Alex Ward/Alan Wilkinson/Jem Doulton

Those who think vociferous Free Jazz is a 1960s/1970s relic, or those still yearning for its dominance should realize that this unadorned sound is very much with us. Take this wedge of boisterous free playing by three UK musicians. Saxophonist/clarinetist Alan Wilkinson has been part of several free jazz power trios with the likes of Steve Noble and Simon H. Fell. Guitarist Alex Ward, who usurps the place of a bassist here, has been involved with these sorts of sounds since playing with Derek Bailey in his early teens. Meanwhile drummer Jem Doulton has worked with Thurston Moore.

Playing Noise Rock is certainly an asset for the drummer since the cumulative tonal dynamics expressed by the saxophonist and guitarist consistently reach such a high level that Doulton is barely heard during the first two tracks. The commotion caused by Ward’s twangs and flanges is matched by Wilkinson’s reed slurs, screeches and scoops, with Doulton turning to anvil- hard smashes to make his presence felt. These aren’t unyielding Metal drones however. Frequently the guitarist’s fingering a string whine plus the saxophonist’s stratospheric fragmented reed bites add timbral dabs and indents to the swiftly moving improvisations. Doulton’s clips and ruffs are more prominent on a track like “Rotationality” when Wilkinson turns from digging out nephritic baritone sax notes to more level bass clarinet flutters. Linear suggestions are added to the straining group affiliations, although the guitarist’s knob-twisting clenched line distortions remain. Eventually chalumeau stutters aren’t enough for Wilkinson and he reverts to saxophone for billowing snorts.

Although the trio ends the program with enough shudders, gargles and backbeats to swamp any Industrial or Metal band, the energy is tempered by broken octave continuity. Plus Ward’s electrified flanges and Wilkinson’s command of sweeps, doits and other extended techniques on all three of his horns means the program includes subtlety and shading as the band moves through modifications of tempos, speed and connectivity. Even a track like the nearly 18½ minute “Diffusivity” isn’t overdone, since a few wavery tones and hints of textural pointillism adds variety through stops and wavers.

Unbridled Free Jazz energy still resonates solidly in these performances as it would in years past. But as 21st century musicians, the sonic complexion is mottled with particular asides and emphasis.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: Alex: 1. Irregularity 2. Diffusivity 3. Rotationality 4. Dissipation

Personnel: Alex: Alan Wilkinson (alto, baritone saxophones and bass clarinet); Alex Ward (guitar) and Jem Doulton (drums)