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Not just outside the box, but denying the existence of boxes.
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Reviews

John Surman / Jack DeJohnette / London Brass — Free and Equal
(ECM 1802, 2003, CD)

by Mike Ezzo, Published 2003-08-01

Free and Equal Cover art

No strangers to collaboration, both of these ECM giants have worked together in the past on some outstanding releases. Free and Equal is the second of their cooperative works that I know of — there may be a third hanging around somewhere. Surman avoids the midrange honking sax favored by so many jazz artists, opting instead for soprano and baritone sax (the two extremes), plus bass clarinet. This one takes a while to get going, stumbling as it does in the first half, with some slightly out-of-character attempts at minimalism and chamber music. DeJohnette mans the piano here, and while it wasn’t what I hoped for, the playing is mellifluous and flawlessly executed. Where the disc really shines brightest however is when Jack and John are the focal point on drums and winds, while brass instruments unobtrusively support the foundation, creating a very satisfying Third Stream blend of classical and jazz. A lilting swing feel is melded seamlessly to a classical melodic sense, and later gradually loosens the playing ground, whereupon DeJohnette displays amply why he is considered one of the greatest living drummers — his independence of the four limbs is like poetry in sound. These two veterans share a unique ability to play in a free fashion without sacrificing the melodic and rhythmic flow, shunning the bluster and mayhem that often renders improvised jazz repellent. And such is the reason, I believe, for ECM’s success over the years. If you are curious about modern music, but can’t stomach all the noise, Free and Equal can be recommended.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 27, 2003 releases

Related artist(s): Jack DeJohnette, John Surman

 

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