Fractured Standards & Fairy Tales

³Whitecage¹s use of electronics is featured in a trio format. The release opens as the leader¹s resonant clarinet emerges out of the hovering sounds of electronics. Duval and Rosen kick up a potent, driving pulse that whips up the collective energy as the three weave their way through expansive improvisations. Rosen¹s cascading free rhythms propel things along, anchoring the trio and allowing Duval to take a much more dynamic role in the ensemble. The bass player delivers bounding lines that are always attuned to Whitecage¹s arcing reeds. At times, he also extends his bass with the use of electronics to create lush harmonic walls of orchestral depth. Whitecage uses electronics as an occasional extension of his horns rather than as the basis for improvisations. This places the focus instead on his warm, free, sinuous alto and clarinet playing, which bristles with energy throughout. The pieces build with fervent interactions at the trio spontaneously constructs extended interchanges from soaring lines.² ­ Michael Rosenstein, Cadence Magazine

Important Note: This is a CDR produced by the artist. Mark would like you to know there is no evidence that CDRs have any longevity issues and that studies show CDRs should last at least 75 years.

"The Mark Whitecage Trio packs a mighty punch on Fractured Standards & Fairy Tales - Live on Tour in TOURS Vol. 1. A limited edition release on the independent Acoustics label, the musicians weave noticeable elements of whimsy with subtle EFX induced treatments along with piping hot interplay and cunning improvisational speak. On the twenty-minute opener and title track, the band investigates complex rhythms amid metamorphic style grooves and sweeping undercurrents as Whitecage renders blistering lines whether performing on clarinet or alto sax.

The band engages in a quasi-blues ballad during the opening moments of "Suite Albert" yet pick up steam thanks to Whitecage's gritty yet explosive choruses on alto sax. Here, you might surmise that the artist¹s horn was padded with sandpaper! Essentially, the band takes off into the ozone as this piece evolves into a boisterous free jazz motif, marked by bassist Dominic Duval¹s punishing lines and drummer Jay Rosen¹s polyrhythmic blitz. On "French Medley", Rosen and Duval perpetuate a maddening swing pulse while Whitecage injects brief doses of humor along with a few conspicuous quotes and a hearty nod to Albert Ayler-esque marching band/free-jazz type delirium. Throughout, the musicians pursue a polytonal canvas of variegated motifs and invigorating rhythmic sequences. However, it's not all about technique and bravado, as the Mark Whitecage Trio should be counted among the improvisational elite! Recommended." - Glenn Astarita, AllAboutJazz.com

"This was recorded live in France in October of '99 with the CIMP all-star rhythm team who I just saw/heard with the Joe McPhee Trio this past weekend - consistently splendid improvisers! The title track begins with soft somber drone - melancholy clarinet drifting into view, Mark most selectively chooses an echo device to add little layers of clarinet fragments, Dominic also works wonderful electronic devices to his contrabass. Soon, they are off on a chase - spinning quick lines, the pulse getting faster, as Mark's alto sax sputters and kicks into gear, go ahead!! Things slow down & mellow out a bit as Mark also begins processing his alto sax, just adding the right amount of shades & shadows. The trio eventually moves through a finger-snapping swinging section and then back to more minimal parts, occasionally quoting standards here & there. There are only 5 pieces on this release, each being over the 9 minute mark, giving the trio a chance to breathe and explore each work at length. "Morbet Main Beck" shows the ultra-subtle side of this trio, an almost dream-like haze of ghosts floating through mist. The "French Medley" has Dominic buzzing & burning on his bass, the trio flies into hyper-drive, the alto soaring to the stratosphere, but still quoting a few familiar (French?) tunes - there is a certain sly humor to some of the tunes referred to, balancing the scale from the more serious side. The "Encore" is a fine flowing & melodic drum solo by Jay which tells a nice tale and is a perfect way to conclude this fine gift from a strong trio." - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

Please note that this is an officially licensed recording produced using CDR technology.  Due to the state of the music industry, it is more affordable for some artists and labels to issue their music on CDRs.  This item is licensed and distributed by the artists and/or label and is only available on CDR.