Steve Reynolds

Last night at Roulette John Zorn’s Cobra the 4th time I’ve seen it over the past 2-3 years. As good as ever. Best performers Ches Smith (as always) although he was stage right while I was front row 2 seats from Zorn’s prompting position center stage. Simon Hanes, John Medeski, Kenny Wolleson, Billy Martin, Wendy Eisenberg were very effective. Cool to have Medeski’s Hammond B3 (with the big Leslie rotating amp) right next to Martin. The bassists were both great as well, Jorge Roeder & Henry Fraser as well as the cellist, Jay Campbell. SO much fun. The musicians & crowd love it.

53 minute continuous piece / recency bias but one of the greatest sets I’ve ever witnessed. The intensity & power of this trio is boundless. Ches’ electronics were deeper & heavier than last week & David played the disruptor as well as being even grittier than last week. Wowza.

Same band, same time, same place. 15 minutes until take off:)

Last night in brooklyn Brandon Seabrook solo tenor banjo Chuck Bettis on electronics duo with Nava Dunkelman on percussion then a short trio

Last night at Lowlands Son of Goldfinger Tim Berne, David Torn & Ches Smith 50 minute piece with 11 minute short piece to close all improvised as is the group’s way incredible as always. First show of the group in over a year. Playing again next Tuesday. Ches Smith is a force of nature. Best playing I’ve heard from David Torn. Peaking at 72, apparently:)

Recency bias but Webb Crawford last night played as great on guitar as anyone I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen Webb many times over the past 2 years but last night Webb was driving that trio madly. 23, 12 & 13 minute improvisations. Wowza tonight Webb & Chuck duo trio with Michael Foster, Leila Boudreuil & Corsano Leila is an incredible cellist. This trio should be great. Early 6:00 gig in Brooklyn.

I’d give my right pinky finger to see Brandon, Steve & Gerald Cleaver again. Saw them in December 2019. Maybe one day Cleaver will come back to NYC. Brandon & Steve are off to Europe today for 2 gigs. One in Antwerp tomorrow and the second in Amsterdam on Saturday.

Last night in Brooklyn Steve Baczkowski, Brandon Lopez & Chuck Roth Baczkowski is among the greatest saxophonists on the planet. the opening unaccompanied solo to start the short second set was one of the greatest things I’ve ever heard. Brandon was beyond even his very high standards. Most intense playing I’ve heard from him a while. And besides John Edwards, no bassist brings it like Brandon Lopez. Too bad I don’t see Edwards live. I’m very grateful I see Lopez play at least 10-15 times a year. Probably more than that. He’s playing shit that no one else even knows exists. Chuck Roth was a bit differential but it’s understandable. First time playing with Steve. Chuck was typically brilliant again playing stuff I’ve never heard him play before. Like Brandon but to a lesser extent, I’m gifted to be able to see the *great* Chuck Roth play often probably at least once a month for the last 2 plus years. No one has ever played the guitar like Chuck Roth. tonight at The Stone Trevor Dunn, Webb Crawford & Chris Corsano

Last night at Close Up Nate Wooley, Sylvie Courvoisier & Chis Corsano 46 & 42 minute sets. Stunning.

Ordered

Seeing Ghost with Joe McPhee again on 10/1 in Philly Ghost is Michael Foster, John Moran & Joey Sullivan last year they were spectacular at Tubby’s in Kingston, NY. McPhee played the foil to Michael. Deep respect for the great young saxophonist/musical inventor. Foster is the best of his generation as far as NYC saxophonists go. I’ve seen the trio with Michael, Webb & Joey at least 5 times over the last 18 months. Seeing Webb with Trevor Dunn & Chris Corsano on 8/27 at The Stone. Webb is one of the best improvisers on guitar I’ve heard. Along with Chuck Roth & Luciana Bass, the best young improvisors I’ve heard on the guitar. Fwiw the trio recordings with Sandy Ewen, Damon Smith & Weasel Walter are all spectacular. Sandy Ewen is a genius. Plus she’s great to watch music with. Big ears.

Add Dog Star / a few years old but stunning. Goncalo Almeida & others. Opening 26 minute piece is genius. Vasco Trilla & Yedo Gibson are the real deal. Against Proper Objects / Michael Foster, Webb Crawford & Joey Sullivan Lifeline: Pat Thomas, Dominic Lash & Tony Orrell Tectonic Plates: John Butcher, Alan Niblock & Mark Sanders Hammer, Roll & Leaf: Sakina Abdou, Marta Warelis & Toma Gouband Do NOT miss the Sven Ake discs. These are all-timers. RIP.

Rachel Musson is a great tenor saxophonist. Her recordings on matchless with Eddie Prevost are great. Under the Sun is incredible with the *great* N.O. Moore on guitar.

Last week Tony Malaby, Jakob Sacks, John Hebert & Tom Rainey. An hour of continuous music with composed themes & stunning improvisations Tamarindo which is Malaby, Brandon Lopez & Nasheet Waits. Hour freely improvised followed by a 15 minute coda/encore. Very demanding yet rewarding midnight set. seeing these two wildly different extraordinary drummers back to back was a treat. Seeing & hearing the *great* Tony Malaby never gets old. Must be close to a hundred times now over the past 15-17 years. Grand master on tenor & soprano saxophones. Nobody sounds anything like him. Jack Wright on alto & soprano saxophones with Evan Lipson on double bass & Mike Pride on drums. The next night they added Brandon Seabrook on banjo. That 35 minute set top 3-4 sets of the year. Jack Wright at 82 destroying atoms. One of the greatest improvisers on the planet Jonathan Moritz on tenor saxophone with Shayna Dulberger on double bass & Mike Reid on drums. Great set of 3 tunes. Moritz is great. Duo with Daniel Carter & Ayumi Ashito. Wondrous soft improvisations with Carter as always switching from the large array of horns. Flute to trumpet to clarinet to soprano, tenor & alto saxophones.

So sorry I missed it! Fell asleep & ended up at late sets in NYC