This group is an all-star trio of younger members of the
AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) who came together celebrate
the 50th anniversary of the organization in a concert in Seattle early in 2015.
Flutist Nicole Mitchell, cellist Tomeka Reid, and drummer Mike Reed opened their
performance with the track “Composition 23B” which begins with fast flute and
nervously tapped cymbals. Cello and drums set a wonderful solid foundation for
Mitchell’s flute to fly over. Her swirls build to a speedy, choppy section and
a short complex drum solo. Bouncy flute, cello and deft brushes send “Jo Jar”
off on a light, dancing feel. Reid plays very well, first bowing then plucking
his instrument and allowing every one to follow her lead in this pleasant, warm
and melodic performance. “Have Mercy Upon Us” harkens back to the spiritual
jazz of the 1960’s with the lower toned flute and cello backing Mitchell as she
begins a ceremonial incantation. Long tones of flute are juxtaposed against
Mitchell chanting the title phrase over and over in a hypnotic fashion. A
solemn cello opens “BK” before drums and spritely flute brighten the scene,
building faster, with the flute first chirping and then laying out streams and
ribbons of sound. Then there is a nice section of collective improvisation
before the final member of the trio gets his solo spot, and Reed makes the most
of a solo that is lithe and subtle. "Munkt Munk" has a very angular
light scattering sensibility, allowing a wonderful bowed section for Reid and
the band as a whole to move through this unusual music with alacrity. Finally,
“Light on the Path” opens with Mitchell’s flute playing in an unfettered
fashion punctuated by short punchy breaths as the cello and drums are locked in
below. This is a great solo that is flying high, calling out to the past
masters and the new wave, trading phrases with Reid’s high pitches cello on her
return to Earth. The compositions on this album were from older and often
founding members of the AACM, and it is clear that tradition of the past has
met innovation of the present on this album. This was the goal of the organization
from the very beginning, this was a wonderful album and the institution is in
good hands.
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