Looms & Legends
Pyroclastic, 2025
9/10
It’s been well over a decade since the multi-instrumentalist Ned Rothenberg released a solo album, and he’s made the wait worth it with these 14 experimental tracks.
The curious energy of “Dance Alone” starts the listen with winds swirling in a way that sounds nearly electronic, and “Denali” follows with a soothing spirit, where rich alto sax draws us into to its radiant beauty.
Halfway through, “Urgency” quivers with a meditative quality that’s bare in an atypical sort of way and focuses much on clarinet, while “Flurry” is a more straightforward moment of timeless jazz qualities that are meticulous and creative.
Arriving near the end, “Tender Hooks” explores the bounds of the alto sax with precision and exploration, and “‘Round Midnight” exits with a soft and poetic intimacy that’s minimal but impactful.
The use of alto sax, clarinets and shakuhachi flute embraces distinct arpeggios and vivid harmonics, which makes for a sonically nostalgic and highly inventive body of work.
Travels well with: Ingrid Laubrock- Purposing The Air; Patricia Brennan Septet- Breaking Stretch