Kirk Knuffke | Mike Pride | The Exterminating Angel | Not Two Records

I have always been involved in a lot of duo projects with all types of improvisors, from all types of musical backgrounds. This has a little to do with economics, and a lot to do with a search for deeper friendships -and/or mentorships. There are new, organic worlds-of-sound that two connected people can create when given the chance to develop intimately, over time, with honest reflection. Generally speaking, there tends to be a specific musical aesthetic at play in my duo projects, sometimes with very strict rules or a very defined direction – my duets with Jon Irabagon, Charlie Looker (Period) & Jamie Saft (Kalashnikov) immediately come to mind. The playing with Kirk is altogether different. Kirk and I just play. Kirk swings, kirk sings, kirk explores extreme registers of the cornet, and I just play, moment-to-moment. A truly pleasurable improvised music. – Mike Pride Continue reading

Mike Pride | Scrambler | Not Two Records

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