Д.Д.

And yeah, for the annals of the Funny Rat: historical meeting of king ubu and Д.Д. (Д.Д. on the right, ubu even more on the right).

Gratkowski was a slight disappointment, particularly against the backdrop of his excellent releases on Leo (Spectral Reflections and Facio). There was quite a lot of blowing (as opposed to compositions which Frank is so good at) - with Gratkowski playing very effective alto (with rather harsh sound, reminicent of Keshavan Maslak) - virtuosic, but not too original. Wierbos, who is an excellent trombonist, did not have enough space to stretch, Hemingway's playing was hit-and-miss (an annoyingly boring solo somewhere in the middle - some brilliant playing five minutes later), bassist was good but not particularly memorable. There was some interesting playing in the middle on what ubu and I decided was a contrabass clarinet (some ugly stuff.. and ugly sounds). I think that Gratkowski is most strong in composition - and he played one of his good compositions (#3 from Spectral reflections, with this (loud and short) note-silence-note-silence-note-silence pattern... sounded powerful live). Overall, it was still not bad - andI am looking forward to hearing more of Gratkowski's work. ubu, did he play any bass clarinet, btw? - I remember he played it (well) a bit during the soundcheck, but I am not sure about the concert...

Oh yes, we did. Believe it or not, but it was also the best concert I've ever attended. Barry Guy band's performance started with some incredible bass clarinet playing by Hans Koch. I mean, first it started with his heavy breathing through the instrument, and I thought - "o-ho, some more minimalist type of sound creation", and prepared to look intellectual, and then the man started blowing... no, he started BLOWING!!!! So I couldn't look intellectual anymore - I was grinning like a mildly dangerous maniac for the rest of the solo...and for the rest of the concert - because what followed (often at the same time) was pretty unbelievable - some very impressive writing with excellent tension-relief patterns; elephant mating calls by Bauer (simple but very optimistic); lyrical tenor solo by Parker (with beautiful accompaniment fom Fernandez and Guy); mindblowing baritone wailing by Gustaffson; Ferdandez out-Ceciling Cecil (Fernandez was a revelation for me - Cecil's school but mpore lyrical and supportive of other players; speed and clarity of his playing were simply unbelievable); Gustaffson on flutaphone - well, this has to be heard (and seen, as Gustaffson is very animated when he plays) - this is so fast and so clear (an so strong - surprisingly powerful sound!), it seems absolutely beyond human physical capacity (well, and Gustaffson looked like he was about to have a heart attack); and the most terrific drummer tandem I've heard - Lytton and Strid (latter one was particularly amazing, I would say) - fast, furious and very very clever - never in the way of other musicians, but pushig them to show their best. Musicians seemed very pleased with themselves after the concert, and that's a good sign (particulalrly for musicians of this caliber). When it was over, ubu and I, as two highly knowledgeable conosseurs of imporvised music, immidiately started analysing it: "Fuck!" said I, "Oh yeah!" said ubu. Hope this music gets released.

I think we should hook Mr. Purves up with Ms. Dunaway. Tony, you can manage them in the Western hemisphere, and ubu and I will take care of the Eastern one.

I am impressed by your proactive approach - I assume you bought yourself an alto balloon already?

Totally agree. Fred Hopkins is amazing on this record. And Brackeen has a truly unique voice.

Hopefully, these were just a couple of bad days. Braxton was in good spirit and fine condition about a month ago when I saw him in Geneva. Was telling me that he's got quite a few projects in the pipeline, including a DVD release.

Tony, since Berkshire shipping rates to Europe are outragious, I will have to load you a bit with American composers, if you don't mind. I have only one CRI release: a lady playing rubber baloons. Forgot her name. Not for fainthearted, but prety interesting, believe it or not. OK, I found it: Judy Dunaway "Balloon Music"

I think I will try some nperign CDs. The little Bhob Rainey that I've heard left very positive impression, but Greg Kelley I don't know (although I should have his Trumpet somehwere...unsealed).

Any recommendations for Twisted Village label releases, btw?

I've been listening to recently-released double-CD Persian Surgery Dervishes (Felmay), and I've been vewry impressed. These are solo organ improvisations performed by Riley in early 70s. Dark mesmerizing stuff. Very good for long rides in the night or bad weather (I'll be probably listening to it on my way to Zurich tomorrow). And I never knew that Riley was such a mighty player! More information here: http://www.felmay.it/6715en.html

I'm especially interested in the Gratkowski, it certainly "looks" good, hopefully it will sound OK too. This one is not bad, not bad at all. Porbably even better than Spectral Reflections... New solo Paul Bley did not inspire me too much.

Geoff, do you have foreign improv musicians coming often to Australia? I remember you posted your pictures of Parker, Dunmall and Kenny Wheeler, so looks somebody does manage to come - but how often it happens? And how rich is your local imporv scene?

Nice releases from Polish Not Two lable: http://www.nottwo.com/Plyty.php?Typ=NT&W=0&Od= Glad to see that Sirone is active. Also, how about Ornette's compositions performed by bass solo: http://www.nottwo.com/PelnaPlyta.php?Id=1&W=&Od=&Off=

New Charnett Moffett release: http://www.piadrum.com/For_the_Love_of_Peace.htm Could be interesting. Charnett is a phenomenal bassist, and his brother COdy is a very tasteful drummer.

Anybody heard this one?

The problem is in situ stuff is impossible to find. P.L.M., have you heard Zingaro/Lazro duo on Potlatch? - this one is mesmerizing -I haven't heard anything like this...

Got Cecil's Nefertiti today (together with some Joe Henderson stuff) - bravo CDConnection! Ubu, the import thing we discussed worked perfectly fine.

Hmm... I will probably go for it (I am really curious to hear Henry Grimes), but Sabir Mateen's presence does not inspire me. Got news from Leo Feigin - Some Combination of Fingers and Passion will be reissued soon.

Matthew, I first somehow thought you were referring to the new Mitchell's 3-CD solo set. From DMG regarding new Boxholder stuff: COSMOSAMATICS - Three (Boxholder 041) Featuring Sonny Simmons on alto sax & English horn, Michael Marcus on baritone sax & saxello and Jay Rosen on drums & percussion. This is actually the fourth Cosmosamatics disc counting their live date on Bleuregard from last year. 'Three' is half studio and half live and yes, there is no bassist. This allows their wonderful drummer to concentrate on a few different functions and he really does a great job. When I caught the quartet version at a recent Visions Club date, it was Jay that impressed me the most with his riveting drumming. Both Sonny and Michael split up the writing with a fine cover of Monk's "'Round Midnight'. A number of these tunes feature the English horn (an oboe-like double reed) and saxello (rare sax in between the soprano & alto in range) playing those hypnotic middle-eastern harmonies. Jay swings his tush off on "Tonal Magnitudes", which provides Sonny's alto and Michael's saxello ample time to play some spirited solos. Jay plays a different groove on each piece, creating the entire rhythm team support beneath both reeds giants. This is not a heavy duty blow-fest, but rather a calmer, more relaxed vibe, with strong playing, but little or no screaming. Both Sonny and Michael have strong and passionate tones on both reeds and both play with imagination and slow burning energy for this entire modern jazz treasure. Dedicated to NASA's Mars Mission satellite to bring hope for a better future. Amen. CD for $14 RAPHE MALIK / JOE McPHEE / DONALD ROBINSON - Sympathy (Boxholder 045) Featuring Raphe on b-flat & c trumpets, Joe on soprano sax & pocket trumpet and Donald on drums, a studio date from October of 2002. 'Sympathy' is another strong trio date like the above mentioned Cosmosamatics disc with no bassist involved, yet just as magical as one could hope for. You probably know of Raphe Malik from his fire-breathing trumpet with Cecil Taylor and half dozen great discs on Eremite, FMP & Boxholder. No doubt you know of that multi-horn hero from upstate NY, Joe McPhee, who's been a local legend for about 35 years. You might remember bay area drummer Donald Robinson from his work with Larry Ochs and Glenn Spearman. This cd is dedicated to Raphe's mother Theresa who had recently passed away and there is a beautiful and sad aura surrounding this enchanting offering. The trio play with such exquisite elegance on the opener, "Testament", that it just takes my breath away. This is certainly the most lyrical and touching trumpet playing I've ever heard from Raphe. There are a few duo sections where the drums and trumpet or the drums and soprano take off for the stratosphere and never look back. There are also pieces where both trumpeters swirl around one another in a well-connected display of cosmic spirits. Another enchanting treasure from Boxholder. CD for $14

Let us know what you think of this one - ubu and I have been enjoying it a lot.

Geoff - I would love to hear this disc! I sent you an email. Let me know if it didn't get through. Get two, get two!!!!!

Hans, you are obviously unwell, so I designed a redical treatment course for you. To be administered until you go into feedback. In the morning: Throughout the day: And in the evening: During insomnia: On weekends and national holidays:

Jerry Hahn! Come on Hans, I am trying really hard.

How about Derek Bailey? Awful... Shit. Elliott Sharp?