The guitarists first solo album (like the actors first Hamlet) is a hoop that eventually has to be jumped through...and Mary Halvorson has finally risen to the challenge...a truly brilliant improviser and technician (I remember being knocked out by a performance she gave with Anthony Braxton in London),she has added layers of emotional and spiritual patina to those skills...the pre-release track here demonstrates all those qualities in spades...I see this release will include work by Noel Akchote (whose music plays a key part in my listening regime)...
So,until its release "I eat the air,promise crammed"...
Update! This album is now released and I can "count myself King of infinite riches"...this release catapults Mary Halvorson into a different league for me...wonderful,wonderful,wonderful! John Cratchley
Drummer, composer, and producer Janek van Laak creates free and flowing jazz that highlights bold vocals and instrumentation. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 19, 2024
Taking 'aural stocktake' recently, it struck me how pervasive Kris Davis' playing was on my recent listening...I'd almost taken her for granted...sorry Kris, I won't do that again!
This is a wonderful album/project and lets her playing shine...lots of essential duets here...so pleased to hear her say (and confirm my suspicion) that Paul Bley was an inspiration...he's a cornerstone of my listening and it seems that Kris is becoming one too! John Cratchley