The Petayev brothers create avant-garde jazz that defies the typical reputation of the genre. While their music has a dark undertone, it retains a playful spirit. Picture a band similar to the avant-progressive rock legends Art Zoyd, but with a greater sense of humor.
Free Jazz
David Mitchell – Turiyans
One of the wonderful aspects of running my blog is that talented and generous individuals often send unsolicited music submissions that impress me tremendously. A perfect example of this is the album by David Mitchell, who describes his work quite effectively: “A potent mix of Central Asian influences with free jazz Continue Reading
Anthony Braxton – Quartet (Bristol) 1985
One of America’s foremost saxophonists, Anthony Braxton, collaborates with Marilyn Crispell on piano, Mark Dresser on double bass, and Gerry Hemingway on percussion. This music is as free as it gets, but has a slight film-noir soundtrack feel in parts. Impressive.
Ivo Perelman & Tyshawn Sorey – Parallell Aesthethics
This release pairs Ivo Perelman and Tyshawn Sorey, two of the leading lights of the improv jazz scene. From the Fundacja Słuchaj Bandcamp site: “This year we are celebrating the 10th birthday of our label. On this occasion, we have prepared a lot of surprises and very unique musical offerings Continue Reading
A Second Life for The Avant-Jazz of Leo Records
Today is a travel day, so there will be no posts, but it seems Bandcamp has a great article on Leo Records. Leo Feigin was the man responsible for introducing me to people like my old friend Roman Stolyar, Sergei Belichenko, and the work of Sergei Kuryokhin, who I ended Continue Reading
Luneta Freedom Jazz Collective – Mga matang pumipikit sa langit
Welcome to 2025! Our first release is from the brilliant Bulgarian experimental music label Mahorka, and their latest offering is phenomenal. The Luneta Freedom Jazz Collective are from Manila, Philippines, and this is a strangely elegant release. My favorite track of the album, Ang itak ng kamalayan – Isang Ritual, Continue Reading
Barre Phillips – Ahoy!
The world of improvisational music lost one of its biggest icons a couple of days ago. Barre Phillips, a bassist known for his being adaptable to any style, passed away on December 28. He worked with legends like Jimmy Giuffre, Paul Bley, Archie Shepp, Peter Brötzmann (whom we also lost Continue Reading
Joseph Benzola – Stained Glass Meditation
I’m more than pleased to announce a new recording by my online friend, Joe Benzola. It’s quite sparse and minimalist, perhaps even Cageian, mixing piano and percussion, and it requires you to pay attention. What can I say other than, “Well done!”?
Heinz Becker Group – Pan-Vielleicht Tau
The legendary Free Music Production (FMP) Record Label is reissuing some classic free jazz these days. This particular release features trumpet player Heinz Becker on a record from 1983.
Moor Mother – The Great Bailout (Deluxe)
Not the happiest record I have ever heard, but Philadelphia’s Moor Mother uses a sumptuous soundscape to air her grievances of past horrors. This is a deep listen, and I’m sure I’ll come back to this a few more times before all is said and done.