Made to Break Tour

[Leeway]

For once, I did not have to drive dozens or even hundreds of miles, for a concert. In fact, I only had to drive about 3.5 miles on Thursday, April 24^th, to Jammin’ Java, in Vienna, Virginia to see Ken Vandermark and Made to Break, on their “Cherchez La Femme: North American Tour.” The venue, quite nice in many respects, was also a bit odd, as it is not known for jazz performances of any stripe; this may have kept the attendance down.

You probably already know that Made to Break is Vandermark on reeds, Tim Daisy on drums, Jasper Stadhouders on electric bass, and Christof Kurzmann on electronics/Lloop. This was the first time I had seen this particular ensemble, although I had seen Vandermark in numerous other bands over the years.

I suppose the aspect I was most curious about was Kurzmann’s electronics. During the concert, the electronic aspect was more in the foreground than it is on the ensemble’s two releases. I thought it took a little while for the sound to come together, but it soon enough did. I’m still a bit of a skeptic when it comes to electronics. If it’s interesting sound, I’m interested. If it is mere sound effects, I’m not. I thought Kurzmann fell into the former category.

Kurzmann, Daisy and Stadhouders (who laid down a strong heavy beat and pulled off some pyrotechnics also) formed a strange bedfellows rhythm section, creating a Spector-ish wall of sound with, or against which, Vandermark could drive his assortment of reeds (tenor, bari, clarinet). Vandermark seemed to me to integrate best with Kurzmann’s sound when he was on clarinet and, maybe oddly, on the big bari.

The interesting thing, to me at least, is that the electronics are really arythmic in nature, and so there is that little bit of a contradiction between what the electronics does and what Vandermark does. I think that gap, if there is one, is pulled together by the high level of energy of the band: “Powerhouse Sound,” to borrow the name of another of Ken’s ensembles.

Anyway, those of us who came out were treated to a really fine show. You should see this group if you can, even if you have to drive more than 3.5 miles.

Edited April 26, 2014 by Leeway

[clifford_thornton]

Thanks for the review. I dug them the other night at Le Poisson Rouge, though Kurzmann didn't seem super-integrated into the proceedings and I think KV's white-boy funk sounds better with Kessler and Drake than Daisy (Tim's a tasty drummer but not adept at funk/breaks).

Jasper Stadhouders is wonderful (Cactus Truck rules), but he shouldn't be asked to sight read knotty, atonal lines. He should have been hired to do what he does best, which is dig into that Rickenbacker like he is possessed by the spirit of Sirone, and when things opened up he was amazing.

Those critiques aside I did enjoy the show. Haven't heard the records.

[Steve Reynolds]

Kurzmann is one of most interesting of all the electronics based improvisors that I have come across.

His work with Burkhardt Stangl on a few recordings is wonderous.

Look for the "old school" eai recording "Schnee" from 1999 or so for the evidence.

Edited April 25, 2014 by Steve Reynolds

[clifford_thornton]

I'm sure - this may just not have been the right avenue.

[Leeway]

Thanks Clifford and Steve.

I was going to mention that Vandermark, who I still tend to think of as an "acoustic machine" guy, is pretty committed to the electronic aspect, e.g, Fire Room, Powerhouse Sound, Made to Break. It didn't occur to me until recently how committed he is to this course.

[mjazzg]

Territory Band too, no? Drumm or Marhaug iirc

your review has made me think I should check Made to Break

[peterintoronto]

Saw them in Toronto last week. Was especially impressed with Nate Wooley, who opened the show. Took the streetcar home with Stuart Broomer, and we chatted about Henry Grimes (who I'd seen the week before). Improvised music is alive and well in Toronto!

[Leeway]

Territory Band too, no? Drumm or Marhaug iirc

your review has made me think I should check Made to Break

Yes, add Territory Band to the list, but not the first iteration of that ensemble. I don't think there are electronics on that one (haven't listened to it in a while), which might indicate that that KV wasn't thinking along those lines when the ensemble was started.

As for my reviews, "trust but verify" LOL . But I'm glad it got you to investigate. After some initial skepticism on my part, I find I really like the group. Better yet, the music grows on you.

Saw them in Toronto last week. Was especially impressed with Nate Wooley, who opened the show. Took the streetcar home with Stuart Broomer, and we chatted about Henry Grimes (who I'd seen the week before). Improvised music is alive and well in Toronto!

Seems like you had an all-star weekend in Toronto, glad to hear that. Nate might be our next Braxton (I wonder if Broomer thinks so). I suspect Braxton thinks so. Although Taylor Ho Bynum seems heir apparent from a strictly logistical perspective. There is a difference between talent and genius.

[uli]

http://kenvandermark.com/2014/04/30-april-2015/

[Leeway]

Thanks Uli for posting KV's blog item. I always enjoy reading Ken's accounts of touring, concerts and recording.

I feel bad that Vienna (VA) did not come through for Vandermark and colleagues, but those who did show up got a good show (I think KV indicated that). For the record, I was not one of those who headed for the bathroom during Kurzmann's solos. .