Yes, it's free jazz
Anthony Cooper | Louisville, KY United States | 06/11/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
""12 Degrees Of Freedom" can be called "early Chicago Underground" because this, "Possible Cube", and "Flamethrower" are very free and minimal. I begin to like the Chicago Underground better with "Synethesia" and all of the other CD's that came out since then. The early stuff is too abstract for my tastes. The freedom of songs like "The Pursued" may be steak and potatoes for some people, but not for me. "Not Quite Dark..." is minimal, with piano, vibes, and a little guitar sneaking in. "January 15th" is the longest, and best, song on the CD. It starts with a sample of Martin Luther King's "We Shall Overcome" speech and a Chad Taylor drumbeat. When Rob Mazurek comes in, his trumpet playing has a recurring motif. Mazurek comes in and out, but Taylor's steady pulse is there throughout. "The Big Bang Theory" and "Waiting For You..." are minimalist. Mazurek plays free trumpet over Taylor's floor tom rolls on the title track. "Lemon Grass" has a little more Jeff Parker playing guitar, and "Gratitude" is also minimal. I recommend this CD to fans of the earlier-style of Chicago Underground - people who like the later, more post-rock-influenced Chicago Underground may want to be more cautious."
A cooler, spaced take for this outstanding duo
lianas | St. Louis, MO United States | 02/05/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Chicago Underground Duo's discs are among the best recordings in my massive collection of many genres. This album is more sublime when compared to Synesthesia or the Trio/Orchestra albums. Mazareck and Taylor seem more subdued and dreamy. This is a wonderful thing. Just as fabulous as the explosive and sputtering excitement of Synesthesia but with more space and a slower agenda. CUD will become a historical collaboration. Collect them all."