The CD opens with what I interpret as a focused improvisation based around large, open spaces. The first time I listened to it I couldn't but saying aloud "this is cool," as the interplay between the instruments is superb, as are the impromptu grooves that develop behind Tchicai then fade away. The addition of latin percussion in this setting is a refreshing change. Tchicai's soprano playing is excellent as well.
The second song features Tchicai on tenor, and a more pointalistic approach than the previous cut. This piece is a nice introduction for aspiring free jazz saxophonists to dig into. Tchicai proves that this music can be a beautiful one and is not necessarily comprised of multiphonic blats and altissimo squeaks.
99 1/2 Days is a definate departure from the previous songs. In fact if you left the room between songs and came back after this one had started, you may have thought a different CD was in the player! This is a groove piece that ruminates on all sorts of subjects, from love to struggle. My only complaint about this particular cut is that it may go on longer than a lot of listeners are prepared to listen. This does not however change the fact that this is great song.
Prayer for Right Guidance is simply an incredible construction of music. Again, the interplay between percussion and the melodic/tonal elements is superb, as are the synchronized sorts of riffs that weave in and out of the texture. One cannot help but be inspired by this music, as the players definately are inspired as they perform it.
Yam. Interesting title, and an interesting piece. I'll simply recommend that you listen to this piece. The groove sections are great, as are the solos from Michael Grandi on Guitar and Margaret Naber on Keyboards.
Scientific Americans reminds me of the situation where everyone in the band has just been recording for 8 hours straight, everyone is a little loopy, and someone turns on the tape recorder. This is confirmation for anyone who might have doubted that these musicians had a good time laying down the music that you hear.
The next cut is one a short melodic arrangement by Tchicai that proves without any question that John Tchicai is a man with a great deal of soul and passion, not mention a great tenor sound.
Salt Lips City Blues came on and again, if you left the room and came back, you might be confused. This piece features excellent solo and group improvisations and some stellar melodic hooks that you will be singing all day. Also, look for an intense tenor improvisation which features the melodic space that Tchicai is famous for. Many players of all genres can benefit from Tchicai's approach which always allows the listener to digest what he plays. You also have to love the ending which parodies the typical blues ending.
The next cut, You Made Me Laugh (and snot came out) is composed by guitarist Mark Oi. This piece is a grooving and very hip melodic melange of cross current soloing. Tchicai and Oi have a great time dueling over the groove. It is clear that the two have a great musical interplay, not mention great ears that often allow them to spontaneously mimic what the other player is doing.
Ramana Maharshi is, well, interesting. This is one of those "I couldn't really describe it without playing it for you" pieces... You'll just have to buy the CD. I can say it does feature Tchicai on bass clarinet.
Lonesome Abalone. Another interesting title, and a great piece of music. Harmonically, this piece traverses a lot of ground... tritone figures and quartal movement appear throughout, with some fabulous soloing by Oi and Tchicai. Tchicai can create moods and impressions without innundating the listener with notes. It is clear that every note has meaning.
The titles become more and more interesting as the CD goes on. Responsible Fruit is a groove piece that starts in 7/8 then goes to a cool 10/4 groove. The melody is catchy and so are some of the licks that solist Michael Grandi pulls out of his hat.
The next piece, Poetrt DepArtMent, is another Tchicai-composed piece. More typically free-jazz oriented than many other pieces on the CD, this piece is a nice opportunity to experience a collective groove that defies definition, yet stays coherent... no small feat when one considers the challenges associated with creating thoughtful improvised and creative music.
Scholer's Fountain of Life should be required listening for all aspiring alto players. Tchicai does a rare and formidle job of bridging technique between soprano, alto and tenor, and here, his alto playing shines! Tchicai has a clear, fluid tone which could be the envy of a classical player, yet speaks in an authoritative, plain-spoken manner that is the envy of any jazz player. Tchicai is the consumate saxophonist.
I Skovens Deb, a short and ambient piece, closes out this CD, leaving the feeling that maybe it is time to listen to the whole thing again.
This CD is a feeling CD. If you open it, place it in the player, and let your mind walk through these soundscapes, unenecumbered by analysis and criticism, you will find yourself traveling through exciting and new territories. As a saxophonist, John Tchicai is superb. As a composer and leader, Tchicai shows what thoughtful and spiritual inspiration can do for a group of musicians. After listening to this CD, you too will say: "Jeg Elsker John Tchicai!"
If you would like to learn more about John Tchicai, please visit The John Tchicai Home Page. I highly recommend it!
Review (c)1996 Jason DuMars