Bobby Bradford/Frode Gjerstad/William Roper/Alex Cline

January 13, 2025

Frice
Fundacja Sluchaj! FSR 19/2024

A friendly reunion, Frice’s five group improvisations recall a 2022 Los Angeles visit by Norwegian saxophonist/clarinetist Frode Gjerstad hooking up with local long-time associate, American cornetist Bobby Bradford, with whom he has been playing since 2009. On hand were cornet associates and West Coast free music stalwarts drummer Alex Cline and William Roper playing tuba and small instruments.

Most notable is the playing of Bradford, 88 at the time, whose brass timbre both straight-ahead and with plunger scoops or soaring triplets are as clear and authoritative as they were when he partnered Ornette Coleman or John Carter in the 1960s or the 1970s. Gjerstad, Norway’s original free jazz archetype, then 74 is similarly in full command. Intertwining tones with the cornetist, whether they’re slick trills that complement bugling upward riffs, or chalumeau growls that challenge squeaky triplets, he emphasizing sophisticated blending whether its from unexpected yelps or fluttering scoops. Cline’s backing encompasses gong reverberations and bass drum rumbles as well as cadenced ruffs, while Roper’s brass snores  and blasts add timbral bounces and ballast in equal measure,

The most descriptive tune is “Divalproex Haze’”. Built around Bradford’s delicate triplet overlay mated with melancholy reed sniffs and Cline’s vigorous thumps, its singular shape is singularly defined as Roper blows harmonica smears in tandem with Gjerstad’s aviary flutters.

A joyful meeting for all, Frice captures a collection of unstoppable creative music as well as confirming Bradford’s still potent brass power and skill.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: 1. Abyssopelagic Zone 2. Wraiths Of Despair 3. Divalproex Haze 4. Lajabless 5. Revels

Personnel: Bobby Bradford (cornet); Frode Gjerstad (alto saxophone and Bb clarinet); William Roper (tuba, travel tuba and small instruments) and Alex Cline (drums)