Improvijazzation Nation 

Issue # 48 REVIEWS:

Seba - EWA:  Seba is the name of the group... but also it's the family name of this Paris-based assemblage of Arabian singers.  I spent a few interesting nights (many years ago) in Yemen, my only longer-term exposure to the mysteries of those countries.  I can't say that the music(s) there impressed me as having any great amount of energy... but this CD shows how wrong an impression like that can be!  Their joyous singing & (seemingly) natural mastery of the rhythm of life is contagious!  There are lots of flutes, great bass underpinnings & plenty of ENERGY in the percussion!  It's a strange sort of mixture, actually... worldbeats with latino influences & snappy percussives that will have you wondering if you've heard them before.  An especially enjoyable album, notable enough to garner a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from this reviewer!  Contact at Musik International, 154 Botasso Rd., Boulder, CO 80302 (e-mail is musikintl@aol.com    ) Rotcod Zzaj

John Brodeur - TIGER POP:  Catchy pop-rock CD that languished (far) too long in the review box.  John's got a gift for reelin' you in, gettin' yer' earz & yer' emotions involved.  Some very nice mixes, & energy that reminds me of the flurry & furor (we fans had) of th' earliest Beatles albums!  What I mean is - fresh and new-sounding, though we ALL know that's only an illusion that the true artist is able to paint for the listener.  Brodeur weaves hooks (that approach the psychedelic) in & out of his tunes, seamlessly enough that you don't realize that's what it was until 2 or 3 days later - when you catch yer'self hummin' his toon.  This is (somehow) "deeper" than a lot of the pop/rock we hear, & certainly transcends the genre.  Gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from this reviewer!  IF you get it, you'll KEEP it!  Contact at Mr. Duck Records, POB 8961, Albany, NY 12208, or via email to tigerpop1@popstar.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Bet Williams/John Hodian - The vocals by Bet Williams that are featured on this powerful CD will gently wrap you in emotions you (may have) thought to be "lost", or (at least) misplaced.  Hodian's keyboard compositions on the 14 all original tracks demonstrate clear understanding of how to enchant and please you!  Very accessible pieces that will tap in to the deepest (& often the saddest) parts of your soul... "Gone" was my favorite along those lines... though I would love to hear it expanded into about a 15-20 minute piece!  Recording was excellent, every little nuance captured clearly.  This is the kind of music that will appeal to the many (rather than the few), but especially those with "world" or "new age" roots!  It gets a well-deserved HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from this reviewer.  Contact through Creative Service Company, 4360 Emerald Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918... also via e-mail to creatserv9@aol.com  You can also get info about purchasing this fine CD at www.epiphanyrecords.com Rotcod Zzaj

A Memorial Album - BEFORE THEIR TIME:  A musical tribute to the often sad memories of those who die early, this CD features Tom Paxton & (many) others you may recognize.  The liners explain how important it is to heal the psyche when such untimely events happen to those we love.  There is a "folk" feel to much of the music performed here, but plenty of other styles are represented as well.  It's a series, with this being Volume 1.  If you can sit through this entire CD without a tear coming to your eye, you're either a ROCK, or a ROBOT.  The music is beautiful & relaxing for the spirit to hear.  I doubt that it will make it to the top of any commercial charts - which is sad, in a way, because this healing process is something the whole WORLD could use in these dire times.  It gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for any and all who want to experience the spirit of caring in their listening!   Contact at Musik International, 154 Botasso Rd., Boulder, CO 80302 (e-mail is musikintl@aol.com    )   Rotcod Zzaj

The Essential Pliny The Elder - VOLUME 2:  This CD is part of a (rather extensive) collection of older (1982-1984) material that Tim Zukowski (now John Ludi) performed on.  Rawkin' wheedle-nose stuff that will impress you as (quoting from John's liner notes now) "the most laughable and annoying music possible while still maintaining a modicum of structure."  What it really reminds me of (in intent, not style) is what Zalnikor Zandorum (Jaws Of The Flying Carpet) refers to as "ugly music".  A tour-de-force through the twisted mind!  John did vox, guitar, bass, keys, percz & other stuph, with Bill O'Conner doing the same (less guitars) & Ken Shaw on drums & other.  Guest roster too long to copy in here, but they DID manage to annoy me (which, in the context of this whacked-out session, ain't necessarily a bad thing).  Some will draw comparisons with Zappa, but (in my mind) there ARE no comparisons to be drawn... this is ORIGINAL ug-lee!  You have to be dedicated to destruction to find solace here, but there will be (literally) THOUSANDS of listeners out there (especially those who are in to improv) who will agree when I declare this to be HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!   The best way to get more info is to visit John Ludi's site, at http://johnludi.com/pliny.htm  or email him at johnludi@earthlink.net johnludi@earthlink.net    Rotcod Zzaj

Jeff Ball - CEDAR MOON:  This is my first listen to Jeff's music, & on this Native American theme CD, he is mighty impressive!  His cedar flute mastery brings back mem'ries of early days in the forests of Pennsylvania (for me), out amongst the cat-tails & polliwogs!  Guest shots by Joseph Fire Crow (spoken-word) lend credence to the theme, as Joseph is a master in this genre.  One drawback (for me) was the programmed drums... though they're not "bad", I felt that the use of natural percussion would have enhanced the experience.  Nevertheless, the music is well thought out & (very) sensitively played.  It certainly reminds me of some of the more adventurous outings that the Makoche label has taken listeners on over the last 3-5 years, though the tunes are in the "ballad/slow" mode - on certain tracks, approaches "smooth jazz".  Any way you listen - pretty, PRETTY!  Gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from us!  Contact at Musik International, 154 Botasso Rd., Boulder, CO 80302 (e-mail is musikintl@aol.com    )   Rotcod Zzaj

Eri Sugai - MAI:  There are many Americans who have an impression of music from the Pacific Rim countries that is SO mistaken... that they only sing traditional/native compositions, OR that they only "copy" Western modes.  Until my (many) years living in Korea, I admit that I had suffered from that kind of idiotic thinking, too.  "Mai" means "dance" in Japanese... & your mind WILL dance... through a beautiful trance that blends oriental musical influences with some of the most inspiring Western/European orchestral sections you'll ever hear.  Eri's vocals are BRILLIANT, inspiring and full of the kind of energy that moves mountains/planets/stars!  The percussion elements add a great deal to the movement(s), but make no mistake... Sugai's spirit soars over, through & under the entire sonic character of each & every piece.  This is not only MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - it also gets the "PICK" of 2001 for "most inspiring vocal album".  I am VERY HIGHLY impressed... & you will be too!  Contact through Creative Service Company, 4360 Emerald Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918... also via e-mail to creatserv9@aol.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Cathode Ray Tube - SUBZERO SENSE:  Highly electronica, somethin' this reviewer (& player of such) can relate to!  C.R.T. has many sounds for you to chew on, his music doesn't "confine" itself to any one groove (& that's a GOOD thing).  Fresh approaches throughout, with a clear knowledge of how to "build" energy... nothing comes on too fast (or too slow), & the beats make your mind (as well as yer' baw-dy) MOVE!  Perfect background (in some spots) for your next lobotomy.... :-)  Those reviewers (& there will be some) who attempt to "classify" this will prob'ly toss it in a pile of "strange", "odd", or some other stupid genre label.... the whole point of compositions like this is to explore the sonic realms for those gems that have never been gazed (or listened) upon, & this gent does that in spades.  It's especially nice that he does it without over-driving the percz... beautiful blends, thorough integration... gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from us!  Contact at 411a Highland Ave., # 312, Somerville, MA 02144 or via email to crt@c-fom.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Gerald Jay Markoe - ZEN MEDITATIONS:  This 'zine is proud to have the distinction of reviewing music that (often) has never before been heard (by the masses).  Gerald's CD is a beautiful example of some of the wonderful sonic territory that (so often) goes unexplored by those who gather 'round the media hype & nonsense.  His compositions explore the healing power that music can (and should) have for the spirit that flows so powerfully (and constantly) through the universe we inhabit/share.  Though the title might lead you to believe that the forms would be shaped around "oriental" patterns, there are strong/shared elements of Native American musics, as well.  No matter the origin, he clearly understands and conveys to the listener the beauty and joy that come when one explores the connections to the spirit we all have (whether we realize it or not).  For listeners of all persuasions, "Zen Meditations" gets our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, and the "PICK" of this issue for "best healing music"!  Contact at Musik International, 154 Botasso Rd., Boulder, CO 80302 (e-mail is musikintl@aol.com    )   Rotcod Zzaj

VisionEar - FUTURE SANS:  We reviewed Jim Konen's first VisionEar CD about a year ago... what a difference!  Techno fans will turn this zugger UP (like, to 'da MAX, mon'), & even those without a real "bent" towards electronics will join in the glee!  Starts off with quite a lil' rap cut ("Futuristic Guy"), & moves on through several pace changes that will (easily) have you dancin' yer' BUNZORF!  Even some sneaky-pete stuph... that's on the 5th cut in ("Don't Cry"), which intros with a beautiful orchestral lullaby (Jim had actually given me a preview of this cut, so that may be why I'm so enchanted with it) that segues (ever so gently) in to a high-end RAWKER with some guitar solos that will ASTOUND yer' earz!  This cut is one of the most pervasive & high-energy pieces I've heard in the last 20 years... but you've GOT to turn the VOLUME up to MAX... kind o' stuff that reaches deep down in yer' bonez & seeks out yer' SOUL!  It doesn't stop there, either... pace changes that would force even the most nervous of Nellies into (even) a higher gear just to keep up.  VisionEar goes further than just the "techno-void" that so many of these players (often) get trapped in, though... this is ART, pure & simple.  Gets our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for any listeners who thrive on well-crafted music that has the potential to take you out to Venus - & BACK!   You will (likely) be seeing some of Mr. Konen's musical offerings in the Zzaj catalog before long, too... but in the meantime, contact him via email at aurlite@prodigy.net   Rotcod Zzaj

The Rockingham County Recyclers - STEGOSAURUS:  Those familiar with Bret will probably be (sort of) expecting some of his guitar-walkin' madnesses, & you won't be disappointed... BUT, the addition of woodwinds by David Wortman (previously unheard by these ears) adds a whole new dimension to the intricate sonic sketches that Bret paints for your aural pleasures.  Long-time partner Scotty Irving provides some subtle (tho' not always gentle) directions, as well as nuances YOU would have never thought of on his "scream machine".  A favorite (for me) was "Death Fax Blues" (3rd cut), which features some nice guitar solo work & some very interesting Korean percussion instruments by Scotty.  Another outstanding track was "Minotaur on White Bread" (ex-act-ly th' kind o' titles you expect on a Hart effort... keep you GUESSIN')!  There are so many rhythmic challenges on STEGOSAURUS that you'll miss over 50% unless you listen to this with headphones - about 20 times.  Bret & I put out a tape (many, MANY years ago) that featured tunes played at normal & double speed & sdrawkcab... the last track, "GNIOB-REK", is the first one, sorta' "bowing out" if you will, with a reverse departure... how fitting.  Only the truly twisted will be able to psychoanalyze this material... the rest will be reg'lar "Joes" like you & me who are always looking for music that's (both) challenging and fun.... ALL of those listeners will agree with my assessment - this is MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for the adventurous!  Contact (like, YESTERDAY, man) at InstrumenTales Records, 609 Morehead St., Eden, NC 27288, USA or on Bret's site at http://home.interpath.net/hipworks/index.htm   Rotcod Zzaj

Jeff Mcleod - YE SHALL BE CUT INTO MANY PIECES:  For the mind unadjusted to chaos, the experience will be on a par with an absolute sonic nightmare!  For those who are prepared for the millenium, however, this will be the supreme escape from reality.  19 pieces of very sophisticated blend with Jeff's guitar mastery.,, & mystery!  I'm more impressed each time I listen to this... he has used his (extremely well recorded) guitar licks to enhance bits & pieces recorded throughout year 2000 to forge an odd (but somehow beautiful) symphony of the random.  I am reminded (immediately) of some of the more poignant works by Davey Williams, an improv guitar hero (for those who don't know).  Every day last year, Jeff recorded 10 second bytes, as a sort of (what he terms) a musical diary.  You might think that this would come off sounding rather "choppy", because of the near-impossible task of imposing some sense of order on (at least) 365 separate sound bytes... but you'd be wrong.  He's got this odd-istry down.  I keep thinking... GET this guy TOGETHER with Bret Hart & let 'em RIP... with their dual radar for the reality of random (or izzat th' random of reality?) & Jeff's clear recording skills... they'd go international in a matter of months.  This not only gets my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, it also receives the "PICK" (of this issue) for "most innovative recording".  Contact at 1629 Chateau Circle, Montgomery, AL 36106, or via email to subversive@mindspring.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Matthew Goodheart - SONGS FROM THE TIME OF GREAT QUESTIONING:  A live keyboard performance from Matthew is captured on this fine lil' CD.  The title fits very appropriately... there are only five compz on here, but they will (definitely) have you scratching your noggin.  Goodheart uses the board to paint sonic high art for your mind... yet all the while, there is a continuity that will make you wonder.  He also knows how to use the silences, reminding me (a great deal) of some of the more calm piano pieces I've heard Ernesto Diaz-Infante do (& that's not stated lightly, as Ernesto is a MASTER in that realm).  Though it's an "older" performance (recorded at New Langton Arts, in San Francisco in '96), it has the timeless quality of improvisation that melts in your mind (only to return, sort of like a flashback, months or years later).  Those who love stream-of-consciousness improvised piano will agree totally with me... MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  (Those who prefer Liberace need not apply).  Contact via the label page at http://www.drimala.com/meniscus/gallery.htm or email to morga041@tc.umn.edu   Rotcod ZzaJ

Nick Hamlyn - HARD AS KEROSENE:  Here's a UK band that manages to combine elements of jazz, avant & absolute strange into a CD that will have the straighter arrows among us checkin' in to th' local asylum in droves (not necessarily a bad thing, that).  Some comparisons could be drawn with W.O.O. Revelator, but that wouldn't present a totally clear picture, either, because the empasis is more towards the guitars than the horns that Bonnie Kane (so skillfully) integrates.  Richard Powell & Nick Hamlyn are the players, & they've assembled a true adventure for your ears!  What I REALLY like & enjoy here is the sense that they are sonically (somehow) in a situation much like a (good) marriage... not necessarily in blissful harmony, but finding each others' strong points.  Some nice little spoken-word sections in there, too.. reminds me a bit of a CD I did last year with "Thom The World Poet".   Gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for the rock/improv listeners in our readership.  If you're looking for "new age", you'll choose another album, but if you can't get along (much like me) without your daily dose of the crazies - this is the TICKET, volkz!  Contact at 293 Wellingbourough Road, Northhampton NN1 4EW UK, or via email to njhamlyn@netscapeonline.co.uk    Rotcod Zzaj

Greg Foster & Joel Futterman - ALABAMA:  I am always interested in combinations of spoken-word with music, particularly when it's improvised!  Since I'd just listened to Joel (we reviewed him in the last issue), I knew there would be great energy, but it's always a mystery as to how a player will come across with the addition of spoken-word... or, whether the spoken-word (Foster, in this event) will weave appropriately in that improv format.  Having done (more than a little) spoken-word myself (in both live & studio environs), I know that any poet (worth their salt) will approach such a performance with some degree of reservation... for fear the music may (somehow) detract from their focus.  NONE of those worries here... this is a H-O-T performance!  Greg knows full-well (he should, I reckon, as he's performed with such great names as Miles, Blakey & Monk) how to wrap his images artfully around Futterman's sax/piano & keep the energy going without it becoming (useless) rant.  Silences are played as skillfully & passionately as the segues into the "out".  Joel is flawless as he shifts between sax, flute & keyboards.  You know... when the artists are able to listen to/feel each other, the listener will feel that, too.  This is THE best spoken-word effort I've heard this year... it gets (of course) our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as the "PICK" of this issue for "best spontaneous spoken-word improv".  Contact our friends at Drimala Records at POB 69044, Hampton, VA 23669-9344, online at www.drimala.com  or via email to backoffice@drimala.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Mike! - ARCTIC LAUNDROMAT:  What a glorious descent into the absurd!  This CD from Orange Entropy records continues the tradition of home-recording they've begun to establish.  I mean, you won't be watching Mike! on any nationally televised musical awards shows in the near future... BUT, you're bound to find something on this effort that will stick to your brain cells like 3-hour old porridge.  NOTHING is predictable here, it's about as predictable as a Casio on Quaaludes & steroids (all at the same time).  A jaded sense of rhythm pervades throughout the album, & there are (at least) a couple of cuts that are annoying enough for (even) me to feel as grating (& in the context of this review, where any reaction to one's art is desireable, that's sort of a compliment).  Not the best I've heard from Orange, but not (by any means) the worst either.  Arrington & Agent Duckhugger (Olympia Experimental Music Festival) would get a NUTOFF listenin' to this!  Gets a RECOMMENDED from us!  Contact at Orange Entropy Records, POB 1314, Burbank, CA 91507, or on their site at www.orangeentropy.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Mental Anguish - MILE AFTER MILE:  Phinney (as in Chris) scores for strange again!  There are some GREAT BEATS on here... so much throb, the sub-woofer is givin' me a beautiful blow-dry session!  Home-produced all the way, the CD features some of the classic names in underground home-produced music... Dave Fugleweicz, Bryan Baker, Mundok, Carl Howard... the list goes on & ON!  There are still some (fools) who look down their noses at home-production, but the kats at Homemade Music have taken it to the NEXT LEVEL, & there's no doubt in my mind that this music will BE the "street music" of tomorrow!  Styles vary here, as Chris has remixed cuts from so many artists (many of them at www.homemademusic.com ), the list is too long to itemize here.  For those who DON'T know, Chris & Harsh Reality Music go all the way back to the genesis of the underground in this country, & he's demonstrated clear & unequivocal talent for re-interpreting other artists' into something brand (& TOTALLY) new!  Gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from us, along with the "PICK" of this issue for "freshest new music"!    Contact at Harsh Reality Music, POB 38124-1667, or via email to chris.phinney@gte.net   Rotcod Zzaj

Shao Rong - ORCHID:  Perhaps Shao's music is just like the flower... it unfolds slowly, only giving hints of the beauty it will display when you listen patiently and carefully.  Her performance on the pipa (a Chinese lute) will enchant your ears and soothe your soul.  It can't be classified as "jazz", as it comes closer to "smooth jazz", or New Age... & if her compositions fell strictly in those genres, we probably wouldn't give it a second listen.  As it is, I've given this three spins already, & that (alone) says something about the level of intrigue the pipa imparts.  I believe there is somehow a communication of the soul's deepest (& often saddest) trials here, enhanced by superior recording and the skill of the (many) players.  Though it's not as inspiring as some other east-west "crossover" albums I've listened to in the last year... for those with a taste for intrigue mixed with slightly conventional patterns, this will merit a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  Contact through Creative Service Company, 4360 Emerald Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918... also via e-mail to creatserv9@aol.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Electric Company and the Vas Defrens Organisation - MORE PELVIS WICK FOR THE BALONEY BONERS:  I've enjoyed reviewing (several) CD's from Tekito over the last couple of years... there's a touch of strange in every bar!  Blended, mixed rawk-in stoph that you can NOT classify.  The opening cut features some truly twisted guitar work, heavy bass down under & some percz that will BLOW OUT yer' eardrumz (& of course, if yer' a rock fan, I'm sure you wouldn't have it any OTHER way, eh?).  There are only 8 tracks on here, so you'll have to listen over & over.  I didn't particularly get off on the (faked) screemz inna' background, but they are unquestionably a part of the set.  The closest comparison I can make is to dance music... I mean, you'll have to be ON 'dem downerz' to dance to it... but DANCE you will... far more than just yer' normal toe-tappin' stuff!  Groove-based rawkin' that just won't QUIT!  They get hold of a riff & RIDE that zugger, people... & they'll have you ridin' right along WITH 'em (unless yer' a corpse awready).  I wouldn't recommend you playin' this fer' yer Baptist friends (they'd toss you in the klink under suspicion of some sort of debbil worship)... but for reg'lar folks you know with a taste for the twisted... this is IT... gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from us!    Contact at Tekito Communications, PMB #432, 828 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70116, on their site at www.crosswinds.net/~tekito  or via email to tekito@excite.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Andrew Rathbun - TRUE STORIES:  If you're looking for music that combines spoken-word/song into an experience full of high-energy jazz... this is IT, people!  Legible lyric sheet is included in the tray insert, making it very easy to follow.  Andrew's reeds are enchanting, comforting, lilting!  Lead vocalist Luciana Souza is fully qualified to weave dreams that will take you to new heights.  The sextet features some really beautiful Rhodes sections, with cool jazz that is highly creative & energetic!  This is a unique album & jazz lovers everywhere will add it to the "keeper" stack on first listen.  "Stories" is a classic example of how/why spoken-word/song are so much a part of the tradition in our country, & merits (without qualification) our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  It will have a broad audience, but doesn't compromise to the point of becoming "nameless/faceless" jazz, either.  Accessible & genuine, this is an album that is at the "head of the pack"!  Contact at 315 St. John's Place # 1B, Brooklyn, NY 11238, or via email to andrewrathbun@mindspring.com  You can also contact the PR agent, Braithwaite & Katz Communications by sending email to ann@bkmusicpr.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Satoko Fujii Orchestra - JO:  Many of you in our readership have joined in the frenzy to get on board the "Satoko wagon" (after my reviews of her many albums) over the last 3 years (or so).  This outing features a 15-piece orchestra of improvisors.  For that reason, it really can't "fit" in the jazz realm, & I've no doubt that many reviewers would feel that it wasn't in any "orchestra" category, either.  It's a unique experience... that's the closest I can come to wrapping any kind o' "genre/label" around it.  Fujii knows, more than any other Japanese composer I've ever heard, how to use the "rise & fall" movements to get the listener's attention (to the degree that they often don't realize they've "been there" until the whole album is over).  Her husband, Natsuki Tamura melds his unique/creative skills in the fray, too, but this album contains so many players & influences that it can't be narrowed down to any "name" player.  There are (actually) other albums I've reviewed from Satoko that had a bit more energy... for that reason, I'm rating it a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  That's not intended to scare anyone away, however... Fujii is a sensitive composer whose skills in this orchestral arena are FAR ahead of her contemporaries.  Contact through Braithwaite & Katz Communications by sending email to ann@bkmusicpr.com    Rotcod Zzaj

Matt Turner - THE MOUSE THAT ROARED:  We have (actually) reviewed works from Matt for some years now.  Several issues ago, he performed his excellent cello work on several CD's with Jeff Song... it's been far too long for me to remember a great deal of specifics - but these solo works DO bring back clear mem'ries of the intensity on those outings.  Total intricacy, which (as many of you know) requires total involvement on the part of the listener.  If you're looking for "background" music... go to yer' local "Dour Records" shop... where all th' music is "lined up" in a row for those adventureless souls who want everything to sound the same.  IF, however, you want improvisation with an exploratory edge... some wonderful percussive/string sequences... & clear-headed technique that will inspire you (both listener & player) to hear/dream in colors you've never imagined possible - you'd better GET this one!  These selections were (apparently) recorded live, as you hear audience applause... the fact that you don't hear the audience until the pieces are over tells me that they were actively listening... completely engaged in the magickal sonic scenes that Matt was painting for them.  Completely captivating & much advanced from those recordings I listened to many years back.  Listeners who are in love with the sweetness (& sadness) of strings will agree when I declare this experience to be MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!  Contact via the label page at http://www.drimala.com/meniscus/gallery.htm or email to morga041@tc.umn.edu    Rotcod Zzaj

Rent Romus (Lords of Outland) - AVATAR IN THE FIELD:  In my experience, it's not often that "tribute" albums enchant my ears as thoroughly as this CD from Edgetone Records has!  Romus' provides some insight into his attractions with Albert Ayler's music when he says "because of the monumental position Ayler holds for me, it was not an easy task to decide to do a tribute"... wish there were more musicians around who understood (just) how important it is to think/listen (ever so) carefully through what they're doing on tributes... because Romus has ensured (through totally solid alto/soprano work/intensity) that this honors Ayler's work... the album is NOT a tributary, if you get my drift.  The quartet is able to wrap you up in the music to the point that you will share (some of) the musical vision/foresight Albert Ayler had!  The sensitivity displayed on the second track, "Holy Spirit", is simply amazing.  If you're looking for high energy with a strong jazz feel, you'll want to (be sure to) listen to cut 6, "Vibrations"!  One thing you'll notice as you listen to this... these ain't "sweet nuthin's" that Rent is blowin' in yer' ear... intensity that approaches the level of savage at times (& that's a GOOD thang)!  I'm highly impressed, & those who have learned to FOCUS their listening will declare this (as I have) a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED sonic experience!  Contact at POB 2281, El Cerrito, CA 94530, or via email to rentromus@edgetonerecords.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Jenn Adams - IN THE POOL:  Our friends at Creative Services Company have always ensured that we get to listen to players/songwriters who are "on the edge".  Jenn's acoustic guitar weaves webs that even the most advanced spiders can't grasp all the details of.  I mean, I'm in love with this!  It's probably just th' nostalgia settin' in... you know, back to Joni Mitchell days, when every nuance of ev'ry note had to be re-listened to 10,000 times!  This lady has that same level of talent, energy & (clearly) originality.  The folk roots that this spins from are (for the truly good player) buried deep in the heart... it's NOT the "chords", or the "phrasings", or the "technical detail" that have any bearing on the listen - it's the HEART shining through - & Jenn Adams has SO much life & soul reflecting through her voice that she will (literally) invade your spirit with her mastery.  Variety in style is another think that doth a star make... even got a blue-ser on track 4, "Not Tonight".  If yer' like me (even a lil' bit), you won't have a CHOICE... not only is this MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, it's my "PICK" of this issue for "best rawk'in' lady"!  SUPER!!!  GET this!   Contact through Creative Service Company, 4360 Emerald Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918... also via e-mail to creatserv9@aol.com   Rotcod Zzaj

Robin Nolan Trio - MEDITERRANEAN BLUES:  You won't find B.B. on here, & Catfish Hodge is nowhere to be found.  What you WILL hear is some of the sweetest acoustic guitar playing you've ever heard!  High energy joy shines through Nolan's compositions, some "real" playing that will set your heart/mind/soul free!  Just the kind of music the world needs more of, I'll tell you.  Gypsy-style jazz that moves at (near) light-speed & certainly breaks the sound barrier!  Simply played, but with skill & dexterity often overlooked in today's "pop" world.  There's a lot of "latin" in there, too, surely danceable.  Anyone who isn't caught up in the throes of "death" metal guitar/rock will enjoy this thoroughly & (maybe) go even farther than my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED... this is the kind of music one gets EXCITED about!  Contact at Musik International, 154 Botasso Rd., Boulder, CO 80302 (e-mail is musikintl@aol.com    )   Rotcod Zzaj

RETURN to Zzaj Productions MAIN page!