International Front


Artist: Ken Vandermark

Label: Okkadisk

Price: $14.95

Year: 1994
Format: CD

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(****) The piano-less saxophone trio is a raw, unforgivingly exposed musical environment. It can produce some of the most bracing sounds in jazz, but it requires unassailable musicianship and total concentration: It is no place for mediocrity. Steelwool struts its confidence in a dry, unvarnished recorded sound that compels you to focus on musical substance. Ken Vandermark moves from saxophones to clarinet and bass clarinet so subtly that his lines often seem to grow directly to Kent Kessler’s rich depths. Saxophones fly at full throttle, exploiting every available effect; then clarinets happily recall the urbane swing of Benny Goodman or the melancholy laughter of a Jewish wedding. Improvised sections pounce suddenly on complex written ensembles and abrupt endings that leave noth-ing to chance. Vandermark’s titles are as cool as his bent melodies. Curt Newton maintains a beautiful flow, flavored by natty rolls and triplets and a snare sound that can be described only as delicious. He turns in smooth sets of 8ths and architectural, open solos; uses hands and fingers to liberate his cymbals (the old Joe Morello tremolo fits like tailored silk); and, whether blowing free or nailing time, swings throughout.
- Hal Howland

ARTISTS
Ken Vandermark — reeds Kent Kessler — bass
Curt Newton — percussion

TRACKS
1. Tough Sledding (9:07)
2. Bowling Alley Roughs (5:54)
3. Tag (13:21)
4. Otherwise (5:42)
5. Day Job (5:48)
6. Another Orbit (10:12)
7. Dime Store Novel (6:28)
8. Wrenches (5:30)
9. No Sleeves No Service (11:15)
total time: 73:53

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International Front