Search - John Blum :: John Blum Astrogeny Quartet

	John Blum John Blum Astrogeny Quartet Genres: Jazz, Pop Track Listings (5) - Disc #1 Simultanium Astrogeney Encomia Dieci Astrogeny (Reprise "Special note should be taken of Blum. The dude is sick; he's like a free-jazz Frank Hewitt, only much younger-a monster player shamefully ignored by the New York City critics and overlooked by the labels. He should be ... more » « less
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CD Details

All Artists: John Blum
Title: John Blum Astrogeny Quartet
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Eremite Records
Original Release Date: 1/1/2006
Re-Release Date: 9/12/2006
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Style:
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 616892825029

Synopsis

Album Description

"Special note should be taken of Blum. The dude is sick; he's like a free-jazz Frank Hewitt, only much younger-a monster player shamefully ignored by the New York City critics and overlooked by the labels. He should be heard." - JAZZTIMES There are few sessions to rival this one for sheer urgency and gusto. It's as if something pent-up in these four musicians waited for this combination of players to unleash it--and the music explodes into action. Pianist John Blum is a secret hero of New York's free jazz community, known as a proficient & forceful improviser in the tradition of his mentors, Borah Bergmann & Cecil Taylor. Blum's performance on Astrogeny is his shining moment on disc to date. Bassist William Parker is nothing less than the living oak of American free jazz. The legendary Denis Charles was at his best when paired with Parker; together they formed one of the great, yet under-documented, rhythm sections in the music. Antonio Grippi, a shadowy figure in free-jazz history, makes an appropriately rousing contribution on alto saxophone.

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CD Reviews

Astrogeny now

John C. Graham | toronto, ontario Canada | 09/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Blum is a pianist to watch. He's been around for a while and, as far as I know, has just one other cd available- a solo piano outing on Drimala. He's also on three cuts of a spectacular Sunny Murray disc-Perles Noir Vol.2-on Eremite.

On this recording he's teamed up with Denis Charles, William Parker, and-a new name for me-Antonio Grippi, an alto sax and bass clarinet player of Italian decent who's been playing in the states for over twenty years now. This may be his recording debut.

The music may initially remind some listeners of Cecil Taylor with Jimmy Lyons and there are the obvious comparisons. It's high energy music, intense and probing, throbbing bass notes, aggitated alto lines, and the most beautiful percussive underlay imaginable. Denis Charles just sounds incredible here.

When the music slows, Mr. Grippi's bass clarinet takes it into a quieter, less intense area. His choice of notes is fresh and edgy. It's a really nice sound he gets and when he's done, he leaves you wanting more.

There is a nice mix of intensities on this disc. Everyone's playing is exceptional-Denis Charles gives a standout performance, William Parker is always good, Antonio Grippi is another unique voice, and John Blum has major talent. There is no reason NOT to want this disc. It's a cut above most everything else."