a r t i s t : Art Ensemble Of Chicago
t i t l e : Non-Cognitive Aspects Of The City
d a t e : 2006
l a b e l : PI Recordings
g e n r e : Jazz
r l s. d a t e : Sep/2006
t r a c k s : 12
b i t r a t e : VBRkbps
s i z e : 183,2 MB
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The Art Ensemble of ChicagoÆs Non-cognitive Aspects of the
City is a double CD representing two sets recorded during the
bandÆs rare six-night engagement, March 30th through April 4th
2004, at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City. Engagements
of that length are rare nowadays and Pi Recordings was anxious
to be able to hear the band develop their sound in front of an
audience in one city for a week straight. Rarer even than that
though is the induction of new members, Corey Wilkes (t) and
Jaribu Shahid (b) into a band with a history and influence as
deep as the Art EnsembleÆs. We were there all six nights, 14
sets in all, and it was amazing to see the band coalesce and
grow over the course of the week. Early in the week, the
musicians were understandably somewhat tentative, which one
would expect with new musicians coming to a music that is so
unique and so drenched in its own ritual and tradition. But by
the time of these recordings on Friday and Saturday nights,
the band was playing as one with power and cohesion. Some will
inevitably try to compare Jaribu to Malachi and Corey to
Lester, a foolÆs errand for sure. Both bring their own
strengths and voice to the music and neither try to copy the
style of their predecessors. Corey would tell us later that he
was in awe that entire week, as it seemed that the entire
extended AACM family attended the shows. In fact, Corey said
he gained a great deal of confidence after Lester BowieÆs wife
Deborah encouraged him to carry on the trumpet tradition in
the band and thanked him for doing his own thing and not
trying to imitate Lester. These same musicians, two years
after this recording, continue to perform and perpetuate the
legacy of The Art Ensemble of Chicago.
The two CDs are the first readily available live releases to
exclusively feature The Art Ensemble since their Live in Japan
release of 1984. The two complete sets on two CDs capture the
band in all its unpredictable glory while at the same time
observing the ritual of an Art Ensemble set. The music runs
the gamut: Joseph JarmanÆs spirituality and poetry (ôThe J
Songö and ôErikaö), straight out funk driven by Jaribu and Don
Moye (ôBig Red Peachesö), a warped take on hard-bop (ôSong for
My Sisterö), open explorations (Red Sand Green Water) and a
dedication to a comrade past (ôMalachiö). Each set is wrapped
up by a different version of the bandÆs theme song ôOdwallaö.
Non-cognitive Aspects of the City continues Pi RecordingsÆ
documentation of one of musicÆs most important bands and one
of AmericaÆs greatest treasures. More importantly though, it
captures the continuing development of the band as they move
forward and carry on what is now one of the longest running
musical associations in any style of music. It also makes
clear what the band has always known: ItÆs not about ôwhoö is
doing it, but about ôwhatö is being done. Not surprisingly,
the ôwhoö here is more than up to the challenge. With the
front line once again filled out, the band is able to stretch
out and create vital music in the way that has influenced
everyone from the Vandermark 5 and John Zorn to the Anti-Pop
Consortium.
Roscoe Mitchell
Sopranino, Soprano, Alto, and Tenor Saxophones, Flute,
Piccolo, and Percussion
Don Moye
drums, African drums, congas and bongo drums
Jaribu Shahid
bass, electric bass, and percussion
Corey Wilkes
trumpet, pocket trumpet, fluglehorn and percussion
Joseph Jarman
sopranino, alto, and tenor saxophones, flute, bass flute, and
percussion
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CD1
01-Song For My Sister [17:01]
02-The Morning Mist [06:48]
03-Song For Charles [08:52]
04-On The Mountain [19:25]
05-Big Red Peaches [07:34]
06-Odwalla [05:21]
CD2
01-Erika [20:00]
02-Malachi [09:02]
03-The J Song [11:47]
04-Red Sand Green Water [14:28]
05-Slow Tenor and Bass [02:27]
06-Odwalla [04:00]
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