Jeff Kaiser Ockodektet
13 Themes for a Triskadekaphobic
Kaiser- conductor, trumpet
pfMentum
If you�re a fan of AACM,
Sun Ra, BAG and the tradition that came out of them,
and if you�ve despaired at the dwindling bits left of that tradition, you
should give
an ear to these folks. They�ve put out some avant big band CDs that do this
vein proud
indeed. Improv/structure tension, pan-African-American heritage, cheerful
surrealism-
it�s all here, and more besides. Devout,
venerable, hoary-headed man is a sort of Ra
(whoomping R&B organ) and Art Ensemble of Chicago (gospel/marching band
feverishness always on the verge of losing its balance) tribute that�s
enormous fun.
There�s enough here to reinvigorate the big band tradition as a whole, not
just the
outside cats. But there�s a lot on this disc that could still give Wynton
Marsalis the shivers.
( Wynton, yes. But some of his big band cohorts would say yes indeed.)
The Either/Orchestra better keep these guys in their sights because they have
serious
competition now and I think Kaiser�s group has gone on ahead.
American free music has
its African-American heart still beating. I can hear it now.
pfMentum
P.O. Box 1653
Ventura, Calif. 93002
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