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The working trio of bassist Lisle Ellis, saxophonist Larry Ochs, and percussionist Donald Robinson asked guests (some of San Francisco's best improvisers) to join them to form six different quartets on this far-ranging album of powerful new music. On "Plus One," with koto player Miya Masoka, attention to space and tone color, and careful listening, creates quiet, elusive music that grows organically as each player puts forth ideas for elaboration by the rest of the group. When vibraphonist William Winant joins the trio for "Path," the momentum picks up but the textures remain open and airy. Pianist Paul Plimley, a longtime collaborator with Ellis, opens "Slice" with an explosive burst of sound, but the structured improvisation takes several unexpected turns as the energy ebbs and flows and the group break into duos and trios. "The Sought" pairs the rasping tenor of Ochs with the warmth of Ben Goldberg's bass clarinet in a swinging collective improvisation. The trio immediately establish rapport with their guests throughout; the results are varied, affirmative, and intelligent. *** Lisle Ellis
WHAT WE LIVE FO(U)R
(Black Saint)
-- Ed Hazell
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