The Longrun Development of the Universe #6

Probably the final long run for this veteran trio of European improvisers after more than two decades, For Albert is both a summation and a salute. That’s because despite what North Americans would figure the Albert in the title isn’t Ayler but German trombonist Albert Mangelsdorff (1928-2005), one of pioneers of Free Jazz in Europe. This is more than just name checking too. Dutch trombonist Wolter Wierbos, known for his long tenure in the ICP Orchestra, is with his command of multiphonics one of Mangelsdorff’s true heirs. German tenor saxophonist Matthias Schubert was a member of the German trombonist’s groups from 1986 to 1990; while German tubaist Carl-Ludwig Hübsch has been part of numerous groups including The Multiple Joy [ce] Ensemble and the European Tuba Quartet.

Meanwhile its unique instrumentation allows the trio to cannily reconstitute Mangelsdorff’s conventional and cutting-edge faces. With its vamping counterpoint and bright Cool Jazz feel “Hot Hut” suggests the trombonist’s early boppish style. Meanwhile “Sonntagsgrau” relates to his latter ground-breaking experiments as floating brass choir timbres are surmounted by strained tuba snores and altissimo saxophone whistles.

For Albert is much more than this of course. The four remaining Hübsch compositions explore metallic sonorities, angling and positioning all the timbres that can be extracted from this brass/reed combination. Although the three are adroit in such extended techniques as Wierbos’ gutbucket whoops, Schubert’s split tones and Hübsch’s undulating rumbles give way to  horizontal advances in three layered registers. Besides passing flattened timbres from one to another, there are points where the group members combine for near-marching band cadences with buttery trombone breaths and staccato reed trills moving rhythmically atop a burbling tuba continuum.

The three-part tone integration on “Osti-Nato” creates a literal canon with the trio members’ closely harmonized syncopation advancing from highest to lowest pitches during the exposition. An interlude of vocalized murmurs, yells, wails and tongue slaps underlines the group’s unique interaction, although the final sequence evokes unselfconscious swing.

Unusual only in instrumentation, The Longrun Development of the Universe clearly demonstrates on this notable set that sophisticated EuroImprov continues to evolved in an exceptional fashion. That promise will only be intensified as its members go their separate ways.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: 1. Bird Pool 2. Sonntagsgrau 3. Hot Hut 4. Unconditioned 5. Osti-Nato 6. Ant Steps on an Elephant’s Toe

Personnel: Wolter Wierbos (trombone); Carl-Ludwig Hübsch (tuba) and Matthias Schubert (tenor saxophone