Dinner & Dancing
Self-Released, 2024
9/10
The clarinet and sax extraordinaire Jon Irabagon is joined by Mark Helias, Barry Altschul and Uri Caine for these 2 lengthy, improvised pieces.
The soft and mysterious “Dinner” opens with Irbagon’s curious alto clarinet that is met with Altschul’s unpredictable drumming and squealing sax acrobatics that enter the free jazz exploration.
The back half belongs to “Dancing”, which is much shorter but no less adventurous. It spotlights the stunning drumming, as well as Caine’s wild keys and Helias’ well plucked bass for the furious blast of jazz dynamics that actually retreats to calm, later on.
A highly playful outing, the 4 players each illustrate a commanding ability over their instruments, where spontaneity and creativity are key.
Travels well with: Brian Marsella/Jon Irabagon- Blue Hour; I Don’t Hear Nothin’ But The Blues, Volume 3 Part 2: Exuberant Scars