| Hobbs wears the producer’s hat here. Knowing that Halvorson and Bynum would be in Boston, he booked astudio and composed or repurposed five of his tunes for the trio. The rest of the session was collectivelyimprovised. Three contemporary masters of their respective instruments get to show off their stuff. Hobbs and Bynum playoff each other perfectly, a comfort born of work together for 10 years in Hobb’s Fully CelebratedOrchestra—where their playing has been likened to Ornette and Cherry—and in Bynum’s sextet.On Hobb’s memorable tunes, there’s some tight ensemble playing for the trio, and some surprising Americanaelements—particularly on Over Yonder. On As The Crow Flies, each player gets the spotlight for anunaccompanied solo that they make the most of. The group improv takes the prerequisite unexpected turns, with extended technique for guitar, alto sax andtrumpet put to frequent use. Not only a power trio but also revealing a wide range of nuances and influences,this music is indeed about the sound of surprise. |
TRACKS
1. The First Time (Aych) 2. As the Crow Flies (Hobbs) 3. High Noon (Aych) 4. Kekionga (Hobbs) 5. Southern School of Complete Reality (Aych) 6. The North Wind (Aych) 7. Over Yonder (Hobbs) 8. Forest of the Dead King (Aych) 9. Cydonia's Face (Hobbs) 10. The Salamander and the Ramora (Aych) 11. Bimini Road (Aych) 12. Il est écrit que la vie se réfugie en un seul espace (Hobbs) |