Improvijazzation Nation 

Issue # 46 REVIEWS:

Michael Bisio/Eyvind Kang - DUOS:  Kang's violin penetrates to the deepest darkest parts of your being, thoroughly enhanced & joined by Bisio's bass on this CD of heavy improvisation.  This is a different style of improv than I'm used to listening to, as string stuph usually seems to focus in on high-end ear breakers... NOT here... this is the kind of music your ears can munch on for hours!  Jon Morgan (of Meniscus label) sent this to us in a HUGE package of other CD's, & I'll tell you, he's got something exciting goin' on here!  There are also sections where the violin picking reminds me of LaDonna Smith's frenetic style at the height of a piece, particularly on "After The Break", my favorite track on this CD.  Strong jazz compositional skills are clearly shown on "The Biszer", a piece that will really MOVE you!  If you are NOT a fan of music that pushes the limits, you may not agree with me when I declare this to be MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (of course, then, you probably wouldn't be reading this 'zine anyway, eh?).  Contact via the label page at http://www.drimala.com/meniscus/gallery.htm or email to morga041@tc.umn.edu   Rotcod Zzaj

Scott Hartley - ANCESTRAL CROSSING:  Though Scott's compositions feature his (excellent) keyboard style, there are many complimentary instruments - violin, flutes, strings - that make this sound more like an orchestra than you'd have ever imagined.  The CD is an odd mix of styles... some would classify it as "new age", others would peg it as sort of "semi-classical".  What I found most interesting was the (rather heavy) Celtic influence (almost like an undercurrent), something difficult to achieve with instrumentation that focused primarily on keyboard compositions.  The elements of percussion that are woven in & through each of the pieces provide another strange contrast, often sounding like African jungles in the midst of a community orchestra.  Anyway you listen, though, this is an extremely pleasurable sonic experience... gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from us, especially for those who love piano as a feature instrument.   Contact through Creative Service Company, 4360 Emerald Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918... also via e-mail to creatserv9@aol.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Frank O Pollizi Band - THE BASEMENT TAPES (Volume I):  Chris Centuori, an old friend of Bret Hart's, reestablished contact with me a couple of months ago.  He's been BIZ-ee in hiz' (?de?)basement, volkz!  D.I.Y. & proud, but more importantly, a jaded sense of musical humor that shoots him to thee TOP o' th' heap for this twisted set of aural appendages!  Bass mix was a little much, but his guitars & grand interweave of various & sundry vox make up for it in a grand fashion!  With titles like "Domestic Ammonia", "Furnace Full of Marshmallows" & "Halfstep in the March of Progress", it won't take you long to figure out (in conjunction with actually LISTENING to the music, of course) that this music is for F-U-N!!!  The obvious comparisons to Zappa & Beefheart can be made, but Chris' goes further & further OUT.  You might have guessed awready... I jus' LOVE this CD.  If we played it for ALL the pre-schoolers (each & every day), there WOULD be a true "third party" after 20 years, & all the political fat katz would check themselves (quickly) in to mental wards across the country (glorious, GLORIOUS day).  Even if you  have never heard this kind of cacophony before, it is MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED... in fact, it gets the PICK of this issue for "best musical insanity"!  Contact at 3649 W. Pony Trail, Tucson, AZ 85742, or via email to hpbadger@earthlink.net   Rotcod Zzaj

Jezzro & Huff - WORLDBEAT BRAZIL:  We reviewed (in issue # 40) these folks on an album called "Brazilian Nights".  This outing features Jezzro's enchanting acoustic guitars, but steps up the pace on the percussion side of things.  An even dozen tracks that will send those in search of high energy (in a worldbeat framework) to absolute nirvana.  "El Dorado", cut 5, made me feel like I was IN the jungle... one of those "choog-a-long" trax, it was my favorite cut on the CD.  "Mystical Garden" (cut 7) came in a close second... undercurrent rhythms with just a hint of guitar to enchant your ears.  Solid compositions, high energy (even on the ballad pieces) & clear communication of the love of playing give this our HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating.  Contact through Creative Service Company, 4360 Emerald Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918... also via e-mail to creatserv9@aol.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Dave Fuglewicz - LIQUID AUDION:  Those who've trekked through the trails of the underground (with me) over the last 15 years will recognize Dave's (ever so slightly surreal) synth-architectures immediately on this great CD.  He calls this round "Georgia Space Attack", & I couldn't have put it more aptly myself.  Deep (& at times disturbing) synthweave that has far more going on sonically than you may realize at first sitting.  If this were the beginning of the '60's, cannabis heads everywhere would be FLOCKING to listen!  This is music that can't be categorized in any traditional fashion... I view Fuglewicz as a sonic sculptor, carving his masterpieces out of invisible waves in the air!  If you are a dedicated collector of sonic art, you will agree when I declare this as MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  If you only dabble, or are afraid of anything that departs from the Methodist hymnal, you're been forewarned.  Contact at 360 Sheringham Ct., Roswell, GA 30076, or via email to davefugle@mindspring.com   Rotcod Zzaj

W.O.O. Revelator - THE THEORY OF REVERSED EFFORT:  Ain't no THEORY involved here, folks, unless it's some subliminal leftovers from piano lessons by Dok-tor Doom!  I have been an avid listner/reviewer of W.O.O. music ever since my improvising partner Ernesto Diaz-Infante turned me on to them a couple of years back.  Most of the CD's I've heard have been captures of live performances... this is (I believe) the first studio session I've (ever) heard them do.  As one might expect - it's a KILLAH!  I mean, this stuff reaches out & touches you in places even YOU didn't know were indecent!  For the listener who has been all along the pathways of "jade", always searching for more & further reaching improvised music, this is the next EDGE!  Bonnie Kane's sax just WAILS (& it's a ROCK-SOLID wail, not something grasshoppers would aspire to... not tweet/whistle stuff, this has BODY).  Ray Sage does drums/percz that will astound & have you bangin' thee KRAP outta' everything you can slap!  & Chris Forsyth's guitar improvisations ARE the 8th wonder of the (aural) world.  Your ears have to have grown a lot to understand where these folks are going (because where they've been IS where they're going - at a pace most musicians can only DREAM of), but if yer' there, you'll have no trouble understanding why I rate this CD as MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  Contact at W.O.O.DIRECT, attn. Zee Yimou, Race Age, POB 249, Knickerbocker Sta., NYC NY 10002-0249, via email to info@wooweb.com  or on their site at www.wooweb.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Bob Jordan - 4 CORNERS:  Bob & I first hooked up on a tape (with Bret Hart) we called "The Oxymorons".  He's an extremely talented artist, sonically as well as lyrically, & shows that (most) clearly on this CD outing.  Clearly a D.I.Y. effort, the packet came wrapped in tinfoil, with a paste-in photo to serve as a jacket for a jacket.  Strains of country poke through his stylings, particularly with his sweet slide techniques.  One of the cuts, "Equipment", complains about (what else) the plight many D.I.Y. artists find themselves in... one I can relate to for sure... not having all the fancy tools can pose problems for getting a good recording down - but he certainly proves himself up to the challenge.  What is so cool about his playing is that he weaves some beautiful jazz licks in without making it feel like he's "trying to"!  He's a poet/lyricist of high stature (in my ears, anyway), with lines like "It is easy to be beautiful/it is difficult to appear so".  Track 9 RAWKS you (back) into reality, Bob just TEARS THE ROOF OFF!  You'll seldom hear more original work than on this CD, such a fine blend of styles & sonic auras that it gets an automatic MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from this reviewer (especially for those who love well-crafted lyrical/sonic adventures in a folk vein with a twist of rock).  Contact at POB 261, Grafton, MA 01519 (didn't see any email or WWW site, unfortunately).   Rotcod Zzaj

Scott Rosenberg - IE (for large ensembles):  Still trying to figure out what the title means... "Inner Explorations"?  InExplicable?  It is clearly a beautiful sonic experience, but you MUST be prepared to listen from start to finish - this is NOT a collection of 3-minute wonders!  In fact, there are only 4 tracks on the CD, so that should give you some indication.  V-E-R-Y slow builds from the intros, no rushes to judgement here.  Rosenberg's compz' come very close to "space music", very minimal sonically, but (at the same time) deep in the silences.  Listening to this without the headphones on will rob you, somehow.  Be prepared for some (albeit slow) twists & turns.  Recording is excellent.  Those who like their music slow, forceful and with purpose will join me in declaring it HIGHLY RECOMMENDED... others, who prefer less minimalism will move to the next CD bin, I suppose.  Contact at Barely Auditable Redords, 2649 W. Walton, 3, Chicago, IL 60622, on their site at www.barelyauditable.com  or via email to mail@barelyauditable.com   Rotcod Zzaj

D. Richard Lewis - RELATIONSHIP SUITE:  A highly orchestral adventure that features Lewis' inspirational compositional style.  You'll hear each & every note shining through, not a slacker among 'em.  Style-wise, there are moments when it edges a bit too close to thee dreaded "smooth jazz" for these jaded aural appendages... but then it takes a rapid turn in the direction of your local symphony & fools you all.  This is pure joy to listen to, not (in the least) disposable.  I don't think you'll hear it on the rap stations, or heavy metal.. in fact, I don't know where exactly you would scope it out (except in performance), but it's more than (just) worth your while... for those who love hearing the sounds of beauty captured for their ears, it is MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!   Some truly stunning moments.  Contact at Musik International, 154 Botasso Rd., Boulder, CO 80302 (e-mail is musikintl@aol.com    ) Rotcod Zzaj

Lakota Thunder - VETERAN SONGS:  In from one of our favorite labels, Makoche Records, this CD features strong percussive treats for those enchanted with Native American rhythms.  You must have a certain level of familiarity/enchantment with this type of music to truly enjoy it... it's important (I believe) to remember that the main drum serves as a "centering point" & that the vocals are actually a part of the percussion.  Forgetting this might lead a listener to wonder "where the music is".  The music is clearly IN the percussion - but you MUST listen for it.  There is an energy, even a (resonating) FORCE there that will wake your spirit & (if you hear it) put it in HIGH GEAR!  This album captures raw spirit, strong and natural & (in this reviewer's ears) rates a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!  Contact at 208 N. 4^th Street, POB 2756, Bismarck, ND 58502-2756, on the website at http://www.makoche.com or via e-mail to makoche@aol.com Rotcod Zzaj

Brasil & Company - BRASIL & COMPANY:  I believe (from looking at the package) that Paul Meyers (guitarist/composer) sent this CD of wonderful & enchanting music in himself.  Brasil & Company is a quartet that features smooth/sweet vocals by lead singer Vera Mara (who Meyers has worked together with for the last 7 years or so...).  I was (actually) reminded (in some fashion) of the first time I listened to Getz with Astrud Gilberto - yeah, this is that GOOD!   Vera's voice is crystal clear & liquid throughout, & her scat on the opening track is astounding!  Myers guitar is heavily influenced by latin rhythms, more emphasis on jazz than flamenco, though.  You'll find yourself relaxing & enjoying the beauty of the day (even if it's raining/sleeting outside).  Just that kind of musical experience.  I can't recommend this highly enough, whether you've been "exposed" to Brazilian music or not... MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!  It also gets my "PICK" of this issue for "best Latino in Y2K".  Contact via the site, at www.jazzcorner.com/meyers   or via email to paulmeyers@erols.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Ken Davis - CELEBRATION OF LIFE:  You'll hear from the opening bar why this was titled this way.  An even dozen tracks that can (& probably will) inspire you & pull you up out of the doldrums of everyday life.  There is no question but what Mr. Davis' compositions can perform that miracle for you... but there is some doubt in my mind that they will propel themselves beyond the status of "background" music.  I hope I'm wrong, of course... there IS a sense of beauty & bewilderment in Ken's music... but there are also sections where the music seems to rely (almost entirely) on phrases too near to cliche.  The energy is THERE (especially on the saxophone interweaves), but it doesn't really move in free spirit... almost like it's trapped somehow.  This surely isn't music that should be ignored, as it has much to offer your ears & heart - for that reason, I give it a RECOMMENDED - but you'll have to be the judge on just how unique it is.   Contact at Musik International, 154 Botasso Rd., Boulder, CO 80302 (e-mail is musikintl@aol.com    ) Rotcod Zzaj

Ferrella & Schaeffer - MUSICAL CATECHISM:  Thinking of it (as Thomas explains in his promo packet) as an intense Q&A session is one way to capture the spirit of this raw ambient improvisational experience.  There are moments when it (the music) comes dreadfully close to drone, unless you're listening with 'phones & a high level of intensity.  For that reason, some listeners might tend to chalk it up to "pure" ambience, with no underpinnings.. man, how WRONG they'd be.  You must listen down under (like under phroggin' Australia) to hear those little bells.  They have some marvelous echoes, as well.  It's 2 full CD's in the set, too, so the ambient "addict" can thrive on it, I'm sure.  There are some WONDERFUL nuances in this music, though, & for that reason, I rate it a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, especially for those with a taste for the macabre in their music.  (I was reminded by the players that this CD also has a QT movie on the CD (the green-colored CD - it's a 2 volume set - but, unfortunately, I couldn't get it to run on my 'pewter; maybe you'll have better luck with it!).  Ghostly!  Contact at 946 Harvey Terrace, Madison, WI 53703, on the site at www.earthboys.com  or via email to ferrella@facstaff.wisc.edu   Rotcod Zzaj

D.W. Groethe - THERE'S A PLACE:  Now, THIS was an odd one to get in from the folks at Makoche, but it's on their label.  Groethe's music is about as cowboy as you can GET.  That isn't necessarily a bad thing, either... I used to listen to a guy named Eddy Arnold on my grandmother's radio (mid-'50's), before there was a lot of "crossover" country music...  this music is "from the gut", & folks (like me) who first heard those simple songs from folks like Eddy & Hank (Williams) will find themselves waxing nostalgic.  D.W. even LOOKS like a real cowboy (& according to the liner notes, he is).  That's the keyword for his music - AUTHENTIC!  This is about as close as you can get to the music you might have heard on the cowboy trail rides 100's of years ago.  You'll have to have an appreciation for stories in your music, but if your ears have that, you'll agree when I declare this to be HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  Contact at 208 N. 4^th Street, POB 2756, Bismarck, ND 58502-2756, on the website at http://www.makoche.com or via e-mail to makoche@aol.com Rotcod Zzaj

Ken Field - TOKYO IN F:  If you've never listened to improvised music before, you owe it to your ears to sup on this adventurous CD for a while.  Be forewarned, however, that you must come prepared to LISTEN.  It captures a live performance featuring Ken's extremely able playing (alto, flute & percussion), with Katsui Yuji's violin, guitars by Kido Natsuki & keyboards by Shimizu Kazuto.  We have reviewed Ken's exciting improvisations before in this 'zine, but this was a HIGHLIGHT experience for me.  The group sounds like it had been playing together for years.... when in fact, it was (probably) only OF THE MOMENT.  Those of you who have experienced the joys of playing live improv will understand how unique it is to come into a playing situation where the only language spoken is music!  Readers who don't play will thrill to the intricate interchange being thrust upon your ears.  Playing is not (at all) intrusive, it's just that you can sense the gears turning & joy in the surprise twists & turns this kind of improvisation often takes.  High enough marks to get a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from us, particularly for those who eat/breathe/live improv!  A simply GREAT musical document!  Contact at the site at http://fieldk.home.att.net (English), or http://music.sky-sea.net/official/kenf.html (Japanese), or via email to Ken at fieldk@att.net   Rotcod Zzaj

Automatic Music - TATE ST. COFFEE:  If th' kaw-fee is as razor-edged as this MUSIC is - I need ta' be MOVIN' on down ta' N.C., whither this Fred Hall & a whole gathering of musicians (like my ol' pal Bret Hart) are!  It's (much) like a whole phroggin' ORchestra of guitars screemin', people!  Fred lists it in th' tray insert as "day 204 in year 1 of automatic music", so it's sorta' like a "best of" collection.  We had already reviewed "And In Arcadia I Am" (track 1, which he calls "Circuit 1"), so I'm listening to "Fear The Panda", from another CD called "This Is Automatic Music".  Grand excursions into thee land of guitar panda-monium, that cute lil' sugger jus' went onna' RAMPAGE... loud enuff & high-energy enuff that you BETTER fear that "panda"!  This cut/circuit makes me think back to an album called "Super Session", believe it or not.  Bret's guitar stylings on # 3, "Dark Matter" (from In A Dollhouse) are clearly evident, lotta' strat, very enjoyable & bouncy.  Last cut (circuits 5-8) was a sorta' "preview" of things to come.  Spooky is all I can say... you'll have to scope it (out) yer'self!  Contact at gmaniac@nr.infi.net 
or via their site, at http://216.33.240.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=d49a03360fc60610fb73ef406ff8d83c&lat=975371493&hm___action=http%3a%2f%2fartists2%2eiuma%2ecom%2fIUMA%2fBands%2fAutomatic_Music%2f   Rotcod Zzaj

& now... one of MY favorite reviewers, Henry Schneider, provides a "review-style break"... we are greatly appreciative of Henry's recent spate of reviews for us!!!!

Paul Eugene Beck - OF THE FOREST:  Somehow, I don't think these fantastic electric guitars would be found in the forest... but I surely can imagine hearing Paul (& crew) whoopin' it up with acoustic strings, vox, percz & flutes in the deepest & darkest parts of a remote forest glen.  For those who follow (& love) the energies that D.I.Y. (do it yourself) production generates - you OWE this musical experience to yourself!  Beck has a beautiful lyrical style & a voice that sings them with enough conviction to get you wrapped up, but doesn't come off (in the least) as "preachy".  The guitars lean (very) heavily towards acoustic folk-rock orientation... with some interesting touches & shadings in the country direction.  Highly original & interesting music that will keep you listening for hours, days... years, maybe.  I enjoyed this listen a great deal, with nostalgic mem'ries coming to mind of late '60's groups that helped us to imagine new tomorrows (the guitars sounded a LOT like the late John Denver)! !  This is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!  The CD willl hit the streets around the 6th of March, 2001.   Contact at Red Lodge Records on the web, at www.yellowstonespirit.com  or through Musik International, 154 Botasso Rd., Boulder, CO 80302 (e-mail is musikintl@aol.com    ) Rotcod Zzaj

Roberto Perera - IN THE MOOD:  Smooth-latino-oriented jazz that features the absolutely stunning harp work of Mr. Perera.  I was mightily impressed, & you (no matter how "odd" your tastes may be) will ride the same high waves when you listen (and watch, as he has a multimedia presentation on here, too) to the beauty he's able to generate through his hands.  The video presentation appeared to be limited to one feature song, & was a bit "murky" in the filming.  The MUSIC on the video was fantastic, truly inspiring & wonderful, but I'd like to see a FULL DVD of his performances, with better video presentation.  The CD tracks make for splendid listening, as well - aural displays of the vibrant energy that music brings to all aspects of our lives.  This album would probably be "pigeonholed" somewhere betwixt "new age" & "smooth jazz" by many reviewers... but it should NOT  be... just file it under "beautiful journeys", & be forewarned that music like this can be addictive (in the good sense of that word).  This gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from us, for all who love to hear truly inspirational music.  Contact at www.headsup.com  or via email to headsup@headsup.com    Rotcod Zzaj

Donald Walters - SECRETS OF LOVE:  This splendid CD is a companion to author Walters' book of the same name.  It is relaxing & pleasant, with high energy for such a laid back compositional style.  If you're looking for something that RAWKS, you'll have to go elsewhere - but who sez' we have to be on th' EDGE every moment?  I suppose it's age creeping up on me, & a desire to find music that helps me (daily) heal myself (since I can't afford the doctor bills anymore).  Lots of piano, some beautiful flutes & string sounds blend together to form an (almost) hypnotic experience.  If you've been through heavy therapy, your leaders more than likely introduced you to music like this... &, we know, as soon as you got out the DOOR - you tossed the recording(s)... well - you SHOULDN'T have... but, if you DID - get back in touch with yourself & calmer spirits that pervade when music like this lovely album is playing.  Gets a RECOMMENDED from this reviewer.  Contact through Creative Service Company, 4360 Emerald Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918... also via e-mail to creatserv9@aol.com   Rotcod Zzaj

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