Jazz & Improvisation / Avant-Garde Jazz

Before the Storm features four original compositions by Nakama’s leader Christian Meaas Svendsen. The album is the group’s first recording, and can be summed up as an investigation of sound related to silence through a minimalistic approach to both written and improvised material. The tracks on the recording are four attempts to define the nature of what we normally define as silence, and present at the same time a musical idiom of a band that operates on the outside of conventional borders."The…

"Cepi is a solid reality located in the south of France. It’s Barre Phillips’ vision about improvisation. It can be flexible about the team but not about the idea above it all. Hic stands for Hidden Improvisers Consort; it’s a study group under the guide of Claudio Lugo. This meeting has been organized and strongly desired by Barre Phillips and Tommaso Rolando. We made a big circle, we played with the fire."The Cepi Nomads: Barre Phillips - Contrabass / György Kurtag - Electronics / Laurent Char…

In February 2020, Sven-Åke Johansson and Thomas Kapielski released the vinyl LP Recovered under their project name Das Moabiter Duo at Fantôme Verlag. It was published on the occasion of a joint exhibition by Johansson and Kapielski at the Laura Mars Gallery, Berlin.Recovered, mixed and mastered by Frieder Butzmann, features a previously unreleased concert recording from 1983. Joint performances by Kapielski and Johansson took place in clubs like the Korrekt (Alt-Moabit, Berlin) or ‒ as part o…

Jaap Blonk (born 1953, Woerden) is a Dutch avant-garde composer and soundpoet. He is primarily self-taught, both as a sound artist and as a visual/stage performer. One of his early influences was Kurt Schwitters, whose Ursonate he first heard in 1979; he memorized the entire work, and it became one of the cornerstones of his repertory; he has recited portions of the piece hundreds of times in various public places. His performances of sound poetry are unique and world renowned, making use…

Massive industrial noise and free jazz blasts from the past,16-17 returning with new material after 25 years. Founded 1983 in Basel by saxophonist Alex Buess and former drummer Knut Remond, they have been shaping the forefront of a new sound area. Playing an abrasive distorted mix of dub, hardcore and free jazz that lead to a meeting of likeminded heavy heads that temporally took part in the band e.g. Kevin Martin (The Bug, Techno Animal) or G.C. Green (Godflesh). After marking their presence an…

The Last Dream of the Morning is the new band from three UK masters of contemporary improvised music – they released a trio CD under this title on Relativ Pitch (NYC) in 2017, now choosing it for their bandname for continuing activities. Recorded by Shaun Crook at Cafe Oto, London on 8 August 2018. Mixed and Mastered by John Butcher.Line-up:John Butcher: tenor & soprano saxophonesJohn Edwards: double bassMark Sanders: percussion

**300 copies** A solid and distinguished work by two talented musicians coming from the lively Lithuanian jazz scene: Jan Maksimowicz – soprano saxophone, Dmitrij Golovanov - piano.All compositions by Jan Maksimowicz and Dmitrij Golovanov, except Dienda by Kenny Kirkland. Recorded on 13th, 16th and 26th September, 2018 at InTegra House, Trakai, Lithuania. Engineered and mixed by Artūras Bieliauskas. Mastered by Arūnas Zujus at MAMAstudios. Design by Folk Science.

Bitter Balls – the second full length studio album from mostly Middle Eastern supergroup Karkhana, features members of Dwarfs of East Agouza, „A“Trio, Konstrukt, Chicago Tentet, Land of Kush among others – shows the ongoing incredible progression and artistic flow the group is currently working under. Four new fine tuned compositions of crystal clear and deep, dark, distorted unrock – electric and acoustic. The cross between old school and contemporary oriental free-jazz sounds and western impro…

**500 copies** A collection of duo recordings featuring Ken Vandermark in collaboration with internationally renowned, and critically acclaimed, musicians: Kris Davis, Hamid Drake, Paul Lytton, Ikue Mori, and William Parker. The material is documented on 5 CDs and was recorded during performances at Vandermark’s second Stone residency in New York City during January of 2018, and at Experimental Sound Studio in Chicago.The improvised music included is remarkably expansive, in terms of instrumenta…

Five Spontaneous Ones was recorded by Albert Cirera (tenor and soprano saxophones), Rafal Mazur (acoustic bass guitar) and Nicolas Field (drums). The three improvisers are featured stars of the avant-garde jazz scene. Albert Cirera has an organic and expressive playing technique, impressive virtuosity, wide musical knownledge and unique sound. Rafal Mazur fuses together the tendencies of contemporary academical and experimental music, basics of avant-garde jazz and the newest tendencies of exper…

Prepare yourself for the first ever vinyl pressing of legendary free jazz guitarist Sonny Sharrock's seminal final album Ask the Ages, in a strictly limited edition 45rpm double 12” edition. Sonny's classic final album swings between deep, lyrical melodicism and passages of pure fire music and features jazz legends Pharoah Sanders on tenor saxophone and Elvin Jones, member of the John Coltrane Quartet, on drums. The album was produced by Bill Laswell and originally released in 1991 on his Axiom …

**175 copies** Dark and demanding improvisation, each side of this album is an extended foray into dark and dangerous explorations from the Los Angeles trio of Peter Kolovos on guitar, Patrick Shiroishi on saxophone, and Noel Meek on electronics and tapes. Shiroishi's sweeping tones matching the electronics and effected guitar in a glorious nightmare of darkly imaginative sound.

**300 copies** "The modus operandi of more than a few of the recent New Wave of Jazz releases is sparse free improvisation using extended techniques. These albums, often disjointed with abrupt transitions and long minimalistic passages, exhibit a surprisingly consistent approach despite their aleatoric nature – a commitment to the unpredictable. Enter acoustic guitarist Daniel Thompson and saxophonist Colin Webster, both experienced improvisers who team up on the three tracks of Boskage. This pa…

**2019 stock** Fresh from releasing the solo triple-CD Piano Works, composer and pianist Lisa Ullén masterminds the rumbling new EP of Motståndsorkestern (The Resistance Orchestra), Sekvenser Och Lager. In four original compositions seething with restrained energy and melodic rage, the orchestra takes what is sometimes called contemporary music apart into an ensemble playing in which the collective will is resurrected through its total respect for individual contributions.

**500 copies** Audiographic Records proudly announces the release of Soigne Ta Droite, Ken Vandermark’s first large ensemble recording in more than four years. The band is called Entr’acte and is a veritable “who’s who” of the most interesting and important musicians currently working in the field of experimental music: Dieb13, Elisabeth Harnik, Steve Heather, Terrie Hessels, Didi Kern, Mette Rasmussen, Jasper Stadhouders, Joe Williamson, and Nate Wooley.The material was recorded in March of 201…

The Timeless Nowhere features 42 tracks never previously available on vinyl (most previously unavailable on any format at all) and now distributed across 4 individual albums, each with stunning artwork by Kim Hiorthøy and assembled in a sturdy Box.In a world where being loud seems to be the only ticket for attention, Arve Henriksen has somewhat quietly and without much ado established himself as an important, major player on the European jazz scene. In his 20 years with Rune Grammofon counting 1…

Upperground Orchestra is the hybrid Jazz band of Rabih Beaini and his fellow musicians Tommaso Cappellato (drums), Piero Bittolo Bon (woodwinds / electronics) and Alvise Seggi (Bass / Oud). The band returns with a new LP, years after The Eupen Tapes.Euganea is a 5 tracks LP recorded during the Musica Veneta residency, promoted by FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) in the great context of Villa dei Vescovi. Working around Veneto music, the band developed pieces that merge deep roots of original fusion…

Jeb Bishop - trombone, Russ Johnson - trumpet, Jason Roebke - bass, Frank Rosaly - drums. Re-Collect has a bright and innovative sound, all compositions are played in especially expressive and dynamic mood. Suggestion, driving playing manner, passionate and unique style, creativity, luminous and dramatic culminations which calm down to silent and relaxing pieces – these are the main elements of this quartet’s music. Four great jazz improvisers are playing together and each musician has his own a…

Solar Wind was recorded by Robert Dick (glissando flute, bass flute, contrabass flute, piccolo, voice), Joëlle Léandre (contrabass, voice) and Miya Masaoka (koto, percussion). Three independent jazz masters base their music on different characters, styles and expressions. All three of them have original and expressive style, rich musical language, wide musical knownledge and ​unique sound. Musicians are the central figures of international free improvisational music and avant-garde jazz scene. T…

Empty Editions presents Palina’tufa, the newest work from saxophonist Seymour Wright and percussionist Paul Abbott’s long-running duo XT. Wright and Abbot’s respective practices have been marked by a simultaneous engagement (with) and desire to challenge the limitations (of) the British tradition of improvised music - represented by groups such as AMM and John Stevens’ Spontaneous Music Ensemble. This album charts a new trajectory for Wright and Abbott, as they draw on recent live collaborations…

**800 copies** Key System Recordings present a reissue of Yusef Lateef's "Hikima: Creativity", originally released in 1983. In the early 1980s, famed jazz saxophonist and musical luminary Yusef Lateef traveled to Nigeria as a Senior Research Fellow to study, write, and teach at Ahmadu Bello University. He cut this record while there; pressed locally in Nigeria, it remained virtually unknown by jazz fans and collectors for over 30 years. On Hikima, Lateef leads a nonet of African musicians in sev…

Phil Ranelin's "Collected Works 2003-2019" features songs with Pharoah Sanders, Kamasi Washington, Donald 'Duck' Bailey, Henry Franklin, Big Black, Calvin Keys, Roger Glenn and many, many more. Phil founded cult label Tribe Records in 1973 then went on to perform with artists such as Max Roach, Gary Bartz, Freddie Hubbard, the Temptations and even the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Here in this collection of 16 years of Phil's work, his 'Tribe' spiritual root continues to grow into greatness and he is a…

Between 1961 and 1965 Eje Thelin formed his first own group with which he toured across Europe. In 1964 he performed in Copenhagen with George Russell; from the late 60s to the mid-70s he played with Joachim Kühn and John Surman and turned to Free Jazz. This quintet is famous for the cooperation with Belgian Joel Vandrooogenbroeck, who had played with big names such as Barney Wilen and Zoot Sims. In 1968 Vandroogenbroeck formed the experimental rockband Brainticket. This 1963 session featur…

An amazing set from Swedish trombonist Eje Thelin – a live date, but a totally excellent session that stands as one of the best demonstration of his talents in the 60s! On the European scene at the time, Thelin was easily one of the most inventive players on the trombone – one of the few who could hit the soulful swing of American musicians like Curtis Fuller or JJ Johnson, but also an artist who was starting to stretch out into new realms too – just a touch of Grachan Moncur and Roswell Rudd, w…

On November 17th 1961, John Coltrane played at the Granada Theatre in Walthamstow. On November 23rd, 55 years later, free jazz legend Evan Parker made this six track recording in the same space with John Russell and John Edwards. This recording has personal resonances for Evan: he attended Coltrane's performance 55 years ago at the Granada. Evan Parker: "John Russell, John Edwards and I are going to record in that same cinema. It has had the usual chequered life of classic old cinemas of the…

t’s a rare feeling when music can give you the sensation like a bullet through the head, and you call it a pleasure. No Balls ‘More is More’ gives a new meaning to what we used to call ‘heavy shit’, filling the missing spot between rock and harsh noise. Anders Bryngelsson (Brainbombs, Orchestra of Constant Distress), Kjetil Brandsdal (Noxagt, Ultralyd), David Gurrik (Anal Babes, Astroburger), Jan Christian Lauritzen (Noxagt) blessed our ears with a masterpiece of brutal honesty and perverted bea…

Michel Doneda, soprano saxophone and radio. Joris Rühl, clarinet. 'Le Linge was my grandparents' old farm in the East of France. It is there, in the barn full of old hay, abandoned wasp nests, murmurs and memories, in its sweltering, dusty heat, that we played for three days and recorded several sequences. We had no precise direction in mind for the record. We focused on the present moment, and then on the next. The barn's structure elegantly cracked with the wind, and the church bells brought t…

Kalaparusha Maurice McIntyre quartet with Longineu Parsons (trumpet, flugelhorn, flute, recorders), Leonard Jones (bass) and King L. Mock (drums), recorded at Barigozzi Studio, Milan, on June 18, 1979.

Michael Marcus Trio: Marcus (tenor sax, saxello, clarinet) with Tarus Mateen (acoustic and electric bass) and Nasheet Waits (drums), recorded June 14, 2004 at MuRec, Milan, one track live at the Blue Note, New York, January 2005.

Giorgio Gaslini and the Proxima Centauri Orchestra live: the Urban Griot suite, Guantanamera and Because The Night (Sassuolo, June 18, 2002) and Odissey (Lecco, September 21, 2001). Released by Soul Note in 2003.

Duo album by pianist Umberto Petrin and Jean-Luc Cappozzo (trumpet, flugelhorn), released by Soul Note in 2007: their own pieces alongside Stella By Starlight and 'Round About Midnight.

Quintet album by saxophonist John Tchicai and guitarist Garrison Fewell with Tino Tracanna (soprano and tenor sax), Paolino Dalla Porta (bass) and Massimo Manzi (drums), released by Soul Note in 2005: composed pieces alternating with improvised duos and trios.

Second Soul Note album of Gebhard Ullmann's Basement Research quartet, with Ellery Eskelin (tenor sax), Drew Gress (bass) and Phil Haynes (drums), recorded at Tedesco Studios, New Jersey, on 2 and 3 May 1997. Eight Ullmann compositions.

Giorgio Gaslini directs the Grande Orchestra Nazionale Di Jazz live in Piazza Santo Stefano, Milan, on 22 August 1992 (plus one track from Alpheus, Rome, 4 December 1992), in pieces by Gaslini, Tommaso, D'Andrea, Rosa, Pieranunzi and Rava.

Roberto Ottaviano (soprano and alto sax) in trio with Giorgio Vendola (bass) and Roberto Dani (drums), recorded live at the Tel Aviv Museum of Modern Art on 22 and 23 November 2001. Pieces by Steve Lacy, Thelonious Monk and Carla Bley.

Live duo of pianist Borah Bergman and saxophonist Oliver Lake (alto and soprano), recorded at the Knitting Factory on 8 July 1997. Five long improvised pieces, produced by Bergman, liner notes by Bill Shoemaker.

Debut album of bassist Drew Gress's quartet Jagged Sky, with David Binney (alto sax), Ben Monder (guitar) and Kenny Wollesen (drums), recorded at Sound On Sound, New York, on 4 and 5 August 1997. Nine Gress originals and two Bartok Mikrokosmos pieces.

Gianluigi Trovesi Octet album recorded at Studio 7, Milan, on 29 to 31 May 1996: two suites built on the medieval song L'Homme Armé and a Dufay Kyrie, Ellington's Mood Indigo, a Dolphy dedication and five tango miniatures.

Joe Morris (guitar) with Mat Maneri (violin), Nate McBride (bass) and Curt Newton (drums), recorded at The Outpost, Stoughton, Massachusetts, on August 22, 1995. Seven Morris compositions.

Tom Varner (French horn) with Ed Jackson (alto sax), Ellery Eskelin (tenor sax), Drew Gress (bass), Tom Rainey (drums), plus Pete McCann (guitar) and Dominique Eade (voice), recorded at Tedesco Studios, New Jersey, March 5-6, 1996.