Search - Jemeel Moondoc, Jus Grew Orchestra :: Spirit House

O.k.

John C. Graham | toronto, ontario Canada | 08/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"


Three saxophones, two trombones, two trumpets, guitar, bass, and drums. Over seventy minutes worth of music recorded live at UMass, Amherst. It was a spirited night!



The music is loose and rough in spots. The solos and the soloists are great. Some of the them sound louder than others. They were, perhaps, closer or further away from the microphones. John Voigt's bass is, unfortunately, barely audible. It is still a very absorbing program.



In spite of these quibbles, the performance is electrifying. Bern Nix sounds great playing rhythm guitar. Zane Massey is a fantastic tenor player. Only two recordings under his name on Delmark. What's he doing? Why doesn't somebody record him? Tyrone Hill and Steve Swell on trombones---both great soloists. Michael Marcus holding the baritone chair providing a great bottom and muscular solos. Roy Campbell and Lewis Barnes playing inside and out, piercing the aural landscape with impassioned playing. And Codaryl Moffett keeping everything together with rough and tumble play, never losing sight of the essential pulse.



I'd have no problem tossing down my cash to see these guys. And I wonder what rehersal time and a studio might bring. Till then it's Spirit House and live at Vision on Ayler. If it's only one you want....this is it...for the quantity--70+ minutes and the overwhelming SPIRITED performance. Long live Moondoc."