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The Lou Grassi Po Band with Marshall Allen: Live At The Knitting Factory Volume 1

By Glenn Astarita
February 22, 2011
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Track review of "RePoZest"

The Lou Grassi Po Band with Marshall Allen: Live At The Knitting Factory Volume 1

Drummer Lou Grassi, with his progressive jazz and improvisational luminaries, slams matters into high gear during this gutsy 2000 recording, captured at New York City's Knitting Factory. Historically, Grassi is known for his driving passion and prominent leadership, while almost always engaging with superior musicians. Here, the frontline musicians lock horns, via intervallic spikes and scorching dialogues.

"RePoZest" presents an evolving vista, commencing with introspective musings between trumpeter

Paul Smoker

trumpet
1941 - 2016

" data-original-title="" title="">Paul Smoker's linear phrasings and flautist

Marshall Allen

saxophone, alto
b.1924

" data-original-title="" title="">Marshall Allen's cosmological lines. The plot thickens, as trombonist

Steve Swell

trombone
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">Steve Swell and clarinetist

Perry Robinson

clarinet
1938 - 2018

" data-original-title="" title="">Perry Robinson envelop the theme-building component with drawling extended notes, as the band assumes a role-playing modus operandi, where notions of discontent come to fruition, perhaps mimicking an unruly protest.

Lucid imagery radiates, as the soloists surge forward with an argumentative gait and a take-no-prisoners approach. Grassi and associates execute an abundance of abstract aerial assaults and knockout blows throughout this rather mesmeric program.

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Personnel

Lou Grassi

drums

Lou Grassi: drums; Marshall Allen: alto sax, flute; Paul Smoker: trumpet; Steve Swell: trombone; Perry Robinson: clarinet; Wilber Morris: bass.

Album information

Title: Live At The Knitting Factory Volume 1 | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Porter Records

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Echoes Of Velocity Feat. Lou Grassi | Live Recording

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