Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Karen Borca: Good News Blues
Karen Borca: Good News Blues
ByKaren Borca
bassoonb.1948

Cecil Taylor
piano1929 - 2018

Jimmy Lyons
saxophone, alto1933 - 1986
In the same way that it only became clear after his death what Lyons brought to Taylor's music, Borca's contribution to the music of Lyons perhaps becomes clearer now. Her complex lengthy themes subtend improvisations that unfurl like elongated banners streaming in the wind, offering building blocks to reinvigorate and redirect the subsequent invention, reflecting a classicist's approach to form. Not much of her classical training remains in her playing as she adopts a buzzing timbre with an expressive throaty edge, punctuated by beseeching cries which slice through the ensembles.
With her backstory, it is little wonder that she recruits such illustrious colleagues for the performances included here. The first three numbers stem from 1998, and feature a rotating cast, with the propulsive rhythmic flow of fellow Taylor alumnus bassist

William Parker
bassb.1952

Paul Murphy
drumsb.1949

Susie Ibarra
percussionb.1970

David S. Ware
saxophone, tenor1949 - 2012
However the most notable change is the addition of alto saxophonist

Rob Brown
saxophone, altob.1962

Reggie Workman
bassb.1937

Todd Nicholson
bass, acoustic
Newman Taylor Baker
percussionTrack Listing
Good News Blues; Something; Cambiar; 45 Hours / New Piece.
Personnel
Karen Borca
bassoonWilliam Parker
bassPaul Murphy
drumsSusie Ibarra
percussionReggie Workman
bassTodd Nicholson
bass, acousticNewman Taylor Baker
percussionRob Brown
saxophone, altoAlbum information
Title: Good News Blues | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: NoBusiness Records
Tags
Comments
PREVIOUS / NEXT
Support All About Jazz
