THE ART ENSEMBLE OF CHICAGO AND ASSOCIATED ENSEMBLES (ECM) 9.5/10 It was a life-changing event: the breadth of music, profundity, virtuosity and presentation elevated one to near-ecstasy. This was in 1980, the Art Ensemble of Chicago’s only Sydney concert. As sensational as their albums were, to encounter one of music’s…
Category: Album Reviews – Archive
CONFRONTATIONS (https://joeoconnor2.bandcamp.com) 7.5/10 If this music contained any more tension it would snap. Each note seems to be stretched dangerously taut, and the instruments do no so much cohere as collide. Melbourne pianist/composer Joe O’Connor invited the incendiary trumpeter Scott Tinkler to join his trio (with bassist Marty Holoubek and…