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Faruq Z. Bey with the Northwood Improvisers: Journey into the Valley
ByJourney into the Valley (a set that also includes a DVD of the live recording session) is one of two recent Bey-Shelton-Northwoods Improvisers discs and their sixth collaboration. Reedman Mike Carey introduces "Family Folk Song" on concert flute in a spare cascade of metal, wood and air before vibes, bass and drums produce the meaty slink of "Moors." The three tenorsBey, Shelton and Careyweave together into an earthy bounce in thematic homage to Archie Shepp's "Wherever June Bugs Go." Bassist Mike Johnston and drummer Nick Ashton sally forth a downbeat as Mike Gilmore's vibes provide sleek counterpoint, an interpenetration of deft, nearly urbane minimalism and musty energy from somewhere more rural. A Griot Galaxy staple, "Zychron," replaces the R&B honk of "Moors" with delicately-spread long tones that mirror electronics, before Bey's alto is off at a curling run, buoyed by an incredibly up-tempo rhythm section romp of dust and glass. There's a delicate play here between adroit, detailed technique and a coarseness befitting an earlier age, gritty tenor playing soft as a handkerchief and likewise creased, gentle swing. "Blue Monk" takes this to a coy extreme as the saxophonists inhabit a disheveled Sun Ra-like space apposite precision timing.
Mostly, though, the band is incredibly tight and fleshes out arrangements like the stately Tunisian whirl of "In the Valley" with uncommon poise. This schooled reverence is likely wholly in response to the history and weight sprung forth from players like Bey and Shelton, who are far from household names in contemporary improvisation, but whose groundwork the Northwoods Improvisers will doubtless expand upon for years to come.
Personnel
Faruq Z. Bey
saxophone, tenorAlbum information
Title: Journey into the Valley | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: Entropy Stereo
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