JuffBass offer a very sparse take on post rock, with just bass and drums. It’s chilled out music to let one’s mind drift for a while. Pleasant stuff.
Bass
[Music] Akira Sakata & Chikamorachi with Masahiko Satoh – Proton Pump
Avant-garde bebop seems to be the most fitting way to describe this release featuring saxophonist Akira Sakata & Chikamorachi (drummer Chris Corsano and bassist Darrin Grey) along with pianist Masahiko Satoh. No less than Jim O’Rourke gushes over the the musicianship of this improvisers, but this isn’t a racket-filled noise blast. The musicianship is astounding, free, and engaging, something a lot of improvisers can’t seem to make happen unless they’re truly something special. It seems that Sakata has been making music since the 1960s, so I have a bit of exploring to do on his previous work.
[Music] Milcho Leviev – Dave Holland – Cavatina
Bulgarian pianist Milcho Leviev came to my attention about 20 years ago via the Los Angeles record label MA Recordings, a high-end label. I was floored by the quality of his playing, and wondered why he didn’t receive more attention in the US than he has. Bassist Dave Holland needs little introduction, as he has a flood of crucial records on labels like ECM Records.
[Music] Carla Bley & Charlie Haden – The Ballad of The Fallen
Pianist Carla Bley continues to make gorgeous music. We lost Charlie Haden not too long ago. The album, bearing the same name, was named the Best Album in Down Beat Magazine’s Critic’s Poll.
[Music] Charles Mingus – Moanin’
The angry man of jazz, Charles Mingus, tearing it up near the end of his prime, in 1993.
Thanks to my friend Barry Braxton, who posts some rather amazing things on a frequent basis.
