Jan 21 2019
Best of 2018 #3: Quin Kirchner – “The Other Side of Time”
When this album was released, a year ago January, I wrote for The Bandcamp Daily that “it’s way too early to be saying things like this is the best thing I’ve heard all year,” and then naturally went on and declared, “but this is the best thing I’ve heard all year.” As it turned out, too soon was predicative of now’s the time. The Other Side of Time is both a throwback to a past era of spiritual and free jazz and a symbolic proclamation of the pounding heartbeat of the modern scene. In that way Quin Kirchner achieves a communion between his own modern pieces and renditions of past works by Mingus, Sun Ra, Cohran and Motian, the seamless flow of thoughts and theory and imagery between jazz eras brings to mind that of blood through the circulatory system, and the inescapable sense that there is no past and present eras, but simply a common language that perpetually reveals more of itself in coordination with our changing perception of time.
Released on Astral Spirits Records.
Music from Chicago, IL.
I wrote about the album for The Bandcamp Daily.
As this site illustrates day after day, there is no end to the wonderful studio recordings from the modern scene. That said, an essential element of jazz is improvisation, and how that expresses itself in a live setting. Sometimes we’re fortunate that someone is there to hit a record button. Such is the case with this excellent live session from trumpeter James Davis and his quintet’s performance at the Chicago venue, The Whistler. With pianist Rob Clearfield, guitarist Dave Miller, double bassist Matt Ulery, and drummer Quin Kirchner, the quintet embodies all the reasons why we should be sure to balance out our digital/CD listening routines with the simple act of buying a ticket to hear some of this magic occur in a live setting. This album is everything that’s great about the modern jazz scene.
Jan 25 2020
Best of 2019 #42: Matt Ulery – “Delicate Charms”
Matt Ulery’s sin didn’t even rise to that level. In hindsight, I really should’ve cut the guy some slack. The bassist and composer is young by jazz standards, but he’s also way ahead of the curve by way of creative accomplishments. The Chicagoan has already delivered a unique sound that is as inventive as it is classic. One day I expect to be speaking of his works with the same reverence as I do Henry Threadgill or Wayne Horvitz. In truth, it was awfully tepid criticism. I basically said his album was too pretty. And it was. It lacked some of the edge and mystery of past works. But in the grand scheme of things, there was nothing really wrong with the album, and perhaps focusing on that single flaw was a bit much… especially in the context that it’s still early, for him (and for us, as listeners), and also possessing an understanding that his music, like all others, exists in a continuum, where some things are merely elements of transformations to come, changes to manifest, and, perhaps a too-pretty recording leading to a grand beauty of the future.
I bring all this up, because that future grand beauty became the present in 2019 with Delicate Charms. The album has the majestic stature of his jazz orchestra recordings and the curious melodicism of his small ensemble Loom sessions, and yet the elements of each come together in a way that are much different than simple addition, a different kind of math altogether, an abstract calculation where one plus one equals universe. It’s a gorgeous recording. It’s also a huge reminder that we are watching evolution in action, tracking artists as their music changes as they change and as the music transforms yet again. It is easy to forget how truly miraculous it all is.
Your album personnel: Matt Ulery (double bass), Greg Ward (alto sax), Zach Brock (violin), Rob Clearfield (piano) and Quin Kirchner (drums).
Released on Woolgathering Records.
Music from Chicago, IL.
I wrote about this album for The Bandcamp Daily.
Listen | Read more | Available at: Bandcamp – Amazon
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By davesumner • Recap: Best of 2019 • 0 • Tags: Best Jazz of 2019, Chicago, Greg Ward, Matt Ulery, Quin Kirchner, Rob Clearfield, Woolgathering Records, Zach Brock