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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