This one-off quintet grouping was featured as part of a month-long Tuesday night residency organized by saxophonist Dave Rempis and drummer Jeremy Cunningham at The Whistler in Chicago – a venue that’s become home to a broad array of musicians in the Chicago jazz scene. Each week in February 2019, the two curated a different quintet lineup featuring two horns, bass, and two drummers. Aside from the musicians featured on this recording, made during the second week of the residency, other musicians involved included Avreeayl Ra, Mars Williams, Katie Ernst, Quin Kirchner, Ayana Woods, and Tyler Damon.
The set featured here was one of the highlights of that extended run – a long-form improvisation that unfolded with patience, thought, and beauty from start to finish. These five musicians from different corners of the Chicago jazz scene come together in a thoughtful give and take that belies any factionalism in the music. Although some of them are known primarily for work with more jazz-oriented bands, and some of them come from more of a “free improvisation” background, the music speaks plainly for itself as MUSIC. Five individuals listening, reacting, and respecting one another to compose something larger than any of their individual egos or ideologies. This recording is the Chicago scene in a nutshell – a supportive and friendly community of artists working together.
credits
released August 19, 2020
Russ Johnson – trumpet
Dave Rempis – alto/tenor/bari saxophone
Joshua Abrams – bass
Isaiah Spencer – drums
Jeremy Cunningham – drums
Recorded February 12th, 2019
live at The Whistler, Chicago, IL
Recorded and mixed by Dave Zuchowski
Produced by Dave Rempis
Special thanks to Billy Helmkamp and the entire Whistler crew
Two masters who have gone far beyond free improv cliches and tropes to reach a space where the exploration sounds totally relaxed and natural, even at its most intense. This music makes me feel reassured, in safe hands, and joyful. Giles