The Squid's Ear Magazine


Svobodni III (Bennington / Hunger / Seyler / Thatcher / Jennings): The Return To Catalhoyiik (ThatSwan!)

For their third album, Chicago-based Svobodni — co-led by synthesist Phil Hunger and drummer Jimmy Bennington — create an evocative narrative inspired by ancient civilizations, blending layers of Stockhausen- and Kraftwerk-influenced electronics, intimate saxophone, grounded bass grooves, and searching percussion for a rich electroacoustic improvisational work that defies genre.
 

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product information:

Personnel:



Jimmy Bennington-drums, percusion

Phil Hunger-synthesizers

Brian Seyler-tenor saxophone

Daniel Thatcher-acoustic bass

Matt Jennings-electronics


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UPC: 195269333874

Label: ThatSwan!
Catalog ID: ThatSwan! 1012
Squidco Product Code: 35554

Format: CD
Condition: New
Released: 2024
Country: USA
Packaging: Digipack
Recorded at Phil Hunger Studios in Chicago, Illinois, on June 1st and October 19th, 2023.

Descriptions, Reviews, &c.

"For this, their third album, Svobodni's music hearkens back to one of the earliest recorded civilizations, Catalhoyuk. Svobodni is an ancient Slavic word that means 'Freedom'. Co-leader Phil Hunger wrings layers of sound from his many synthesizers, admitting the influences of Stockhausen and Kraftwerk, while Bennington brings his 35 years of Jazz and Improvisation experience to the music. The result is a unique hybrid unlike anything else. They are joined variously by intimate colleagues supplying subtle electronics, melting tenor saxophone, and stalwart acoustic bass grooves. From Out in the Taiga at Night, Mercenary Blues, and now Return to Catalhoyuk, for fans of avant garde jazz, improvisation, spoken word, and searching electronica, Svobodni's music is not to be missed."-ThatSwan!


Artist Biographies

"James Arnold Bennington (born May 22, 1970 in Columbus, Ohio) is an American jazz drummer and avant-garde musician based in Chicago, Illinois.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, 1970 James Bennington lived in Detroit, Michigan until 1978 when he relocated to Houston, Texas. He began music studies on clarinet while attending Elementary School, switching to drums at age thirteen, Bennington's experience has come from private study, marching and concert bands both middle and high school, work as a sideman, and as a band leader with his group, Colour and Sound.

Early musical experiences include participation in several jazz and blues sessions in Texas (late 1980s and early 1990s). Bennington studied with Elvin Jones ten years beginning in 1994 and served as band manager / drum tech, from 2000Ð2002 (tours U.S. and Europe).

Residence on West Coast from 1998-2006. Residence in Chicago 2006Ðpresent. Bennington has performed throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South America. He has played and recorded in the jazz and improvised music communities for over a quarter of a century. In Chicago he has been an active contributor to the music scene playing extensively with Ed Schuller (Bassist), Brian Smith (Bassist), Fredrick Jackson Jr. (Saxophonist), Samuel Hasting (guitarist), Jim Baker (piano), Mike W Harmon (bassist), Davi Priest (bassist), Steve Cohn (Pianist), Dustin Laurenzi (Saxophonist), Ben Schmidt-Swartz (Saxophonist), and Artie Black (Saxophonist) among many others.

Most notably, Bennington was a featured performer at the 30th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival, Fred Anderson's Velvet Lounge, and the Tampon-Galerie in Paris (France, 2008). Bennington is proudly endorsed by Dream Cymbals and Gongs, Inc.."

-Jimmy Bennington Website (https://www.jbcolourandsound.com/page4)
12/16/2024

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

"Brian was drawn to the saxophone at 10 years old. His elementary school provided time during a lunch period to try out instruments, and he felt that the sax responded immediately to his efforts.

Since moving to Chicago from Towson, MD in 2015, tenor saxophonist and composer Brian Seyler, has become a ubiquitous member of the local music community. He has performed at over 70 venues in the Chicago area such as Thalia Hall, The Green Mill, Elastic Arts, Hungry Brain, Sleeping Village, and The California Clipper. He has worked with with Matt Ulery, Brandee Younger, Jimmy Bennington, Deeper, Jimmy Bennington, Justice Hill, Fred Jackson Jr. and Quin Kirchner to name a few.

In addition to performing, Brian works at International Anthem Recording Co. distributing new exciting projects from Chicago and beyond.

He leads a quartet which includes Dave Miller, Joe Policastro, and Alvin Cobb Jr. Outside of his own projects you will find Brian as a sideman in many creative ensembles, pit orchestras, and ad-hoc improvised contexts."

-Brian Seyler Website (https://www.brianseyler.com/about)
12/16/2024

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


Track Listing:



1. Delicious Fishes 0:57

2. Friends Come And Gone 3:25

3. A Borrowed Mule Soon Gets A Broken Back 10:36

4. He Who Pays The Piper, Calls The Tune 10:53

5. Even The God Of Spring Doesn't Know 7:33

6. Anshan 12:00

7. Return To Catal Huyuk 11:34

8. Earth Jones 7:40

9. One Sunday At Letoon 11:30

10. Across The Water 3:49

Related Categories of Interest:


Improvised Music
Free Improvisation
Electro-Acoustic
Electro-Acoustic Improv
Jazz
Chicago Jazz & Improvisation
Quintet Recordings
New in Improvised Music
Recent Releases and Best Sellers

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