SQUIDCO Customer's Top 25 for 2015:
 Marc Ducret
Tower-Bridge [2 CDs]
(Ayler)
Guitarist Marc Ducret completes his "Tower" series with a 12-piece ensemble including all musicians from the 4 Tower volumes, including Tim Berne, Tom Rainey, Matthias Mahler, &c. in 2 CDs of two concerts from their 2012 tour; innovative and astoundingly great modern jazz.
 Jemeel Moondoc
The Zoopkeeper's House (Trio/Quartet/Quintet)
(Relative Pitch)
A series of exceptional compositions by saxophonist Jemeel Moondoc plus one by Alice Coltrane, performed in a variety of group settings, from duos to quintet, with sidemen Matthew Shipp, Roy Campbell, Steve Swell, Hilliard Greene, and Newman Taylor Baker.
 Mary Halvorson
Reverse Blue
(Relative Pitch)
Guitarist Mary Halvorson's project with Chris Speed on sax & clarinet, Eivind Opsvik on bass, and Tomas Fuijwara on drums, a band formed for a one-off concert at the Blue Note in NYC, that continued on based on the strength of the bond between them, as heard on this superb release.
 Mostly Other People Do The Killing
Blue
(Hot Cup Records)
New York's brilliant band takes on Miles Davis' classic "Kind of Blue" in a note-for-note recreation, a head-scratching anomaly that is as close to performing a perfect replica as is imaginable.
 Matt Bauder and Day in Pictures
Nightshades
(Clean Feed)
Known for his more abstract Memorize the Sky project, tenor saxophonist and clarinetist Matt Bauder's band Day in Pictures adheres to jazz traditions with the superb quintet of Nate Wooley (trumpet), Kris Davis (piano), Jason Ajemian (bass) and Tomas Fujiwara (drums).
 AMM (Tilbury / Prevost)
Place Sub. V
(Matchless)
AMM (Eddie Prevost on percussion and John Tilbury on piano(+)) performing a 1 hour, 1 minute and 1 second live concert at the 2012 Festival of Traditional and Avant-Garde Music in Lublin, Poland in a beautiful melding of unconventional approaches to improvisation.
 Edwards / Sanders / Tilbury
A Field Perpetually At The Edge Of Disorder
(Fataka)
Three superb London improvisers, two from the new generation of free improv--bassist John Edwards and drummer Mark Sanders--in a trio with legendary pianist John Tilbury in a two part work of tension and release, performed live at Cafe Oto in 2013.
 Evan Parker & Sylvie Courvoisier
Either Or And
(Relative Pitch)
A powerful duo recorded in the studio after their 2013 performance at The Stone in NYC from NY pianist Sylvie Courvoisier and UK saxophonist Evan Parker, with extraordinary playing over eight pieces presenting an inspired range of technical and impressionistic styles.
 Nicole Mitchell Sonic Projections (Mitchell / Taborn / Boykin / Taylor)
The Secret Escapades Of Velvet Andersen
(RogueArt)
Chicago flutist Nicole Mitchell's NY band with Craig Taborn (piano & wurlitzer), David Boykin (sax), Chad Taylor (drums & guitar) in a tribute to her mentor, the late saxophonist Fred Anderson and his Velvet Lounge club, in an excellent mix of free and melodic playing.
 Digital Primitives
Lipsomuch & Soul Searchin' [2 CDs]
(Hopscotch Records)
The trio of saxophonist Assif Tsahar, drummer Chad Taylor and multi-instrumentalist Cooper-Moore in the 3rd Digital Primitives release, rhythmic and soulful improvisation with an inventive New York attitude.
 Lean Left
Live At Area Sismica
(Unsounds)
The amazing combination of Ex guitarists Terrie Ex and Andy Moor with drummer Paal Nilssen-love and Chicago saxophonist Ken Vandermark in their 5th release, a live album from Italy showing the aggressive and exuberantly determined band in excellent form.
 Matthew Shipp Trio
Root Of Things
(Relative Pitch)
Pianist Shipp's long-standing trio with bassist Michael Bisio and drummer Whit Dickey, complex and inspired compositions that makes modern creative approaches to jazz beautifully accessible and essential.
 Evan Parker
The Topography of the Lungs
(psi)
2013 reissue of the seminal London & European Free Improv trio release from 1970 with two additional tracks, making an amazing release showing the relationships between established jazz forms and the emerging modern language.
 Mats Gustafsson
Torturing the Saxophone
(Corbett vs. Dempsey)
Compiling 3 very limited solo LPs from Swedish saxophonist Mats Gustafsson, performing intimate and unusual renditions of the music of Duke Ellington, Albert & Donald Ayler, and the important post-bop baritone player Lars Gullin; liner notes by Robert Crumb.
 Sebastian Lexer / Evan Parker / Eddie Prevost
Tri-Borough Triptych
(Matchless)
3 recordings from 3 live concerts in 3 London boroughs, including the 2012 Freedom of the City Festival, bringing together master improvisers Evan Parker (saxophone), Eddie Prevost (Percussion) and Sebastian Lexer (piano) for unpredictable and exhilarating dialog.
 Rodrigo Amado Motion Trio & Peter Evans
The Freedom Principle
(NoBusiness)
Lisbon saxophonist Rodrigo Amado's trio with Miquel Mira on cello and Gabriel Ferrandini on drums is joined by New York trumpeter Peter Evans for 3 dynamic and exciting studio recording of superb TransAtlantic free improvisation.
 PAK & Ron Anderson / Nonoko Yoshida / Tatsuya Yoshida
NYJPN
(Magaibutsu)
A CD to complement the 2014 Japanese tour of PAK (Nonoko Yoshida on sax & Tatsuya Yoshida on drums) with NY bassist Ron Anderson, complex avant rock with strong melodic hooks and crazy technical prowess, highly recommended!
 Akira Sakata / Fred Lonberg-Holm / Ketil Gutvik / Paal Nilssen-Love
The Cliff Of Time
(PNL)
A quartet session bringing together players from Northern Europe, Japan, and Chicago-- Akira Sakata (reeds), Fred Lonberg-Holm (cello & electronics), Ketil Gutvik (electric guitar) and Paal Nilssen-Love (drums & percussion)--for intense and joyful free jazz.
 Kidd Jordan / Peter Kowald / Alvin Fielder
Trio and Duo in New Orleans [2 CDs]
(NoBusiness)
The free improvising trio of saxophonist Kidd Jordan, drummer Alvin Fielder, and bassist Peter Kowald performing at Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Arts Center in New Orleans in 2002, plus the duo of Jordan and Fielder in the studio in 2005 and live, 2012 in Texas.
 Skogen (Magnus Granberg, Angharad Davies, Toshi Nakamura, Henrik Olsson, Ko Ishikawa, Anna Lindal, John Eriksson, Erik Carlsson, Leo Svensson Sander and Petter Wastberg)
Despairs Had Governed Me Too Long
(Another Timbre)
Another beautiful extended composition by Magnus Granberg, exquisitely played by an ensemble of fine musicians whose last two discs on Another Timbre both featured in The Wire's best of year CD lists for 2012 and 2013 respectively.
 Acid Mothers Temple SWR
Yes, No & Perhaps
(Magaibutsu)
Acid Mother Temple SWR merge's AMT's Kawabata Kakoto (guitar, voice,) and Tsuyama Atsushi (bass, vocals, sax) with Yoshida Tatsuya (Ruins, Koenji Hyakkei, &c), here in their 6th release, crazy prog-oriented rock of indescribable insanity and skill!
 Peter Evans Quintet
Destination: Void
(More Is More)
The second release from NY trumpeter Peter Evans Quintet with Ron Stabinsky on piano, Tom Blancarte on bass, Sam Pluta on live electronics, and Jim Black on drums, an epic and amazingly sophisticated album based on Frank Herbert's novel of the same name.
 Ingrid Laubrock & Tom Rainey
And Other Desert Towns
(Relative Pitch)
After many years collaborating together, New York saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and drummer Tom Rainey present their debut as a duo in a series of improvisations, from subtle interaction to rousing interplay.
 Daunik Lazro / Joelle Leandre
Hasparren
(NoBusiness)
The exceptional improvising duo of Daunik Lazro (saxophone) and Joelle Leandre (bass, voice) in a live recording from Hasparren of dark and beautiful free improvisation.
 Angles 9
Injuries
(Clean Feed)
Now a nine-piece, Martin Kuchen leads the magnificently powerful Angles band through 7 demanding compositions, with trumpeter Magnus Broo back in the band alongside Alexander Zethson, Mattias Stahl, Jonan Berthling, Andreas Werlin, Eirik Hegdal, Mats Aleklint & Goran Kajfes.
 Peter Brotzmann / Sonny Sharrock
Whatthefuckdoyouwant
(Trost Records)
A 1987 performance between legendary German free-jazz saxophonist/clarinetist Peter Brotzmann and the late legendary American free-jazz guitarist Sonny Sharrock performing live at Jamkulturfabrik in Esch/Alzette, Luxembourg.
 Joe McPhee
Nation Time: The Complete Recordings [4 CD BOX]
(Corbett vs. Dempsey)
Joe McPhee's landmark 1970 album in a beautiful 4-CD box set reissue, with 3 CDs presenting music leading up to the album's release, including tracks previously unreleased on CD (or in any format), and an extensive booklet with photos, interviews and liner notes.
 Greg Cohen
Golden State
(Relative Pitch)
A set of playful, upbeat duos from West Coast-born bassist Greg Cohen and NY guitarist Bill Frisell, celebrating Cohen's home state of California in 6 originals and 3 California covers.
 The World Heritage
Live At Goodman
(Magaibutsu)
The World Heritage in their 5th release recorded live at Tokyo's Akihabara Goodman in 2012, amazing improvised instrumental rock from Tatsuya Yoshida (drums), Seiichi Yamamoto (guitar), Natsuki Kido (guitar), Yuji Katsui (violin) and Mitsuru Nasuno (bass).
 Eric Revis / Taylor / McHenry / Jones / Branford Marsalis
In Memory of Things Yet Seen
(Clean Feed)
A superb modern jazz release from NY bassist Eric Revis with Chad Taylor (drums), Bill McHenry (sax) and Darius Jones (sax), plus special guest Branford Marsalis on two tracks.
 Tony Malaby Tamarindo
Somos Agua
(Clean Feed)
The NYC trio of saxophonist Tony Malaby, bassist William Parker and drummer Nasheet Waits present their 3rd Tamarindo record of "high-impact free-form progressive jazz extravaganza", flowing music demonstrating the strength of all 3 players.
 Jeremiah Cymerman / Evan Parker / Nate Wooley
World of Objects
(5049 Records)
The trio of Evan Parker on tenor & soprano sax, Jeremiah Cymerman on clarinet & electronics, and Nate Wooley on trumpet, performing live at The Stone, NYC in 2013 in a remarkable concert intensified by Cymerman's studio processing to emphasize aspects of the performance.
 Albert Ayler Quintet
Lorrach, Paris 1966
(Hatology)
Brothers Albert (sax) and Don Ayler (trumpet) playing energetic, "free spiritual music" in Paris in 1966 alongside Michel Samson (violin), William Folwell (bass) and Beaver Harris (drums).
 Polwechsel
Traces Of Wood
(Hatology)
Working at the juncture of improvisation and contemporary composition, Polwechsel performs 4 pieces, each composed by a different member of the group, that allow individual players to express themselves while remaining a part of the group.
 Joelle Leandre / Nicole Mitchell
Sisters Where
(RogueArt)
Bridging two generations between Chicago and France, "Sisters Where" is an inspired and freely improvised dialog from flutist Nicole Mitchell and double bassist Joelle Leandre, presenting six studio recordings of inventive and lyrical playing.
 Tarbaby (Waits / Evans / Revis / + Lake & Ducret )
Fanon
(RogueArt)
Tarbaby (Orrin Evans on piano, Eric Revis on bass, and Nasheet Waits on drums) is joined by saxophonist Oliver Lake and guitarist Marc Ducret for an album inspired by philosopher, psychologist and revolutionary Franz Fanon, a superb album balancing melodic and intense playing.
 Marc Ribot Trio
Live At The Village Vanguard
(Pi Recordings)
Marc Ribot's highly anticipated debut as a leader in a band with Henry Grimes on bass and Chad Taylor on drums, performing at the iconic Village Vanguard, with material including Albert Ayler, John Coltrane, &c.
 Paal Nilssen-Love Large Unit
Erta Ale [3 CD BOX SET]
(PNL)
Paal Nilssen-Love's Large Unit of some of Norway's brightest young improvisers in a solid 3-CD box set recorded live during their 2014 tour, performing Nilssen-Love's compositions that focus on interaction, free improvisation, sound, dynamics and energy.
 Brotzmann / Edwards / Noble
Soulfood Available
(Clean Feed)
For their 3rd album together, the trio of saxophonist Peter Brotzmann, bassist John Edwards and drummer Steve Noble are caught live at the 2013 Ljubljana Jazz Festival for three blistering works of free improvisation.
 John Hebert Trio
Floodstage
(Clean Feed)
Bassist John Hebert continues to explore his Louisana/Cajun roots with his trio of Benoit Delbecq on piano (plus synth & electronics) and drummer Gerald Cleaver, challenging and enigmatic improvisation with a solid rhythmic center.
 Otomo Yoshihide / Sachiko M / Evan Parker / John Edwards / Tony Marsh / John Butcher
Quintet/Sextet/Duos
(Otoroku)
The final night of Otomo and Sachiko's first residency at London's Cafe OTO in 2009 saw the pair joined by the long running trio of Evan Parker, John Edwards and Tony Marsh and special guest John Butcher, for an exceptional set of creative improvisation.
 Bertrand Denzler / John Edwards / Eddie Prevost
"All-in-All [en tout en pour tout]" Meetings With Remarkable Saxophonists | Volume 4
(Matchless)
The final of 4 volumes documenting a series of concerts Eddie Prevost organised at the Network Theatre in London, trio sessions featuring the finest modern free improvising saxophonists, here with Bertrand Denzler on sax and bassist John Edwards accompanying.
 Paal Nilssen-Love / Mats Gustafsson
Sin Gas [CD]
(Bocian)
Powerful duo playing from frequent collaborators, saxophonist Mats Gustafsson and drummer Paal Nilssen-Love (The Thing, Original Silence, Peter Brotzmann) in two extended studio improvisations of deeply emotional and technically incredible playing.
 Korekyojinn (Tatsuya / Natsuki / Mitsuru)
Jackson [2014 Remaster] (incl "Kaleidoscope" and "Yes Medley")
(Magaibutsu)
A 2014 reissue of this 2006 release, adding a complete 10.5 minute version of "Kaleidoscope", and an amazing "Yes Medley", from the trio of drummer Yoshida Tatsuya, bassist Nasuno Mitsuru, and guitarist Kido Natsuki.
 Masahiko Satoh / Paal Nilssen-Love
Spring Snow
(PNL)
Tokyo pianist Masahiko Satoh recorded these two extended improvisations with Norwegian drummer Paal Nilssen-Love in concert at Shinjuku Pit Inn, Tokyo in 2013, a remarkable dialog of intense technical power and creative passion.
 Chicago / Sao Paulo Underground feat Pharoah Sanders
Pharoah and the Underground / Spiral Mercury
(Clean Feed)
Live from Lisbon's Jazz em Agosto Festival, cornetist Rob Mazurek merges his Chicago and Sao Paulo Underground bands, adding bassist Matthew Lux and jazz legend tenor saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, for a potent blend of modern jazz, electronics, and free improvised music.
 Mark Dresser & Gerry Hemingway & Assif Tsahar
Code Re(a)d
(Hopscotch Records)
A live recording from Levontin 7 of the hard blowing and free flowing trio of Assif Tsahar (tenor sax and percussion), Mark Dresser (double bass) and Gerry Hemingway (drums, percussion).
 Eugene Chadbourne / John Zorn
Great Duo Live, 1977-'80 Volume II
(Chadula)
Historic recordings from 1977-1980 of guitarist Eugene Chadbourne and John Zorn on sax, clarinet and game calls, performing together or solo in New York, San Francisco, Woodstock, NY, Toronton, ON, and New Orleans, LA.
 Red Dhal Sextet (Jeffery / Schubert / Dunmall / Schlippenbach / Majkowski / Dimitriadis)
Red Dhal Sextet
(FMR)
Bringing together masterful players Paul Dunmall (sax), Hilary Jeffery (trombone), Alexander Von Schlippenbach (piano), Paul Schuber (sax), Mike Majkowski (bass), and Yorgos Dimitriadis (drums) for a studio release of incredibly well-balanced and insightful improvisation.
 Mary Halvorson / Michael Formanek / Tomas Fujiwara
Thumbscrew
(Cuneiform)
Guitarist Mary Halvorson with Michael Formanek (double bass) and Tomas Fujiwara (drums) in a composer's project with all three contributing material, superb modern jazz encompassing an array of textures and strategies.
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