Mad music from the legendary
NRG Ensemble – a key early force in Chicago's avant jazz scene in the 80s, teamed here
with the mighty reedman
Charles Tyler! The group itself is already heavy on dynamic reeds –
with leader
Hal Russell on tenor and Chuck Burdelik on tenor, alto, and clarinet – but
Tyler's presence is really felt strongly, as he adds this deeper dimension of spirituality to the music – one that gets past some of the deft movements of the
Ensemble, and brings them to richer territory they sometimes never hit this well.
Tyler plays baritone, alto, and clarinet – and
Russell also handles cornet, vibes, drums, and shenai –
with that multi-instrumental talent that always made him so great. The group also features Steve Hunt on vibes and drums, Curt Bley on bass, and Brian Sandstrom on guitar and trumpet – and titles include "Tatwas", "Cascade", "Generation", "Sponge", and "Sinus Up". CD also features two previously-unissued tracks – "This Fence Is A Loving Machine" and "Uncontrollable Rages".