BEBOP STARBURST

If black holes need orchestras during the event of their collapse, Dunmall's octet would be just the ticket. Dense, thick & rich are the adjectives that come to mind in the immediate... tension & release are used to full effect in a sort of "space bebop brouhaha". Keith Tippet's piano integrates nicely throughout the adventure, reminding me of some of the better live performances I've seen Myra Melford do. The talents of these eight are evident from the opening bar to the last beat, as is their love (and skill) of improvisation. One of the highlights (for this reviewer, anyway) is that this music is "accessible", even at the highest energy levels. That probably has much to do with the bebop orientation, but that makes it an even greater attraction, because it's clear that even "reg'lar volkz" would be able to appreciate this experience - something that can't always be said for improvised music. This is the 2nd CD by Paul's octet, of many more to come, we hope. Dunmall's excellent sax work on the third track is (quite simply) AMAZING. It was surely the highlight of the album for me. Not at all hard to imagine warp speed in some of his sections! This is among the best large ensemble work I've heard in the last FIVE YEARS, & that's really SAYING something... because I've listened to (& played) a LOT of music in that span. Gets my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating for listeners of all ages & persuasions! DON'T let this one slide by! Rotcod Zzaj