Roswell Rudd

Roswell Rudd’s big, punchy trombone has graced the jazz improv world for nigh on 30 years. This 1965-era release on America Records has given another facet to his (and saxophonist John Tchicai’s) work on the N.Y. Art Quartet template with the addition of South African drum giant Louis Moholo and the virtually unknown bassist Finn Von Eyben. The compositions are typically vibrant and diverse and the improvising is tight, clear and empathic. Something one may expect with the calibre of the known musicians on this release. The real surprise is the work of bassist Von Eyben. His playing easily matches the virtuosity of Gary Peacock or Peter Kowald and he blazes along without faltering in the wake of Moholo’s world-class-prize-fighter of a drum style. Goes to show you that there are musicians everywhere that you may never hear of that are raising the roof regardless. A most gratifying thought.