Search - The Industrial Jazz Group :: Hardcore

Bold, witty, intricate, sophisticated

Ricard Giner (cootie@cootiesjazz.co | Brighton, UK | 07/21/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Industrial Jazz Group is good news for jazz. Don't let "industrial" and "hardcore" mislead you into believing that this is about some experiment in infra-tonal noise and barren soundscapes. The industry in "industrial" is about the creative process. The IJC are arguably one of the most innovative new jazz units around. Their ensemble sound is clean and warm, their solo voices are individually cultivated and striking, but most distinctively, the structures of the pieces are unusual - they defy all conventional expectations. Orchestrally, the IJC are as bold as Charles Mingus, and in places as challenging as Andrew Hill's early 60s work. The composer, Andrew Durkin, displays an ambitious vision for relatively short pieces that are eclectic yet personal, communicative yet thoughtful, serious yet brimming with irony. And a passion for melody (check out the gorgeous "Cozy 'n Tooty"). The other voices in the group are articulate exponents of their instruments. You can hear much of the history of jazz in their sounds, from Lester Young to Archie Shepp in the tenor, from Roland Kirk to Chico Freeman in the flute, from Paul Chambers to Richard Davis in the bass, from Kenny Clarke to Joe Chambers in the drums. This is hugely stimulating and interesting music - and it swings! Jazz fans should become familiar with the work of the Industrial Jazz Group immediately. Buying this CD is the quickest way to achieve this."