J – K – L

All artists filed by last name under J, K and L :

Tomek Sowiński and the Collective Improvisation Group | Illustration | Not Two Records

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Irek Wojtczak – tenor & soprano saxes, clarinet, flute, voice | Darek Herbasz – tenor & baritone saxes, flute, voice | Piotr Mania – piano (#5,8), flute, voice (#2) | Tomek Sowiński – percussion, flute, voice | Adam Żuchowski – bass, flute, voice | Marcin Gawdzis – trumpet, voice | Jacek Namysłowski – trombone | Dominik Bukowski – marimba | Sławek Jaskułke – piano (#1,4,6,7). Recorded: night 18, 19 July 2005 at a loft in New Port in Gdansk and night 8, 9 February 2006 and night 14, 15 June 2006 at the Philharmonic Chamber Hall Olowianka, Gdansk. Sound engineered and mastered by Piotr Taraszkiewicz. Graphic design by Jacek Staniszewski alias dr.Jahill. Producer: Tomek Sowinski. Executive producer: Marek Winiarski. Continue reading →

Vandermark 5 | Four Sides To The Story | Not Two Records

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NotTwo Records extremely limited, outstandingly lavish 2- LP’s box-set, further pushes limits not only musical boundaries of improvised music but also the whole concept of conceptual package, as recently re-defined by its own issue of “Alchemia” by Vandermark 5. This exquisitely realized set includes 2 separate LP, housed together in a one-of-its-kind unique box with absolutely astonishing covert art. Comprehensive booklet with many personal insights from Ken Vandermark himself, rare pictures, interviews and essays from acclaimed critics, compliment the whole set. Continue reading →

Steve Swell | Remember Now | Not Two Records

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Remember Now is the second release of trombonist’s Steve Swell Slammin’ The Infinite band, and they now sound more like a unit. Rather than two front line soloists with a rhythm section, on this release they seem like a group of four equals. The rhythm section of Matthew Heyner (who is amazing on this disc) and Klaus Kugel (ditto) has really developed into a team that is just as able to step out in front and lead the band as to drive it along from behind. And the material Swell has written takes full advantage of this. The opening track “Antlers” is a good example. Those who think this group as merely an energy blowing band may be surprised by this track. The horns play written material throughout, a series of off kilter phrases that form a springboard for the rhythm section and a feature for Heyner. His arco bass work on this track shows that he’s the heir apparent to Alan Silva, with careening lines flowing effortlessly off his bow. Elsewhere Swell scores out fiery phrases for the horns. MB-1 (for Marion Brown) has the horns stating the theme, jabbing out staccato phrases.– Robert Iannapollo, All About Jazz) Continue reading →

Marco Eneidi | Peter Kowald | Damon Smith | Spirit | Ghetto Calypso | Not Two Records

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Posthumous Peter Kowald releases keep coming down the pike and this one looks very promising on paper. The first three surnames on the roll call require no introduction to regular Bags readers. The identity and credentials of Spirit are probably another matter. Patterning a sparse style that draws on both New Thing and European Improv customs, his light pattering touch sometimes feels a bit flimsy and transparent, particularly during the ensemble’s higher density moments. Fortunately, in a group like this one with two strong-willed bassists vying and colluding, it’s a strategy that complements rather than hinders. His brief solo drum foray “Obo” suggests time spent shedding to the sounds of Don Moye and Denis Charles, and like both he’s prone to gruff vocal commentary in conjunction with his stick play. Pale shades of John Stevens also arise in the pointillist side of Spirit’s approach, though I’m not completely sold on his cachet as a contender. — Derek Taylor Continue reading →

Mike Pride | Scrambler | Not Two Records

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Mike Pride’s Scrambler starts off with a bang. On the first track, “A Cry For Unity” , the drummer-leader starts the trip with a barricade of beats. Soon enough his “Cry For Unity” is answered by a tremendous trio of sounds, William Parker booming his bass in with Charlie Looker’s subtle yet key guitar, allowing Tony Malaby to fly out of the boundaries of his sax. Looker steps front stage in “Sometimes It Just Goes To Show” with a refreshing tone. Clean and fast, with the occasional handmade effect, Looker delivers. At the drop of a hi-hat, this band of four can go off in their own dimensions, as they weave in and out of each other to create a smooth and ‘scrambling’ sound. The beauty is that as much as these guys go out riffing, they tighten up just as quickly with a flawless transition. A master collaboration of musicians.– allaboutjazz Continue reading →

The Cosmosamatics | Zetrons | Not Two Records

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Zetrons The newest recording by the Cosmosamatics that you are now listening to, represents our story in the new millennium of American Jazz/Improvised Music. Among the musical tales you will experience, Dance of the Zetrons (title cut) represents a dance that is universal throughout the universe. Road Doggs is about the struggle and the strength of a band traveling on the iron horses (trains) in Europe. We also pay tribute here to the great Eric Dolphy and do a rendition of his classical composition, Serene. And of course, the beauty of Sonny’s tribute to Mingus with his suite: Mingus Mangus. We are a “band” – which is rare in Jazz these days. Sonny and I have been collaborating for years to keep the tradtion alive of being a bind (like these great groups: “Modern Jazz Quartet” – “Art Ensemble of Chicago” – “World Saxophone Quartet”, etc.) We are a group of improvisers, bringing a message of peace and healing love for all, trhough sound & sould. — Michael Marcus Continue reading →

James Finn | Deanna Witkowski | Leon Lee Dorsey | Klaus Kugel | Great Spirit | Not Two Records

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Much has been written and expounded regarding Finn’s obvious ties to John Coltrane. Critic Dan Warburton connects the familiar dots once again in his sagaciously boiled down liner notes. But Finn’s kinship with the Heavy Weight Champion is more conceptual than concrete. His passionate exhortations often scale similar ecstatic summits, pitch narrowing to pin point-precise altissimo peals. But, as this album and the rest of his consistently rewarding and ever-expanding back catalog prove, he is most certainly his own man on the horn. — Derek Taylor Continue reading →

Marcin Oleś | Theo Jörgensmann | Bartloliej Brat Oleś | Miniatures | Not Two Records

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Robust circulating spirits guide the interaction of the trio of M.Oles, B.Oles and Jorgensmann on Miniatures. After an ethereal opening, strong, responsive bass lines by M.Oles carve a trail through uncharted territory while B.Oles clears all the underbrush with his power-laden drumming. Jorgensmann leaps into the clearing breathing fire through his basset clarinet (a slightly longer version of today’s instrument with extended range in the lower register), resulting in the group taking full charge with simulating improvised music. Although titled Miniatures, the CD’s selections evolve as fully developed, open statements on the creative art form. Tonally, the music dips to the deepest end of the sonic pool through M.Oles’ probing resonance and to its apex, where Jorgensmann creates a maelstrom with his fiery blowing. — Frank Rubolino Continue reading →