Quite possibly the Best Jazz Album of 2004
Troy Collins | Lancaster, PA United States | 11/04/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Among unexpected but welcome returns, the Revolutionary Ensemble's recent appearance both onstage at this years Vision Fest in NYC and their current studio recording from Pi Recordings have to be the jazz highlight for 2004. The legendary group disbanded in the late 1970's after five obscure albums, so it is nothing short of shocking that the Revolutionary Ensemble is back, and not just for a one off gig, but back to stay.
After numerous poorly recorded and self released albums from their heyday, "And Now ..." finds the trio at their most sonically assured and innovative. Violinist Leroy Jenkins, bassist Sirone and drummer/pianist Jerome Cooper chime back in with an exquisitely recorded studio album destined to top numerous year end best of lists.
Featuring pieces written by all three band members, the variety is staggering but maintains a definite sense of cohesion through out. The opening tune, "Berlin Erfahung," reminiscent of fellow violinist Billy Bang's sort of folksy avant jazz, tumbles along on a catchy groove both swinging and excitable. There are other short tunes present on the album as well. "Rumi Tales" is a lean trio excursion that delves into the more aggressive side of the avant garde. Cooper's loping drum rolls and unpredictable accents push the other two along at an excitable clip, with both Jenkins and Sirone bowing and grinding away. "Light" on the other hand reveals a more starkly contemplative aesthetic, with slowly building call and response sections. "Ism Schism," which closes the album has a semi-classical structure, but not without a sense of dry academic humor permeating it's explosive improvisational interjections.
But it's "911-544," the albums lengthy centerpiece that showcases the trios amazing sonic and conceptual diversity. A melancholy and episodic suite dedicated to the multifarious shifting emotions precipitated by the 9-11 tragedy and its aftermath, it allows the three to explore areas of sonic exploration vast enough to incorporate their full spectrum of available sound. Everything from ominous synth drones, double reed exhortations and minimalist percussive AACM styled workouts make an appearance in this monolithic dirge. A brief freely swinging section emerges towards the end of the suite, emphasizing the optimistic outlook of the trio.
"And Now ..." is more than a pleasant surprise return to form by one of jazz's finest ensembles. It is a strong contender for jazz album of the year."