Sonny Simmons – alto sax, English horn, vocals | Michael Marcus – tenor sax, saxello, Bb clarinet | Clifford Barbaro – drums (#1-7) | Jay Rosen – drums (#8)

Produced by Sonny Simmons and Michael Marcus. Executive producer: Marek Winiarski / Not Two Records. Recorded by Joe Carter, Velvet Swan Recording, NYC, September 9, 2004. “Avant Garde Destruct” recorded live at the Katsan Club in Prague, Czech Republic, April 19, 2004. Mixed by Alex Aliferis, Studio Forever / Progressive Music, September 29, 2004. Cover photo and design by Bartosz Winiarski. Inside photos by Sonny Simmons and Michael Marcus by Miszka Jablonski.

Tracklist: 1. Intoxicating Galaxies [01:38] 2. Cheryl (take 1) [04:21] 3. Drifting On A Reed [03:19] 4. 49th Street Stomp [08:38] 5. Ballad Medley: Autumn In New York / In A Sentimental Mood [05:21] 6. Bird Feathers [03:53] 7. Cheryl (take 2) [05:14] 8. Avant Garde Destruct (live) [24:36]

This version of The great Cosmosamatics

features Sonny Simmons on alto sax, English horn & vocals, Michael Marcus on tenor sax, saxello & b-flat clarinet and Clifford Barbaro on drums for all but the last track in which they use Jay Rosen on drums. Legendary west coast sax great Sonny Simmons never fails to deliver the goods and with the marvelous Cosmosamatics, which features another former west coast sax hero Michael Michael, they both continue to push each other to further flights and heights with each tour and release. This is the sixth Cosmosamatics disc in less than five years and each has been an engaging gem. This is the trio version of this band, with no bassist. ‘Reeds & Birds’ features four songs by Bird (Charlie Parker), one by the band, one by Sonny and one by Michael. Both Sonny and Michael do a fine job of playing those unpopular horns like the English horn (bassoon-like double reed for Sonny) and the saxello (rare reed in between the size of a soprano and an alto sax & utilized by Elton Dean). What I dig about this Cosmosamatics offering is that it is more laid back than usual and still sounds very inspired. Sonny’s sublime and exotic double reed (English horn) sounds as hypnotic as a snake charmers’ musette, even when they are playing a ballad medley of “Autumn in New York” and “In a Sentimental Mood”. The epic-length closing tune utilizes the talents of CIMP-house drummer Jay Rosen and was recorded live in Prague. Jay plays most impressively spinning quickly as both saxist soar together around him. Long solos and sax duos make this an event-filled delight. This and every Cosmosamatics release has been a true treasure.– BLG (Downtown Music Gallery)

CD version (incl. shipment cost world-wide)