What We Live: Especially The Traveller Tomorrow (2002)

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: November 13, 2002

What We Live: Especially The Traveller Tomorrow

The latest installment of this trio’s investigative ways signifies one of its finest efforts to date. As this effort represents material recorded live on tour in France.

With the opener “As Yet Unknown,” the musicians cast an eerie vibe thanks to drummer Don Robinson’s ominous sounding tom rolls and bassist Lisle Ellis’ booming lines. Here, Larry Ochs uses his sopranino sax as a contrasting mechanism via plaintive cries and subtle intonations, while switching to tenor sax midstream through the piece. Hence, the artists’ ability to provide an undulating sense of momentum rings loud and clear throughout as they traverse bumpy roads while maintaining a loose gait

Ochs activates an abstract blues motif in concert with a few tumultuous episodes during the piece titled "Xanic Rides." Yet, on “Especially the Traveller Tomorrow," Ochs moves forward like a whirling dervish as the trio pursues an evolutionary method of rendering verbose dialogue. It’s all about unity, and the musicians’ deep understanding of what needs to transpire. Intuitive improvisational tactics prevail throughout this most appeasing journey to parts unknown. Strongly recommended...

Omnitone Distribution

Track Listing: 1.As Yet Unknown 2.Spelled Backwards 3.Xanic Rides 4.Especially the Traveller Tomorrow

Personnel: Lisle Ellis: bass

Record Label: Metalanguage
Style: Modern Jazz