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Andy Schlinder
Amos Gillespie: Unstructured Time for Jazz Septet
by Richard J Salvucci
The premise of this interesting recording may well be summarized in the old Roman proverb, Make haste, but slowly." Amos Gillespie is a Chicago-based composer and instrumentalist who has composed a nine-part jazz suite for a septet. In his own words, Unstructured Time is about capturing childhood focus, creativity and peace through unstructured time." The title is a bit deceptive. While there may be a variety of meters that frame the improvised solos, the recording is in no way formless. ...
read moreAmos Gillespie: Unstructured Time for Jazz Septet
by Jack Bowers
Chicago-based composer/educator/alto saxophonist Amos Gillespie's CD, Unstructured Time, employs a variety of time signatures but is anything but unstructured--in fact, the opposite may reasonably be opined, as taut structure is clearly front and center on the album's four instrumental and five vocal numbers. In other words, unstructured" in Gillespie's lexicon bears absolutely no resemblance to free" jazz but refers instead to the struggle to find structure and balance in an environment wherein one is constantly bombarded with negative messages and ...
read moreThe Pete Ellman Big Band: The Twelve Grooves of Christmas
by Nicholas F. Mondello
As we enter the Holidays, the airwaves and digital streams flow with seasonal fare of all types of genres. And, once we ring in the New Year, said music heads back into hibernation until the next Thanksgiving and December roll around. The Pete Ellman Big Band's The Twelve Grooves of Christmas is such a fine recording that it might not be surprising for listeners to listen to it year around. The effort is that good. This high-energy ...
read morePete Ellman: For Pete's Ache
by Nicholas F. Mondello
Long a fixture throughout Chicagoland, the Ellman name is synonymous with all things musical. No ache" at all, this album is a fun big-band romp. There is some outstanding ensemble and solo work and the various terrific arrangements bring the best out of a superb, engaged ensemble. The opener, High Speed Pursuit," is a whirlwind burner which demonstrates the swing, muscle, and solo talent of this fine ensemble. Think Naked Gun" on speed. The swing spirit is ...
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