Deeds Not Words

Following the protracted silence around here, things should begin picking up again shortly. I have been busy dealing with deeds and actions rather than words. That includes launching the new AACM website that I collaborated on, which you can now check out. There's a few more little changes to be made but it's live and 95% done.

I've also been doing a lot of listening. One of my new years resolutions was to listen to all of Ornette Coleman's discography from start to finish in 2008, and I'm on my way.

In a brief attempt to wrap up the year that was 2007, the recordings that I found most rewarding and interesting, and which I expect will have the most longevity in my listening rotation were:

• Fred Anderson and Hamid Drake - From the River to the Ocean
• Indigo Trio - Live in Montreal
• Nels Cline Singers - Draw Breath
• Taylor Ho Bynum - The Middle Picture
• Muhal Richard Abrams - Vision Towards Essence
• Amir ElSaffar - Two Rivers
• Rob Wagner Trio
• Harris Eisenstadt - The All Seeing Eye + Octets

There are some other recordings that might make the list upon reflection, but haven't had the time to sink in yet, and only time will tell.

On the off chance any readers here are in the LA area, you should be aware of the upcoming CalArts Creative Music Festival, curated by Wadada Leo Smith, and featuring performances by the Art Ensemble of Chicago, and Mark Feldman and Sylvie Courvoisier.

Welcome to the new year - forward ever.