling. this album of Threadgill can be deceptive at first - its not in-your-face, and it sounds pretty laid back AT FIRST! but this is probably the most radical shift to another place, taking music to the next place - can't get much further than that."

Just this once

Boxodreams | district of columbia | 03/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I go out of my way not to denigrate artists to make a point about the greater value of another, but I'm going to do it just this once . . .

Two nights ago, I sat up late playing this Henry Threadgill album and it is as mesmerizing, penetrating and gorgeously realized as any collection of music I own. That it careens from the heartbreakingly reflective, pensive and lovely opener, a rumination with flute and vibes, and later digs into some fiery electric guitar that reminds me of the late Ted Dunbar in his brief stint with Tony Williams, just shows the breadth and scope of Threadgill. And it's free to a point but not cacophony. It's a special kind of logic that swings hot and cool. I love this album.

Tonight, I went down to the Kennedy Center for a free show by legends Benny Golson and Curtis Fuller. No one can dispute their credentials, music, contribution, what have you, but, my lord, they were tired, tired, tired. Killer Joe never sounded less killer in all his nightlife. So, I got to thinking, why can't the Kennedy Center -- or just about anybody -- make some room on the stage for Threadgill, who is as great as they come? Why must guys like this, on top of their game, be kept in the margins? Golson and Fuller are great, but somebody, please, bring the music of today to the people. I go to New York to hear jazz, but I don't know why I can't hear Henry Threadgill live. There used to be a club in d.c., where I saw the '80's band The Leaders, and Andrew Cyrille came in once or twice with a group, but where any of the more out there cats are today is a mystery to me. Maybe I need to keep my ear closer to the ground. Anyway, this album is an absolute find."