Charlie Kohlhase Quintet

about

Boston's improv scene is fueled by an underground network of musicians (hooked up to an internet mailing list), major academic centers ( Berklee and the New England Conservatory), indie record outlets (including the literally subterranean Twisted Village), and an army of open-minded listeners. If you only went to the two big jazz clubs—Scullers and the Regattabar—you'd might find yourself lulled to sleep by mainstream acts. But have no fear, there are plenty of alternatives. Saxophonist Charlie Kohlhase eagerly straddles the boundary, performing with the celebrated Either/Orchestra or here with his own quintet. Play Free Or Die is some very daring and adventurous material, true to its title in every sense. These eleven tunes were performed live in 2001 and recorded on the sly by bassist John Turner. With a couple of exceptions, they're each at least ten minutes long, which means there's a lot of meat in the package. Kohlhase's working quintet features a three-horn front line. In many ways it's reminiscent of Ornette Coleman's early work with Don Cherry. Rather than playing "free" with the esoteric aim of pure abstraction, these players insist on sharing a common focus, three voices coursing together to round out themes that are thoroughly rooted in the jazz tradition. Never in perfect unison, but somehow speaking together. The Mad Suite (from 1988) closes out the record and the 21-minute first segment is as good an example as any of the horns actively mingling but never

top songs

albums

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Wavelength Infinity: A Sun Ra Tribute

Good Deeds

Dart Night

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Wavelength Infinity (Disc 1)

Research & Development

Dancing On My Bedpost

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Play Free Or Die

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Over The Rainbow - The Music Of Harold Arlen

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Research and Development

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Eventuality Mix

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Eventuality, The Charlie Kohlhase Quintet Plays The Music Of Roswell Rudd

Eventuality: The Charlie Kohlhase Quintet Plays the Music of Roswell Rudd

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