"Formed in the summer of 1964, although the New York Art Quartet existed for barely a year and a half, great interest remains in their work. They consisted of co-leaders John Tchicai (alto sax), who participated in John Coltrane's ground-breaking Ascension album and Roswell Rudd (trombone), considered to be the first free-jazz trombonist, along with bassist Don Moore and drummer Milford Graves. The band participated in the legendary 'October Revolution in Jazz', which journalist Bill Shoemaker called, 'Arguably the most seminal jazz concert series ever held...it was a comprehensive four-day survey of jazz's cutting edge.... It marked the beginning of the Golden Era of do-it-yourself jazz culture in the U.S.' They recorded their self-titled first album for ESPand Tchicai went back to his homeland of Denmark to scout out work for the group. Only Rudd was able to join him, so the pair enlisted Copenhagen bassist Finn von Eyben and South African drummer Louis Moholo (of the Blue Notes and Brotherhood of Breath) for a pair of concerts in October, 1965, which are released here. This release features all previously unheard recordings from 1965 with very high-quality sonics. In the 8 page booklet are never-before seen photos and a short, informative essay by writer Jason Weiss, who produced this album. Released on the 45th anniversary of the 'October Revolution in Jazz' and of these recordings, there will be major coverage of this CD in the jazz world. There has never been more interest in historic free-jazz than now and Rudd, Tchicai and Moholo are all leading figures in the music."
Details
Cat. number: RUNE 300CD
Year: 2010
