Saxophonist/composer and modernist, Scott Rosenberg is one of those young explorers who is willing to take risks, while maintaining a clear-sighted sense of artistic integrity. On this effort, he joins forces with notable Chicago area musicians such as pianist and analogue synth performer Jim Baker, among others.
The band is clearly in synch, regardless of the free form implications. Yet Rosenberg’s steady diet of honking and squealing his way through the preponderance of these four lengthy pieces, often presents a rather monolithic experience. However, there are moments when Rosenberg and Baker delve into some truly intriguing counterpoint initiated sequences amid some clamorous exchanges. In other areas, the quartet rings up notions of the British free-improv movement, as they inject terse lines atop asymmetrical rhythms. And the band delves into bop and swing parameters with a soaring impetus.
The majority of this affair is firmly planted within a sense of yearning via the group’s powerful presence. To that end, it is all quite interesting, although there’s an ascetic vibe that looms rather noticeably throughout the majority of this highly energized endeavor.
