www.jazz.comBy Walter Kolosky

The Suite of Consequence (Movement II)

Musicians:

John Escreet (keyboards),

Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet), David Binney (sax), Matt Brewer (bass), Tyshawn Sorey (drums)
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Composed by John Escreet
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Recorded: Brooklyn, NY, June 2008
Albumcoverjohnescreet-consequences

Rating: 86/100 (learn more)

A foreboding introduction ushers in “The Suite of Consequence (Movement II).” While “Movement I” was somewhat structured, “Movement II” is nothing of the sort. A somber and simultaneous chaotic atmosphere hangs in the air. Saxophonist David Binney and bassist Matt Brewer take turns trying to sound like each other in a slow and sad section. Pianist John Escreet and Binney follow by trying to fill the now present sound vacuum with some spatial texture. The doom and gloom continues as the volume and participation levels increase. Now all obvious structure is lost. A free jazz formlessness appears, then disappears. It turns out that there is form in the unformed. I am usually not a big fan of this free jazz stuff. But Escreet’s music has the ability to maintain interest. Perhaps it is because it is a section of a larger piece, and you need to hear this to get you from here to there. At any rate, “Movement II” is quite engaging.

There are three parts to the overall suite. They are listed as separate cuts, but “Movement II” flows seamlessly into “Movement III” without any pause on the CD. It is a continuation of the substance of “Movement II.” However, as the piece draws closer to its end, there is an increased amount of dynamic syncopation, stops and starts and unison playing. The suite ends with a dead stop.

This music will not be to everyone’s liking. But those of you who enjoy listening to jazz musicians trying to meet the strong challenge of powerfully intricate music that is still somehow free will be very stimulated.