Search - Leroy Jenkins :: Legend of Al Glatson

Exploratory, Bold Jazz Violin Trio

Dennis Mendelson | London, UK | 03/10/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this record a little afraid, due to my prior impression of Jenkins as a relentlessly fire-breathing avant-gardist. I'm glad that I did though - it's a colorful and adventurous date, and works in more subtle ways than I expected.The band has tremendous range, at times swinging, at times ravishing (e.g. the beautiful, elegiac 'Albert Ayler (his life was too short)'), at times exciting thru sheer creative energy; almost always doing something very interesting. The feel of Jenkins solo work is sometimes that of 20th century classical violin. Prokofiev's piquant harmonies and bold phrasing come more than once to mind, but the music is often more abstract than that suggests. Andrew Cyrille (on drums) and Anthony Davis (on piano) are excellent at creating fascinating textures with Jenkins, and their support is a big factor in the success of the record.This is great modern music, at once tasty and tasteful, but be prepared to listen very attentively at times. Recommended!"