When Ken Vandermark released Burn the Incline a few years ago, the first thousand
copies included a second disc of The Vandermark 5 playing classic compositions by noted jazz
luminaries. Subsequently, the same promotional ploy was used on Acoustic Machine, with
the band presenting yet another batch of music by noted performers/composers. This double
recording packages both limited editions as a release of its own, and it is a welcome treat for the
many not fortunate enough to have latched on to this music when initially offered.
Vandermark always doses out strong medicine, and since he normally prefers working with his
own compositions, this tip of the hat to history and its makers is doubly meaningful. The band
features a forceful horn section, with Jeb Bishop on trombone, Dave Rempis on alto and tenor
saxophone, plus Vandermark playing tenor sax and clarinets. Bassist Kent Kessler and drummer
Tim Mulvenna work overtime keeping the furnaces fueled underneath all this firepower. Even
though the songs are recognizable, the group, as one would expect, puts its own unique twist on
each to render them distinctly original contributions to improvised music.
The list of composers comprises a virtual who’s who of notables. Starting with the bouncing
music of Ornette Coleman and gliding on through works by Anthony Braxton, Cecil Taylor, Joe
McPhee, Sun Ra, Eric Dolphy, and Lester Bowie, disc one establishes a high standard. The music
cooks, and the musicians appear to be having plenty of fun putting their own stamp on these pieces;
yet the most rewarding factor is the way they immerse themselves into the divergent styles of the
composers.
Interpreting Braxton and Taylor back-to-back, for example, is a very stiff challenge, yet the
Vandermark 5 excels at donning a chameleonic coat and imposing its personality on the music.
Similarly, when sensitivity is required to express emotions on McPhee’s “Goodbye Tom B.,” the
band makes the heartfelt switch effortlessly.
Disc two, recorded a year later, documents the music of Archie Shepp, Carla Bley, Frank Wright,
Jimmy Giuffre, Julius Hemphill, and Don Cherry. The same energy and empathy of the composers’
concepts pervades the recording. Vandermark goes on a tear with Shepp’s opening piece, followed
by the nostalgic brass/reed cover of the ensemble theme that transforms itself into a 21st century
update done in free time. Each composer gets individualistic treatment: Bley is presented with
staccato abruptness, Wright with mournful soulfulness leading to euphoria, Giuffre with lilting
effervescence, Hemphill with haunting sadness and earthiness, and Cherry with jarring
momentum.
Throughout both discs, Vandermark springs loose with gutsy improvisations, Jeb Bishop
imposes his will with robust blowing, and Dave Rempis places his stylistic mark on the procession in
turn. They trade barbs spontaneously and create a collective fury during the ensemble sections.
Thunderclouds abound from the downpour of counter rhythms unloaded on the front-liners by Kent
Kessler and Tim Mulvenna. The program is up-front, driven, and power-laden, reaffirming the
strength Vandermark is able to exude in the creative process. These live sets keep the adrenaline
pumping for the duration.
Visit www.atavistic.com.
~ Frank Rubolino
