Like Eubanks' latest offering, it's one of the more creatively different jazz records I've heard recently. Did someone decide 2007 was going to be the Year of the Trombone? It sure seems like it.
Bruce Eisenbeil Sextet Inner Constellation, Volume 1
Evidently, the word "constellation" in your CD title means you're gonna stretch people's ears. But while Roseman does it with trippy reggae-jazz, Eisenbeil gets it done with good old fashioned free (read: whack) jazz. Eisenbell is clearly influenced by that godfather of free form guitar, Derek Bailey, but avoids the clone label by actually scoring his music ahead of time and having the players "create" the music itself as it unfolds in the recording of it. A former member of Cecil Taylor's band, he adapted Taylor's late '70s sextet concept using his guitar as the leading instrument instead of piano.
The violin, trumpet, bass, alto sax and drums all take turns to improvise after a new theme in the extended composition is announced The main composition itself is arbitrarily divided up into 27 tracks, presumably at points where the listening can quickly get to critical points of the song. Three, softer "wind-down" tunes finish out the set. This band is probably doing a lot more than what I'm able to pick up with my own ears, but it is fresh, spontaneous and purposeful. Well, at least as purposeful as free jazz gets.
"Quickies" are mini-record reviews of new or upcoming releases. Some albums are just that much more fun to listen to than to write about.
Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
love that Eisenbeil...what a strange guitar sound.