Union | |
Type: | studio |
Artist: | Paradoxical Frog |
Cover: | Union_Paradoxical_Frog_cover.jpeg |
Border: | yes |
Released: | 2012 |
Recorded: | October 10, 2011 |
Studio: | System Two, Brooklyn |
Genre: | Jazz |
Length: | 71:50 |
Label: | Clean Feed |
Producer: | Kris Davis, Ingrid Laubrock, Tyshawn Sorey |
Chronology: | Kris Davis |
Prev Title: | Aeriol Piano |
Prev Year: | 2011 |
Next Title: | Capricorn Climber |
Next Year: | 2013 |
Union is the second album by Paradoxical Frog, a collective trio consisting of pianist Kris Davis, saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and drummer Tyshawn Sorey. It was recorded in 2011 and released on the Portuguese Clean Feed label.[1]
The Down Beat review by Bill Meyer says that, "This music is so concerned with essence that it sometimes errs on the side of severity; one wishes for just a bit more payoff after so much restraint."[2]
In a double review for JazzTimes Lloyd Sachs states, "That Union is [fun] speaks to how much Davis, Laubrock and Sorey enjoy not only their group concept, but playing in each other's company."[3]
Martin Longley of the BBC commented: "The concept behind this trio is one of complete equality. Sometimes the trio can perform in a completely improvising frame of mind, but this recording inserts a significant ratio of composed themes, naturally infused with more spontaneous diversions. Each member contributes their own pieces... All spheres are open to the Frog."[4]
The Free Jazz Collectives Paolo Casertano called the album "fascinating," and remarked: "Every musician takes his time to distil few powerful notes... This is, among the trio releases I've been lately listening to, maybe the closest to a spoken conversation. I have no other words to describe it."