The Squid's Ear Magazine


Countryman, Rick: The First Bird (ChapChap Records)

Taking his inspiration from the concepts and work of German fractal image & video artist Joerg Wand, US-born and Philippines-based alto saxophonist Rick Countryman presents his first unaccompanied saxophone album, as he flows, winds and weaves his saxophone along rich peninsular curves to illustrate Wand's vision through fluid and sustained playing.
 

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Rick Countryman-alto saxophone


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UPC: 4573461450203

Label: ChapChap Records
Catalog ID: CPCD-021
Squidco Product Code: 31002

Format: CD
Condition: Sale (New)
Released: 2021
Country: Philippines
Packaging: Digipack
Recorded in the Phillippines, on May 16th, 17th, 23rd and June 6th, 2021, by Alvin Cornista.

Descriptions, Reviews, &c.

""The First Bird", on Chap Chap Records, Japan (CPCD-021) is a solo work on alto sax from Rick Countryman, recorded in 2021 in the Philippines. The art of Joerg Wand is credited for inspiration and direction, as the music evolved from concepts and work with his fractal videos. There is a clear relationship between his art and this music, as well as his contributions to the cover art and titling the CD and the tracks. You could call it Fractal Jazz..."-Chap-Chap Records


Artist Biographies

"Rick Countryman (January 31, 1957) is an American jazz saxophonist and flautist.

After years attracting little attention as a baritone saxophone player, including an extended sabbatical, Rick made a late-life change to alto sax, at the urging of bassist, Simon Tan. His first recorded session with Simon and Christian Bucher, avant garde drummer from Switzerland, attracted the attention of French label "Improvising Beings" and was released as "Acceptance - Resistance". The recordings received many positive reviews, both in the United States and Europe.

Rick currently now has 9 releases on 4 labels across Europe, Asia, and the United States, including multiple CDs with Japanese improvisational drummer, Sabu Toyozumi, who has made several trips to Manila to perform and record. The music continues to receive positive reviews and airplay. Two recordings were listed in "Gold Dolphy 2018".

Since 2011, Rick has been an active member of the Manila jazz scene. He leads and performs in ensembles on baritone saxophone, alto saxophone, alto flute and bass flute; performing original compositions, as well as free jazz/improvisation, in his own jazz quartets and trios. His style is heavily influenced by Eric Dolphy, Sonny Simmons and the 60s Free Jazz movement. He was a student of Bert Wilson, and considers Michael Bisio and Rick Mandyck early mentors."

-Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Countryman)
11/13/2024

Have a better biography or biography source? Please Contact Us so that we can update this biography.


Track Listing:



1. The First Bird 5:06

2. It Is Time 4:49

3. Lost And Found 2:59

4. One Mind Two Hands 4:50

5. Woodtopia 3:46

6. Emerald 6:46

7. What???If!!! 4:07

8. Deepstyle Is 3:28

9. Shape Of The Line 2:07

10. Large As Life (For Sonny) 3:19

Related Categories of Interest:


Improvised Music
Jazz
Free Improvisation
Recordings by or featuring Reed & Wind Players
Solo Artist Recordings

Search for other titles on the label:
ChapChap Records.


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The Squid's Ear Magazine

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