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The Vandermark 5
Burn The Incline
Atavistic
Multi-reedist Ken Vandermark has been riding on such a creative high during the last few years, that it has become increasing difficult to consider all of his wide-ranging tastes. Ha, what a friggin’ lie. If only listeners and critics were faced with such wealths on a regular basis. Not since the abundance of mid-‘60s Mile Davis’ titles, or Ornette Coleman’s far-reaching sessions a few years later, has an improvisational artist dealt with a quantity- with quality- of projects in such a short span. And while Vandermark’s tenor may not be on the cusp of what Miles and Ornette were defining, at least he’s restating it with a purity and relevance that’s been rare of late. Like Kent Kessler’s wicked bass ostinato that opens “Distance,” there’s a foreboding presence that seems to feed off of the tune’s peculiar, inside modal changes. Both Vandermark and saxist Dave Rempis tackle some ethnic-based/Pharoah Sanders twists, before Ken tightens his wig and cuts real loose on the tune’s low profile groove. While the dedication to guitarist Joe Morris almost seems like an afterthought, it’s only until midway when everyone locks brakes while trombonist Jeb Bishop doubles up on a skronky six-string for some celestial-bound, Sonny Sharrock licks to consume the track’s final half. Unbelievably, there is so much mileage and so many gestures used up during this first tune (especially with drummer Tim Mulvenna’s transitions from stoic timekeeper to rambunctious flame-thrower), that lining the remainder of the disc with reproductions would have been acceptable. Instinctively, Vandermark has been slowly stretching his versatility to include some passionate, Dexter Gordon-directed balladry (“Late Night Wait Around”), funky Cannonball Adderly stomps (“Roulette”), and extended Rahsaan Roland Kirk techniques (“Accident Happening”) for his band to address, which only magnify the treasures of “Incline.” And I never get weary of recommending Vandermark’s titles, especially during this phase of his career. –Virginia Reed (Atavistic Records, www.atavistic.com)
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