Jazz

Marcin Oleś | Ornette On Bass | Not Two Records

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Oles’ 12-track CD is a tribute to Ornette Coleman, creating versions of the alto saxophonist’s combo compositions using only his bass. Oles may be the first bassist to record a whole solo CD of Coleman themes. But considering many of the heads harken back to the country blues string band tradition, a bull fiddle would seem to be ideal for the task. You’ll certainly believe that once you’re heard the Krakow-based bassist traverse the tunes. For instance on “Humpty Dumpty”, he speeds up the tempo a bit, yet here and throughout the disc he allows the basic song-like quality of Coleman’s themes to come out. At times as well, his vibrations are such that plucks and the echoing malleable harmonic tones almost sound like two basses. — Ken Waxman 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 →

Janusz Muniak Quartet | Annie | Not Two Records

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Some recordings just don’t inspire to set jazz world on fire and take you into an unexplored regions. Well, one might say, that they don’t contribute anything new to jazz history. So, why was it was recorded at all? For whom? Frankly speaking I ask myself this question each time I put newest Janusz Muniak’s CD “For Annie” on. And every time the answer is the same: this music is for me. If I listen to this music with pleasure, if it frequently visits my home, it means that there is something in it, something just for me. And I reckon that there might be quite many people like me. — Pawel Baranowski Continue reading →

Joe Morris | Sensor | No Business Records

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Joe Morris is a veteran musician, playing and teaching in New England and New York. Primarily known a guitarist, he added bass to his arsenal about a decade ago, and has built a remarkably original and personal conception of the instrument. This solo album was recorded in 2010 and released as a limited edition vinyl record. — Tim Nilund Continue reading →

Liudas Mockunas & Ryoji Hojito | Vacation Music | No Business Records

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For a couple of years Ryoji Hojito, together with his wife Yoshiko, were coming to Lithuania for a one week autumn vacation. We’ve met in the course of their explorative journeys around the country and without thinking too much went to a studio for a spontaneous session and a year later played a concert at St. Catherin’s Church in Vilnius. Both of us were happy about the music we’ve got on tape and today we want to share with you seven impro peaces! Enjoy and plunge into our vacation mood…Liudas Mockunas Continue reading →

Joelle Leandre & India Cooke | Journey | No Business Records

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On Journey, violinist India Cooke and bassist Joelle Leandre improvise in that exalted state of grace that every improviser hopes to attain. It’s a state in which everything they play just works. It’s as if they can’t play a bad note or make a sound that doesn’t advance the music. In this state, the music unfolds without prior arrangement and at speeds too fast for conscious control, yet it’s development and intent is always clear. That deep communication between two or more people is exactly what players and listeners alike look for in improvisation. It happens whenever Cooke and Leandre play. —Ed Hazell Continue reading →