Reed man Ken Vandermark is not averse to the odd side project. In his lengthy stint as the reigning poohbah of Chicago's jazz underground, he's been the fulcrum upon the NRG Ensemble, as well as offering major contributions to the Flying Luttenbachers, Caffeine, Cinghiale, Signal to Noise Unit, the Steel Wool Trio, Witches and Devils, Barrage Double Trio, and the Crown Royals.

Unearthed recently, Real Time records a 1996 session featuring 3/5s of the Vandermark Five (Vandermark, Kent Kessler, and Tim Mulvenna) and guest pianist Jim Baker. Why it wasn't released four years ago isn't clear, as it's a rewarding set, by turns squalling, peaceful and reflective.

"No Go," dedicated to the memory of Dexter Gordon, doesn't try to mimic the hot and cool that Dexter blew. Rather, Baker's piano accompaniment nudges Vandermark's sax into twists and sidelines that forgo obvious vamping and chordal movements. After this prologue, the first of Baker's originals, "Non-Confirmation," appears. But Baker doesn't bogart the session with pianistic prowess. Instead, the track bounces on a steady Kessler bassline as Baker's piano conforms to hotel lounge mode. But not for long. When Vandermark brings the skronk, the deep leather seats of the hotel lounge are slashed, the cocktail bar trashed, and the bellhops smacked down by an angry crowd of avant-gardists. The quintet's conviction never subsides as mayhem dissolves into introspective playing.

Film composer, soccer fan, and Damon Albarn's pal Peter Greenaway is honored on "Tableau Shot," though Steam barely even hint at his serial composition style-- no quotations from Purcell, no Scottish folk dance tunes, no strident boy trebles decrying murder. The track is subdued showcase for Vandermark's clarinet mastery, ranging from deep chalumeau rasps to high-register, bluesy wails. Tim Mulvenna's drums frame Vandermark's explorations while Baker's piano calms the anxious clarinet. My only concern with Real Time is the fact that the recording was left in a can somewhere for four years until Atavistic issued it. How much more beauty remains sealed?

-Paul Cooper