Steam
Real Time
[Atavistic]
Rating: 7.8
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