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Gerald Cleaver: The Process

By Mark Corroto
October 7, 2024
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Will the latest offering by

Gerald Cleaver

drums
b.1963

" data-original-title="" title="">Gerald Cleaver quiet the haters and jackals? Listeners accustomed to his drum work with

Craig Taborn

piano
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Craig Taborn,

William Parker

bass
b.1952

" data-original-title="" title="">William Parker,

Daniel Carter

saxophone
b.1996

" data-original-title="" title="">Daniel Carter,

JD Allen

saxophone, tenor
b.1972

" data-original-title="" title="">JD Allen, etc. etc., might believe they have to make a choice, one similar to the historic divide

" data-original-title="" title="">Miles Davis created when he went electric. Starting with Cleaver's recordings for Positive Elevation Records—Signs (2020), followed by Griots (2021), and 22/23 (2023)—he has ventured into the realms of modular electronics, machine drumming and synthesizers.

While haters gonna hate, The Process just might convert a few never-electric listeners. Cleaver, raised in Detroit, must certainly have absorbed the city's soul, electronic and house music traditions. This feel for groove and pulse has been evident in his earliest sideman work with the likes of

Roscoe Mitchell

saxophone
b.1940

" data-original-title="" title="">Roscoe Mitchell,

Chris Lightcap

bass
b.1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Chris Lightcap, and

Matthew Shipp

piano
b.1960

" data-original-title="" title="">Matthew Shipp. None of that rhythm is lost in this deep dive into programming.

Unlike the prior releases referred to above, which were made up of mostly short, compact tracks that often felt like experiments, The Process is one long (36+ minute) composition. Artists like The Orb, Squarepusher and Aphex Twin might be a reference here, but an improvised music fan's bias comes into play with the choices Cleaver utilizes. He does not simply program and push play but orchestrates the pulse and layers of sounds. While other techno is best absorbed as background sounds, Cleaver's creation takes center stage.

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Track Listing

The Process.

Personnel

Gerald Cleaver

drums

Additional Instrumentation

Gerald Cleaver: electronics.

Album information

Title: The Process | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Postitive Elevation

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