KFJC Reviews

Yet more from KFJC:

Ethnic Heritage Ensemble – “Continuum, the” – [Delmark]

The following statement is not true, but what I heard when I first listen to this recording: The Art Ensemble of Chicago was on a world tour, stopped in deepest Africa. Somehow they lost a trombone & sax after the concert and the locals got hold of them – creating a new tradition – honk & squirt horns with roots talking drum and percussion.

Actually, the EHE has been around Chicago for a long time blending African music with jazz. In this current form the personnel has almost totally changed, but the spirit is still strong. There is a authentic, tropical, hot feel to this recording – very much in keeping with the tradition.

Mazurek, Robert & Chicago Und. – “Playground” – [Delmark]

Here is something a bit different in 90’s jazz – driving, inventive creation, semi-improv, with a lot of guts and fury, but no saxophones! Actually the feel of this group can shift dramatically from a low pulse to a brass explosion, but there is not any “Squonky” stuff here. Much better than dinner jazz – and a lot of fun with some goofy instruments and a mix of percussion.

Mazurek has recorded 3 albums in a more “bop” style, but here he is trying out a lot of new directions and flavors from all over the world.

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