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Kenny Wheeler, a legendary improviser and composer, once told the Guardian that his favorite activity was “composing melancholic melodies and then allowing talented musicians to deconstruct them.” Similarly, Mary Halvorson, a New York guitarist and innovator in new music, has found her place in the chaotic yet ethereal realm where composition and improvisation intersect. Drawing from her experiences as both a live performer and a curious student of musical structure, she has become a unique and exceptional artist.
In 2022, Halvorson’s already highly regarded status was elevated further with the release of two albums, Amaryllis and Belladonna, which focused on improvisation and composed chamber music. Now, she presents Cloudward, an excellent eight-piece collection (inspired by the composer’s feelings of freedom as the pandemic began to dissipate) for her sextet, featuring guitar, vibraphone played by Patricia Brennan, trumpet, trombone, bass, and drums. The renowned Laurie Anderson also makes an appearance on one track, adding her effects-violin to the mix.
The introduction of The Gate starts off slowly with a blend of brass and vibes, hiding the underlying groove of the bassline and gentle drum beats. Trumpeter Adam O’Farrill, who plays with a clear and secure tone across the range of his instrument, creates beautifully interwoven harmonies with trombonist Jacob Garchik on songs like Collapsing Mouth and Unscrolling. The latter is framed by soft drum rolls and sparkling cymbal sounds, followed by a contrasting section with a dark and slinky bowed-bass solo. In Desiderata, Halvorson adds distorted guitar to the avant-funky style, while Anderson brings in unusual violin sounds, transitioning from brass tones to chimes in the elegant melodies of Incarnadine. The energetic band-riffing in Tailhead has a hint of Latin jazz, supporting the climbing and twisting melody. Halvorson’s fusion of composed and improvised music reaches a mesmerizing fluidity and alluring warmth in this fantastic collection.
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Additionally, released this month is…
Renowned American vibraphonist Joel Ross has recently released Nublues (Blue Note) with his bandmates, which includes the talented saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins. This album showcases a unique blend of traditional and unconventional approaches to the blues, with a mix of somber and lively tracks. Along with seven originals, the album also features a groovy rendition of John Coltrane’s Equinox and a playful take on Thelonious Monk’s Evidence. Another accomplished musician, Ches Smith, who is known for his expertise in free-jazz, Haitian Vodou music, and electronics, has unveiled his latest release Laugh Ash (Pyroclastic Records). This album incorporates elements of minimalism, spoken word, free-jazz saxophone, abstract electronics, and chamber music, showcasing Smith’s versatility. Finally, the incredibly talented American tenorist Rich Halley, who has been underappreciated outside of his home state of Oregon, delivers a blistering mix of post-bop and free jazz on his latest album Fire Within (Pine Eagle Records). Accompanied by the masterful pianist Matthew Shipp, the quartet showcases Halley’s melodic improvisational skills.
Source: theguardian.com
