Chicago Underground Trio - Chronicle
Artist: Chicago Underground Trio
Title: Chronicle
Label: Delmark Records
Reviewed by Mark F. Turner
When the forces of the Chicago Underground Trio (trumpeter Rob Mazurek, drummer Chad Taylor, and bassist Jason Ajemian) are creatively exploited by multimedia/filmmaker artist Raymond Salvatore Harmon, the result is a DVD that combines the mediums of "free jazz" improvisation with abstract visuals yielding sensory interests for both the eyes and ears. Over the past few years the CU has established themselves as a progressive ensemble orbiting outside of the mainstream but deeply entrenched within Chicago's thriving experimental music scene. This document of the group's live recording at Chicago's German Cultural Center is a fitting example of what they're all about.
What is captured is a trio working through spontaneous interaction though four compositions (for over 70 minutes), in an ever-shifting performance. It could be debated that Harmon's visual enhancements are at times overwhelming, but this is more than just a typical band in a video setting. This is art and sound in motion: splashes of colors, visual montages, and superimposed images, pulsating tempo changes in constant flux. Traveling landscapes on "Initiation" with Ajemian's pounding bass solo, split screen shots of the trio or individuals simultaneously playing at different angles.
As psychedelic as it may sometimes appear, the music stands on its on merits and it's a treat to witness the musicians go through the creative changes, changing instruments like tools. Taylor is fierce, delivering multifaceted solos like a drumming octopus, switching fluidly from drums to marimba on "Resistance." Masurek's horn is impressively cool, spanning the music continuum from '60s cool bop to hot sounds of Mariachi-like jazz on the tour-de-force "Transcendence" while Ajemian delivers bowed or plucked bass strings and other electronics, while supporting or leading the changing soundscape.
The visual experience is well suited for wide screen televisions or laptops. The sound is very good (with earth shaking bass responses from the moogs on "Crisis"). The DVD extras are sparse but the main performance is an audio/visual trip that is totally out there.
Tracks: Initiation; Resistance; Power; Crisis; Transformation; Transcendence.
Personnel: Rob Mazurek: cornet, computer, moog source, electric celeste, gong, Chinese cymbal, bamboo flute, moogerfooger pedals; Chad Taylor: drum kit, vibraphone, marimba, mbira, assorted percussion; Jason Ajemian: acoustic bass, electronics.
Label website: www.delmark.com