| Structures and improvisations performed on saxophones, clarinets,
and trombone with some occasional Balkan and Indonesian influence. "There's more than a touch of irony in the implications one
can gleam from the title of Michael Moore's latest. Tunes for Horn
Guys is anything but some dudes getting together for a casual
session. Elegant, often startling, and, at times, downright biting,
these fully realized miniatures, informed by an eclecticism of
honest, well-considered reflection rather than superficial hijacking
and exploitation, and underscored by a lyrical sensibility often
brilliantly sidestepping fundamental concerns of melody, lush
voicings, conclusions which often ease away rather than end per se,
and impeccable heartfelt execution, serve as further evidence to the
resurgence of the third stream. (Yes, the term "neo-third stream"
comes to mind, but does the world need another "neo", especially when
most "neos" are anything but?) Moore's expression is additionally
characterized by a marked leaning towards the classical side of the
third stream equation. This orderliness is, however, absolutely
infused with a jazz sensibility which readily sets the stage for the
concise solo and dialogue episodes and occasional outbursts of free
improvisation weaving through these resplendent structures."
Milo Fine |