Sonny Simmons - Michael Marcus - William Parker - Jay Rosen: The Cosmosamatics (2002)

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

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

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Published: November 1, 2001

“Boxholder Records” infers that this inaugural outing represents a proposed ongoing collaboration between the somewhat legendary multi-reedman, Sonny Simmons, and the increasingly important saxophonist/flutist, Michael Marcus. Coupled with the fact that bassist, William Parker and drummer, Jay Rosen anchor down the rhythms, the implications are that of a modern jazz/improvising super-group!

The soloists’ launch the proceedings with turbo mode unison choruses on the piece titled, “Quasar,” as Rosen and Parker incorporate African-tinged rhythms into a series of passages that might bespeak sensations of controlled bedlam. Here and throughout, the saxophonists,’ pursue scathing lines atop the rhythm sections’ relentless, polyrhythmic attack.

The band renders a musical caricature of the late, Charles Mingus on “Mingus Mangus,” via sweet tempered lyricism and fervent exchanges, as guest artist, James Carter utilizes his bass sax as a vehicle to spawn unrelenting ferocity. However, with “Beyond The Inner East,” bassoonist, Karen Borca and master tabla performer, Samir Chatterjee alter the tone of the album largely due to a shrewd melding of East Indian grooves and fancy-free improvisation. No doubt, the musicians who comprise The Cosmosamatics aim for the stars amid their sometimes, trancelike impetus and synergistic interplay. Highly recommended.

Email: boxholdr@aol.com

Track Listing: 1. Quasar 2. Mingus Mangus 3. Near 4. Beyond The Inner East 5. New Line Groove

Personnel: Sonny Simmons: alto sax & English horn

Record Label: Boxholder Records
Style: Modern Jazz