New Music Releases: Arto Lindsay / Joe McPhee / Ken Vandermark / Phil Sudderberg, Peter Brotzmann, Krokofant with Stale Storlokken & Ingebrigt Haker Flaten

Arto Lindsay / Joe McPhee / Ken Vandermark / Phil Sudderberg - Largest Afternoon

A set that's brimming over with improvising jazz talent – but one that's an especially great reminder of the guitar genius of the great Arto Lindsay! Lindsay is amazing here – playing with energy to match the brilliance of Ken Vandermark and Joe McPhee – which is really saying a lot, and which has us almost feeling like a younger version of Arto's self stepped forward straight from the New York no wave scene, in order to create a pan-historical bridge with the improvising strengths of the Corbett Vs Dempsey universe! Drummer Phil Sudderberg is wonderful too – a master of sounds and moments – and the short tracks allow for plenty of sharp changes, and shifts in energy between each selection. McPhee blows alto, tenor, and pocket trumpet – and Vandermark is on tenor, baritone, and clarinet – on titles that include "The Push & Pull Beneath The Surface", "She Must Have Known", "Whether You Were There Or Not", "When I Lose Any Sense Of Perspective", and "The World's Longest Afternoon". ~ Dusty Groove

Peter Brotzmann - I Surrender Dear

Saxophonist Peter Brotzmann is no stranger to the world of solo recording – but this set has a very different vibe than most of his previous outings in that format – as you might guess by the famous standard referenced in the title! Half the record has Peter taking off on his own renditions of classic jazz ballads – still very much in Brotzmann formation, with lots of sharp edges and freer flights – but tied to a longer jazz history that's really amazing, a bit in the manner of some of the Anthony Braxton experiments with standards over the years. Other tunes are originals or works by some of the Brotzmann's contemporaries – balanced in a great way that really shows the never-ending creativity of the legendary reedman, even after his many decades of recording. Titles include "Con Alma", "Lady Sings The Blues", "I Surrender Dear", "Lover Come Back To Me", "Churchsong", "Brozziman", and "Sumphin". ~ Dusty Groove

Krokofant with Stale Storlokken & Ingebrigt Haker Flaten - Q

A modern bit of progressive avant jazz from Krokofant – a trio who take us back to some of the European power combos of the 70s, particularly those that could blend together electric styles and outside sounds in the Eastern Bloc scene! The core lineup features tremendous drums from Axel Skalstad, who also plays a bit of vibe – plus guitars from Tom Hasslan and saxes from Jorgen Mathisen – all used in a forward-thinking style that crests beautifully from the united energy of the trio! This time around, they've also got key help from Ingebrigt Haker Flaten on bass and Stale Storlokken on keyboards – both players who help churn up the sound even more! The keyboards have a way of locating the guitar and saxophones nicely – and we're not sure we've ever heard Ingebrigt's bass in just such a setting, but it really rises to the occasion. The album features one long piece – divided up into four parts. ~ Dusty Groove