Sometime in the 1980s, Anthony Braxton left a striking voicemail for his record producer at an unearthly hour: “Leo Feigin, mark my words, our formative years will surely resonate with my rhythm! Until we meet again.” At that moment, the exceptionally gifted and intellectually daring multi-reed instrumentalist and composer appeared to have reached his breaking point with traditionalists who dismissed his work as excessively cerebral and devoid of swing.
Now at eighty years old, Braxton’s groundbreaking ideas continue to inspire jazz groups, symphony orchestras, opera companies, experimental dance troupes while also motivating a new wave of musicians such as John Zorn and Mary Halvorson. The Leo Records label established by Feigin along with Switzerland’s Intakt has played a crucial role in preserving the rich legacy of his influence over time. Recently released by Burning Ambulance Music, which has made much of Feigin’s esteemed Leo Records catalog available on Bandcamp is “quartet (England) 1985,” capturing one of Braxton’s most intuitively skilled ensembles during their UK tour that year.
This album was meticulously restored using cutting-edge technology from original lo-fi cassette recordings made by Graham Lock—an ex-Wire magazine writer—and an ardent chronicler of Braxton’s artistry. It exemplifies Braxton’s conviction that free improvisation can arise from tightly structured compositions mirroring the flow of everyday life. As a notable example, during their Sheffield performance, Braxton’s alto saxophone—drawing influences from Charlie Parker to John Coltrane—ascends above intricate four-part patterns into an exhilarating avant-garde bebop experience. Similarly dynamic figures emerge from Leicester’s performance where stop-start bop motifs evolve into collective improvisations propelled by bassist Mark Dresser’s pizzicato techniques alongside drummer Gerry Hemingway’s powerful rhythms complemented by pianist Marilyn Crispell’s delicate yet profound playing reminiscent of Cecil Taylor.
New Releases This Month
Pianist Fred hersch, recognized for being a pivotal figure behind Brad Mehldau’s early career growth has long been celebrated as one of jazz’s hidden treasures. Drawing inspiration from icons like Thelonious monk and Bill Evans while infusing freshness into every piece he performs; Hersch presents “The Surrounding Green (ECM),” featuring original compositions alongside covers performed with bassist Drew Gress and drummer Joey Baron—including an energetic rendition of ornette Coleman’s “Law Years,” plus works inspired by Egberto Gismonti among others.
The album titled “Shifa”,released under Discus Music features UK tenor saxophonist Rachel Musson ,collaborating with eclectic pianist Pat Thomas along with free-jazz drummer Mark Sanders showcasing Musson’s vibrant ensemble energy coupled with her lyrical prowess through spontaneous improvisation sessions.
Additionally French-Martinican pianistTony Tixier ‘s latest release “Poems Never End (Whirlwind)” offers a captivating global-jazz interpretation on classic standards including works inspired by monk while featuring Tixier’s engaging trio enhanced further through contributions from saxophonists seamus Blake & Logan Richardson along with guest percussionist Mino Cinélu—a former collaborator known for working closely alongside Miles Davis.