Kevin Norton & Haewon Min: Play The Music Of Anthony Braxton

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

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

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Published: January 1, 2002

Composer/percussionist, Kevin Norton has spent a lot of quality time with the estimable saxophonist/composer, Anthony Braxton. On this production, recorded live at “Roulette” in New York City, Norton and classically trained pianist, Haewon Min, reinterpret or perhaps personalize, five of Braxton’s works.

Norton utilizes small percussion instruments, vibes, and marimba as contrapuntal and exploratory devices throughout his quaintly organized and cleverly arranged passages with Ms. Min. On this release, Braxton’s geometrically inclined – new music type works are radiantly enacted. However, the twosome often embarks upon a chamber-esque sound and style amid linear movements, sharp angles, neo-classical overtones, and rhythmically inclined patterns.

“Composition No. 23h” (dedicated to Burckhard Hennen) features a simple yet altogether memorable chorus. Whereas, Ms. Min employs climactically driven harmonics, block chords and flailing arpeggios atop vertical progressions during, “Composition No. 6n (dedicated to Jerome Cooper)”. Here, the listener might sense or visualize someone climbing a spiral staircase.

The storyline continues on “Composition No.62” where the musicians’ render call and response style dialogue and interleaving melodies while demonstrating a bit of playfulness in spots. Overall, the artists’ reverent spin on Braxton’s music yields bountiful dividends. Recommended.

Kevin Norton

Track Listing: 1.Composition No. 60 2.Composition No. 40P 3.Composition No. 23h (dedicated to Burckhardt Hennen) 4.Composition No. 6n (dedicated to Jerome Cooper) 5.Composition No. 62

Personnel: Kevin Norton: marimba/vibraphone/percussion

Record Label: Barking Hoop
Style: Modern Jazz