Roscoe Mitchell, Discussions Orchestra - Discussions (2017)

Saxophonist, composer, supreme improviser and a seminal artist for modern times, Roscoe Mitchell's (AACM, Art Ensemble of Chicago) illimitable inventiveness shines forth on this outing that encompasses a 20-piece orchestra, bridging experimentalism and counterbalancing song forms with nouveau classical music applications.

The final piece is seemingly derived from a New Orleans slang expression "Who Dat," which is a mind-bending 22-minute opus. Commencing with somber strings and crosscutting percussion patterns, James Fei's synth articulations signal impressions of nature, paralleling the ensemble's openness that segues towards drummer, Jordan Glenn's punchy maneuvers. But the plot unfolds as the strings and horns sections launch terse mini-motifs back and forth. Here, percussionists William Winant and Scott Siler use small implements for colorific treatments and statements amid Glenn's power-packed off-beats that ricochet off the strings and woodwind artists' sinewy phrasings (discussions). Hence, the fractured push-pull rhythmic sensations project a series of scintillating frameworks throughout. Along with cheery movements embedded into the mix, occasional notions of a film score for a modern silent movie came to mind, if there is such a thing. ~ allaboutjazz.com review By GLENN ASTARITA

Wilfrido Terrazas: flutes
James Fei: electronics
Stacey Pelinka: flute
Jesse Barrett: oboe
Rachel Condry: clarinet, bass clarinet
Erin Irvine: bassoon
William Harvey: trumpet
Andrew Strain: trombone
Tiffany Bayly: tuba
William Winant: percussion I
Scott Siler: percussion II
Jordan Glenn: drum set
Brett Carso: piano
Roy T. Malan: violin I
Mia Bella D’Augelli: violin II
Cio Tilton: viola
Crystal Pascucci: cello
Richard Wom: double bass
Roscoe Mitchell: sopranino saxophone

Track List:
01. Cascade (04:23)
02. I'll See You Out There (06:45)
03. Discussions 1 (09:37)
04. Cracked Roses (05:06)
05. Frenzy House (08:11)
06. Home Screen (06:49)
07. Discussions 2 (02:12)
08. Who Dat (22:38)

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