Search - Rob Brown :: Crown Trunk Root Funk (Dig)

Rob Brown
Crown Trunk Root Funk (Dig)
Genres: Jazz, Pop

Track Listings (7) - Disc #1
1. Rocking Horse
2. Clearly Speaking
3. Sonic Ecosystem
4. Ghost Dog
5. Exuberance
6. Lifeboat
7. Worlds Spinning

CD Details

All Artists: Rob Brown
Title: Crown Trunk Root Funk (Dig)
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Aum Fidelity
Original Release Date: 1/1/2008
Re-Release Date: 3/11/2008
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Style:
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 642623304426

Synopsis

Album Description

"Brown is one of the hardest hitting alto players currently on the scene ... a fiercely original voice." -- JazzTimes "One of the most consistently musical and compelling of the new free-jazz players." -- Boston Phoenix "One of the most talented musicians playing in the avant-garde." -- New York Times "It's hard to think of another jazz player who's emerged in the last two decades who can cover so much territory so effortlessly: he's just as commanding playing swinging bebop over a walking bass line as he is furiously spitting motivic variations in a totally free context." -- Chicago Reader Rob Brown is an awesome alto saxophonist and a mercurial improviser who is perpetually inventive. Over the years he has been a foundation member of the principal groups of William Parker, with whom he has shared a musical relationship for over twenty years. But Brown has also revealed himself to be a very gifted composer and group leader. A principal focus of Crown Trunk Root Funk is deep grooves, sometimes dark and ominous, with levity provided by Brown's indelible melodies and the highly exploratory work of this extraordinary band. William Parker provides the root bass, and drummer Gerald Cleaver (who has worked extensively with Matthew Shipp, Roscoe Mitchell, Joe Morris, and Mat Maneri) brings his supremely sensitive musicality and Detroitbred funk. Keyboardist and fellow Detroit native Craig Taborn (whose collaborative pedigree spans Tim Berne, James Carter, Carl Craig, Roscoe Mitchell, Susie Ibarra, Meat Beat Manifesto, and Chris Potter) is likewise endlessly inventive within this tremendously rewarding sonic ecosystem.

CD Reviews

Rob Brown Plays His Alto Better Than You Know What

John C. Graham | toronto, ontario Canada | 09/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rob Brown's alto saxophone with William Parker on bass, Detroit's Gerald Cleaver on drums, and Craig Taborn on piano(electronics on 1 cut).

Another fine outing from Rob. Everybody plays and listens well. This is particularly evident on the slower numbers where the musical contributions -which seem improvised- are delicately passed between players. The tunes range from the slower, more organic, improvised feel to the swinging post bop grooves with everyone digging in for the ride. I especially enjoy the tunes that employ that rhythmic drive.

Craig Taborn's piano is a bonus here. He fits in well, employing a sensitive touch that suits each musical situation and enriches the aural landscape enormously. I've heard him as a powerhouse with other players and he does that well. His contributions here are more about finding his space within Rob's musical concepts and he does that brilliantly.

Gerald Cleaver can add a light touch to the gentler pieces or seriously drive the band mid and uptempo. He can play swinging hard bop grooves or add colour and texture in a freely improvised setting. He is a remarkable soloist as well, a great drummer to see live.

William Parker needs no introduction here. Rob Brown has been one of his musical collaborators for twenty years now. The music benefits in every way from this familiarity. I'm sure Mr. Cleaver and Mr. Taborn were attuned to this special relationship as well.

There is a nice variety in the tempos and in the way in which the pieces are addressed, keeping the listener's interest throughout. I've always thought Rob Brown has been one of the most consistantly interesting and thoughtful players on the scene today. He surely has a broad musical imagination. This is a stong offering on every count and is recommended for purchase. ***Rogueart's 'Right Hemisphere' with Matt Shipp on piano is another Rob Brown quartet date that is strongly recommended.***

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