Jazz — CDs  

A really sweet trio set from Barry Altschul – and one that lets him stretch out beautifully on a wide range of percussion! In addition to traditional drums, Altschul handles quica, bowed cymbals, waterphone, shakers, bells, cymbals, wood block, and lots more on the record – also getting some percussive performances from his mates in the trio – trombonist Ray Anderson and bassist Mark Helias! Anderson's trombone really provides some great glue to hold the performance together – some bold, soulful lines that easily move between free passages and more swinging moments. Titles include "Con Alma De Noche", "Irina", "Be Out S'Cool", and "Brahma".

Really creative work from Anthony Braxton – a 70s gem that has the reedman working in two different settings – both of them great! The first half of the record reunites Braxton with the electronics of Richard Teitelbaum – working here on some very cool moog, mixed with percussion – all in the best dark sounds of the Time Zones recording from the pair. Leo Smith is also in the group on trumpet – adding in a sense of space that's really wonderful – and Braxton himself works a variety of clarinets with really rich sounds – as the trio takes off on "Composition 36". The rest of the record shows that great old school side of Braxton – that crucial knowledge of the American jazz songbook that he only showed the world this strongly in the mid 70s – and which sparkles here as one of the best examples of that love! The remaining tracks feature Anthony on alto and Dave Holland on bass – working out some really special magic on "The Song Is You", "You Go To My Head", and "Embraceable You".

A great one from Roscoe Mitchell – one of his excellent solo sets from that great 70s stretch when he was really opening up his sound – trying out all sorts of new tones, textures, and elements in a very unfettered space! The feel here is similar to Mitchell's Sackville solo album – really incredible in the way he moves between different shadings and emotions, with a sense of creative exploration that's gone onto influence decades of horn players since! Roscoe plays soprano, alto, and baritone – and titles include "Encore", "Dance Two", "Cards For Alto", and "Circle 3".