Stein/Smith/Shead

Hum

Irritable Mystic, 2023

9/10

Listen to Hum

A two track listen captured on the last couple of nights of a thorough tour of the U.S., Jason Stein’s bass clarinet, Damon Smith’s double bass, and Adam Shead’s drums/percussion come together for this very adventurous listen in the area of free jazz.

“Yawning Flock” occupies the first half, where exploratory reed and string manipulation are present alongside the unpredictable drumming that fluctuates between the calm and busy moments of improvised fun.

“Precipitous Halo” finishes off the listen, and showcases stunning clarinet acrobatics that suit the swift drumming and frisky bass lines that forego any sort of structure for a creative and memorable 21+ minutes.

A truly exciting endeavor in the area of free jazz and avant-garde ideas, Stein, Smith and Shead make for a jazz affair like no other.

Travels well with: The Heavy Hitters- The Heavy Hitters; Aaron Seeber- First Move