Label: Mahakala Records, 2020

Personnel - Dave Sewelson: baritone saxophone; Steve Swell: trombone; William Parker: acoustic bass; Marvin Bugalu Smith: drums.

Throughout the three spontaneously composed tracks that constitute his new album More Music For a Free World, baritone saxophonist Dave Sewelson blows with muscular authority, exploring the fleshy tones of his instrument. For this outing, the follow-up to the 2018 Music For a Free World, he teams up again in the frontline with the adventurous trombonist Steve Swell, and they both ride through the dynamic rhythms and bouncy grooves laid down by bassist William Parker and drummer Marvin Bugalu Smith.

“Memories” starts off with the vigorous reedy/brassy coalition intersecting low-intoned rhythmic figures and hefty expressions of rebelliousness. The rhythm section offers freedom, tension, tonally static grooves, and occasional swinging rides that incite the horn interplay to go on, whether in the form of shared ideas, call-and-response scenarios, or individual statements. Although burning hot, the atmosphere contracts a little, allowing a logical dialogue between drummer and bassist. Yet, a collective expansion takes place at the end, where baritone growls and multiphonic trombone call-outs get on the same page.

Clocking in at 27 minutes, “Dreams” is the longest track on the album and provides an absolutely delightful experience. The agile percussive chops open the curtain, fearless bowed bass incisions announce pensive trombone deliberations, and lastly, Sewelson steps in, infusing the setting with a raucous tension. The two horn players maintain a straight communication, often swapping positions within the pitch range. There’s a quieter passage with more implosions than explosions before an Afro-Latin pulse sparkles to set the horns in flames. A marching strut with timbral contrasts and robust swinging exaltations anticipate the intelligible bluesy ending, whose deep groove is warmly affecting. Parker and Smith, working in an edgier mode, are true to their creative natures.

The closing piece, “Reflections”, is introduced by an expressive, wide-ranging solitary baritone, evolving into a strange ritual composed of beautifully designed layers. The quartet creates mystery through motifs and frictions, as well as breathy discharges and long notes.

Whether playing in a tight and controlled way or plunging into wild spirited romps, Sewelson’s quartet manifests freely what they have inside, striking a well-honed balance between raw improv and demarcated structure. Free jazzers have here another driving force to connect with.

Favorite Tracks:
02 - Dreams ► 03 - Reflections