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Joel Futterman: Innervoice

By Mark Corroto
December 2, 2024
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On each of the three tracks that comprise Innervoice, pianist

Joel Futterman

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Joel Futterman begins with just two notes. Each note resounds in the listener's ear long after the auditory perception has faded. These two notes act as Futterman's conjuring device for what is to come. The pianist, now in his eighth decade, is playing as strong as he ever has. Even though his discography is nearing 100 releases, this solo piano recording may be the best entry point for new listeners. Futterman began in Chicago under the spell of bebop, before exploring music that would be considered more free. He has recorded with, among others

Kidd Jordan

saxophone
1935 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Kidd Jordan,

Alvin Fielder

drums
b.1935

" data-original-title="" title="">Alvin Fielder,

Jimmy Lyons

saxophone, alto
1933 - 1986

" data-original-title="" title="">Jimmy Lyons,

Raphe Malik

trumpet
1948 - 2006

" data-original-title="" title="">Raphe Malik and

Hal Russell

multi-instrumentalist
1926 - 1992

" data-original-title="" title="">Hal Russell.

As we hear in these three tracks, even though he left bebop behind, remnants remain in his music. Fragments of

Charlie Parker

saxophone, alto
1920 - 1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Parker and

Thelonious Monk

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Thelonious Monk float into the mix, as do

George Gershwin

composer / conductor
1898 - 1937

" data-original-title="" title="">George Gershwin and Fr��d��ric Fran?ois Chopin. Is Futterman a

Cecil Taylor

piano
1929 - 2018

" data-original-title="" title="">Cecil Taylor epigone? A less discerning listener might make that connection, but it would be in error. Futterman is, well, Futterman. Yes, he can play a roiling piano as he does here, but he also works in a more painterly fashion. He draws from the aforementioned bebop and chamber sound, plus applies a blues feel, some stride piano and even some meditative passages. With the catalog of sounds and styles Futterman has stored in his brain's library, he draws upon the history of jazz; maybe, better said, his history of jazz, from 1950 until today.

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Track Listing

Innervoice Part I; Innervoice Part II; Innervoice Part III.

Personnel

Joel Futterman

piano

Album information

Title: Innervoice | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: NoBusiness Records

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