The Fringe: 40 Years on the Fringe
Author: Mike Hobart
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Musicians: |
George Garzone (ts) |
Label: |
Stunt Records |
Magazine Review Date: |
November/2013 |
Catalogue Number: |
STUCD 13072 |
RecordDate: |
date not stated |
No saxophonist unpicks the standard repertoire quite so incisively as George Garzone, author of The Triadic Chromatic Approach. But for the last 40 years, he has been co-hosting Monday-night free jazz sessions with The Fringe, featuring drummer Bob Gullotti and, since 1985, bassist John Lockwood – they’re still at it, and you can catch them on Mondays at The Lily Pad in Cambridge, Massachusetts. With such a long-standing acquaintanceship and high levels of all-round expertise, pre-written tunes are somewhat superfluous and the 11 pieces presented here are exercises in controlled mood and focused interplay. The opening all-in-it together ‘Take Off’ is a short Albert Ayler blast – Garzone’s control of multiphonics is as studied as his knowledge of harmony – and Garzone comes up with some nice tunes, but it’s usually bass or drums that set the tone. There are cross rhythms and poly-currents and a dry-edged swing that reminds me of Joe Farrell with the Elvin Jones trio. And with the three musicians thinking as one, Garzone’s logic remains impressively intact.

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