Derek Bailey | John Stevens | Trevor Watts | Dynamics of the Impromptu | Entropy Stereo Recordings

“These pieces run the gamut from whispery low key musings through enraging or boisterous call and response. The moods constantly shift and evolve as Watts, Bailey and Stevens purvey musical structures that defy logic. Emotions flare up as in “Impromptu Dynamics #6″. Arguments or debates are imminent. The sensibilities of unity and collaboration resurface as the music seems to transcend conventional ideology or acceptable agendas.” — Glenn Astarita Continue reading

Wendell Harrison | The 8th House: Riding with Pluto | Entropy Stereo Recordings

The 8th House is a disc of solo clarinet and saxophone improvisations with a few duets with Juma Santos thrown in. Wendell Harrison and the Tribe were pioneers along with BAG in St. Louis and the AACM in Chicago. Here Wendell recalls some of the freedom and soul from his early work with the Tribe in Detroit. He is joined by percussionist Juma Santos on a few tracks. You may recall Juma from his work with Miles Davis on the Bitches Brew record, or some of his work with Marion Brown. Continue reading

Trevor Watts and Jamie Harris | Ancestry | Entropy Stereo Recordings

On Ancestry, Trevor approaches improvisation in a more stripped down approach with percussionist Jamie Harris. Both Watts and Harris combine an incredible sense of rhythm with exploration and subtlety. The recordings were culled from live performances and more intimate settings at Trevor’s home studio to give a balance of the high energy of performance and relaxed musical exploration between friends. The end result is a stunning document of duo interplay on various hand percussion and reed instruments. Continue reading

Faruq Z. Bey with Northwoods Improvisers | Ashirai Pattern | Entropy Stereo Recordings

A diverse follow up to their 19 Moons release of 2002. The groups has added longtime Bey collaborator Mike Carey (flute/tenor saxophone) to the ensemble. Ashirai Pattern embodies a higher spiritual plane and elements of mysticism in an aural feast. Instrumentation includes vibes, marimba, voice, bass, drums, tenor saxophone, flute, bass clarinet, violin, and percussion. Continue reading

Jon Rose | Fringe Benefits 1977 – 1985 | Entropy Stereo Recordings

Chopped up and sorted at Steim Studios, Amsterdam, July 1998. © copyright Jon Rose and all musicians. Photographs – Kristin Rose, Konstanze Binder. Two CD’s (almost 150 minutes) worth of archival material from the 70’s and 80’s handpicked by Jon Rose with detailed liner notes. The music constitutes his experimental work in Australia with many home made instruments. Continue reading

Kalaparush And The Light | The Moment | Entropy Stereo Recordings

Kalaparush Maurice McIntyre provides us with a rare glimpse into his live performance. Perhaps one of the most influential and under-recorded artists of the AACM, Kalaparush is joined by Ravish Momin on percussion and Jesse Dulman on tuba. Jesse’s tuba recalls the pre-bass second line of jazz music and Ravish provides worldly polyrhythmic sequences. All of the playing comes together with the elegance of Kalaparush’s compositions and improvisations. Recorded at one night’s performance in Detroit. Entropy Stereo is pleased to provide a unique live document of a master saxophonist and composer. Continue reading

Faruq Z. Bey with Northwoods Improvisers | 19 Moons | Entropy Stereo Recordings

Farouq Z. Bey has been on the Detroit scene for many years. His work with Griot Galaxy speaks for itself. Faruq brings us some of his richest reed work to date with the Northwoods Improvisers. Together they explore rhythms, improvisation, and sound in it’s purest sense. A classic case of the whole being greater the sum of it’s parts. Instrumentation includes bass, vibes, drums, saxophone. Continue reading

Faruq Z. Bey with the Northwoods Improvisers featuring Mike Carey and Skeeter Shelton | AUZAR | Entropy Stereo Recordings

Faruq Z. Bey returns with his third effort on Entropy Stereo, Auzar. Auzar features the three horn lineup of Bey, Michael Carey and Skeeter Shelton, representing the first time Bey has recorded with the three horn line up since his days with his seminal Detroit group Griot Galaxy. Representing a clear evolution from Bey’s last two efforts 19 Moons and Ashirai Pattern, Auzar features a unified ensemble sound with an emphasis on unique rhythmic and harmonic possibilities. Bey contributes three compositions to the disc. Faruq Z. Bey and the Northwoods Improvisers comprise a natural joining of mind and soul on Auzar in their strongest effort yet. Featuring the composition Zycron by Tani Tabbal. Continue reading