The Reggie Workman Ensemble – Altered Spaces (1992)
- Details
- Written by T. Rake
Altered Spaces blurs the lines of song and form and is long on energy, mood and vibe. The post-classical vibe of this outing sits somewhat astride the sometimes exacting confines of jazz/improv—with the piano and violin serving as an effective artifice to the freer elements of the unit.
The glowing 27-min improv, Apart, starts with a flurry of drums and once the bass enters to establish base camp from which the explorations commence, other voices rise up and eventually lead to a full-scale ascent by the group.
Reggie's impeccable bass playing along with Jeanne's clandestine vocals, are only heightened by Marilyn's piano work reiterating 1969 with convincing results. This recording captures a live performance of a pulsating, determined unit inexplicably two decades post facto. What is remarkable is that this group is able to displace 1992 so decisively.
Sonically, there are problems with the levels of the violin and the mix suffers from a dearth of low end. However, the imperfections only add to the heft and convey the strength of the playing. Without compromise, this record bests all comers.
- Vocals – Jeanne Lee
- Clarinet – Don Byron
- Double Bass – Reggie Workman
- Drums – Gerry Hemingway
- Piano –Marilyn Crispell
- Violin – Jason Hwang
Here are the tunes:
- Apart (Revisited)
- Ballad for the Silf
- Altered Spaces
- Ten
- Suite Pour le Courage
- Wha's Nine
Pairs well with a Widmer Bros. Rotator IPA.