Label: Astral Spirits, 2021
Personnel - Dave Rempis: alto, tenor and baritone saxophone; Tashi Dorji: guitar; Tyler Damon: drums.
If you have a watchful eye and taste for free jazz, you’ve probably have heard of Kuzu, an experimental trio co-led by saxophonist Dave Rempis, Bhutan-born guitarist Tashi Dorji and drummer Tyler Damon.
Their abstract mechanics is right on display throughout their second Astral Spirits recording, The Glass Delusion, a proper follow-up to Hiljaisuus, released in 2018 (the year of the group's formation) on the same label, as well as Purple Dark Opal, which came out last year on Rempis’ label Aerophonic Records.
The first two improvisations are titled “It Simply Becomes Jammed”, with part one clocking in at 21-and-a-half minutes and the second at 10. During the first installment we have a buzzing effervescence gaining prevalence until being completely refracted via complex guitar noodling and pointillistic counterpoint that supports and responds to the bursts of saxophone delivered with magnetic timbral variety. The energized drumming proposed by Damon embraces primitive rhythmic states at the core, but on the surface, both chops and textures are filled with a pleasing intricacy. Spreading their sounds in every direction, the trio assembles decorative sonic mosaics using repetitive figures, droning murmurs and perceptive rhythmic cadences.
Part 2 kicks off with improvisational firepower. Guitar pollution joins the jumpy drum work, generating a chaotic feel gingered up by the herculean saxophone raids atop. Rempis, a titanic force in the Chicago free jazz scene, is a constant searcher, whose prolific ideas often ignite the spark for rhythmic reactions. Whether encouraged or backlashed by the rhythm team, his actions always stir something worthy of attention.
The third and last track on the album, “Gnash”, probes more pacific, sometimes mantric atmospheres well anchored in Dorji’s exotic guitar. With the trio united in prayer, this is like having a psychedelic stew made of free improv and Eastern patterns. The finale highlights the work of the guitarist, who explores tapped harmonies, looped sequences and piercing, chiming effects.
Bending, tugging and expanding, the music of Kuzu confirms they keep looking ahead.
Grade A-
Favorite Tracks:
01 - It Simply Becomes Jammed Part 1 ► 03 - Gnash