Anthony Braxton's Composition No.345 performed at the Molde Jazz Festival in Norway by Anthony Braxton, Taylor Ho Bynum, Jessica Pavone, Jay Rozen, Chris Dahlgren, Aaron Siegel. Ghost Trance Music.
Every concert I’ve ever played with one of Anthony Braxton’s Ghost Trance small ensembles has been special. No other musical system I’ve participated in offers the kind of infinite choices of AB’s GTM: the balance between structure and freedom, composition and improvisation, ensemble and individual. These two concerts (Molde, Norway from 2005 and Piacenza, Italy from 2007) offer countless examples of the thrilling fluidity of Braxton’s music as interpreted by a true working band. During this period the Sextet was playing a good two or three tours a year, and all of us were diving into the music with relish, simultaneously comfortable with each other as musicians and familiar with the overall structure of “accelerator class” Ghost Trance, yet regularly surprised and inspired by each others’ fresh choices within the system.
Molde was a particularly memorable gig for the band, this time for a surprise that emerged from the audience. About halfway through the show, the music seemed to overwhelm a fellow in the crowd, who leapt to his feet and screamed “Fuck you!” at the band, before storming out of the concert hall. (A not-so-friendly experiencer, perhaps. It is not quite audible in the recording, but trust me, you could hear him clearly on the bandstand.) There was an unspoken psychic moment amongst the band as we considered his proposal, and unanimously rejected it as we dug ever deeper into Braxton’s sound world and wholly committed ourselves to the music with renewed fervor. As they say, if you’re not pissing anyone off, then you’re not really trying something different. And as always, Braxton is going for something different, and we’re lucky to be along for the ride. – Taylor Ho Bynum
credits
released January 3, 2012
Anthony Braxton: Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Sopranino Saxophone
Taylor Ho Bynum: Cornet, Flugelhorn, Trombone
Jessica Pavone: Viola, Violin
Jay Rozen: Tuba, toys
Chris Dahlgren: Bass, Electronics
Aaron Siegel: Percussion, Vibraphone
Recorded July 20, 2005 – Molde Jazz Festival, Norway
supported by 12 fans who also own “Sextet (Molde) 2005”
Superb. What seems an implausible combination of instruments is in fact a great showcase for AB's sinuous saxophones. JK's harp sounds like a particularly rich guitar and her playing is virtuosic. Personally I think Anthony Braxton is at his best in these more intimate settings. This will likely be on my top ten list at end of year. arbitify
supported by 12 fans who also own “Sextet (Molde) 2005”
Beautifully immersive sound experience. Not familiar enough with the mechanics of ZIM and the liner notes are pretty oblique about those but ample on the poetics and the humor (yes!) of this music. A high water mark for Braxton's music. Mr. Edison
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supported by 10 fans who also own “Sextet (Molde) 2005”
Fire House Records has a catalogue of outstanding releases and this fits the bill perfectly by the sound of this initial track...there is power here and, yes, an irreverence for any kind of safety net...tremendously committed ensemble playing on display... John Cratchley