2017-10-02 A Pouting Grimace

A Pouting Grimace

A Pouting Grimace by Matt Mitchell.

Wow. I was familiar with Mr Mitchell from his work with Tim Berne and others, but did not expect this! Crazy ambitious compositions. I guess I’d almost call it “Stravinsky meets Monk in the 21st Century”. Intellectual and driving, yet it swings.

Really cool! And also pretty hilarious song titles like, “bulb terminus”, “squalid ink”, and “gluts”. Though, my favorite track is, “mini alternate”. 

#TodaysCommuteSoundtrack #MattMichell #APoutingGrimace #KimCass #KateGentile #ChesSmith #DanWeis #PatriciaBrennan #KatieAndrews #AnnaWebber #JohnIrabon #BenKono #SaraSchoenbeck #ScottRobinson #TyshawnSorey

2017-08-09 Mannequins

Mannequins

Mannequins by Kate Gentile.

Great titles, adventurous writing, interesting instrumentation, and expressive playing. Modern Improvised Music at its best!

The use of long horn tones from Mr Viner over propulsive rhythms occasionally reminds me of some of Chris Speed’s work, but the more scattered pulse of Ms Gentile’s percussion and Mr Mitchell’s keyboards is very distinct from Mr Speed’s usual collaborators.

A unique, compelling, and rewarding recording. (I think this is the first time I can remember ever heard anyone use a Prophet Sampler/Keyboard on a “Jazz” release, kudos to Ms Gentile and Mr Mitchell.) 

#TodaysCommuteSoundtrack #KateGentile #Jeremy Viner #MattMitchell #AdamHopkins