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Platform 1: Takes Off

By Glenn Astarita
October 10, 2012
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Track review of "In Between Chairs (for Roswell Rudd)"

The debut recording by Platform 1 comprises a multinational cast of progressive jazz musicians who easily knock it out of the park with blazing free-bop motifs, introspective sojourns, shuffling jazz-boogie vamps and celebratory interactions. Add the often feverish solo spots and tumultuous climaxes into the mix to round out a divergent program, culminating in a highly imaginative set of structured song forms, subdivided with ample portions of improvisation.

Amsterdam-based free jazz drummer

Michael Vatcher

percussion

" data-original-title="" title="">Michael Vatcher launches "In Between Chairs (for

Roswell Rudd

trombone
1935 - 2017

" data-original-title="" title="">Roswell Rudd)" with sweeping patterns that segues the band into a capacious outlook, tinted with harsh contrasts. Trumpeter

Magnus Broo

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Magnus Broo generates some high heat via fleeting and raspy notes, as the band navigates open terrain within a loose framework, followed by blossoming choruses. There is a lot going on as trombonist

Steve Swell

trombone
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">Steve Swell's pathos-heavy wah-wah notes preface

Ken Vandermark

saxophone
b.1964

" data-original-title="" title="">Ken Vandermark's gravelly, blues-soaked tenor sax phrasings.

The quintet fuses a semi-controlled jazz vibe with enticing diversions, but seldom abandons the primary thematic foundation, often steeped on bubbly rhythmic sequences and circuitous routes. There is much to digest, yet the shrewdly coordinated and sometimes off- center flows suggest that the upbeat free form improvisational sequences abide by an underlying sense of camaraderie.

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Track Listing

Personnel

Platform 1

Magnus Broo: trumpet; Steve Swell: trombone; Ken Vandermark: tenor saxophone, Bb clarinet; Michael Vatcher: drums; Joe Williamson: bass.

Album information

Title: Takes Off | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Clean Feed Records

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