ICP Orchestra - Jubilee Varia

[Steve Reynolds]

Also known as the Instant Composers’ Pool

Recorded 11/6/97

Misha Mengelberg – piano
Michael Moore – clarinet, alto saxophone
Ab Baars – clarinet, tenor saxophone
Thomas Heberer – trumpet
Wolter Wierbos – trombone
Ernst Reijseger – cello
Tristan Honsinger - cello
Ernst Glerum – bass
Han Bennink – drums

On hatOLOGY – out of print, I think...sorry



Although there are two more recent discs by the band (on the ICP label) that I havn’t heard, this is one recording that has at times intrigued, baffled, excited or even disappointed me.

Having been listening to it on and off since it was released (1999) and having seen the band do one set maybe around 1999 or 2000, I am still unsure completely what to make of the band – I will get the two more recent recordings as I am still more intrigued than disappointed in what I hear here.

My disappointment only stems from the that when they make something incredible happen every once in a while, one wonders why they can’t do it all the time – or certainly why Misha can’t put out a recording or recordings that will pick and choose this greatness.

Case in point on this CD – the opening duet between Han and Misha is a fucking miracle – the trumpet solo by Heberer during the second half of the disc is cloe to one – and Misha’s playing at times during some of the last sections accompanying or soloing over Han and company is almost beyond a miracle. The band’s touch and taste can be incredibly right

But why isn’t it all that great – I don’t think they have doing it too long – I think maybe part of it is that the humour goes a little too far – but really unless one is jaded (like my frined Brian or some of the others who think jazz is somehow passé) then this band is still pretty damn fantastic – and with Bennink on the drums - when they play a little Monk or a little Duke in addition to the Misha lines or some of the freeish improvisational episodes – and it works – there is really still nothing like them

But I will be looking into that Bik Bent Braam thingy - Growing Pains – would love to know how it is compared to the stuff made by the Dutch grand masters – Misha and Han


and the best memory of all for me is Han chasing us all down Norfolk Street thank us for coming by and listening to the band...


Rollo, baby

[Surfer]

[Tom K]

I heard the band live (for the second time) about two weeks ago. They played two sets; the first one didn't really get to me; it was too eclectic: One piece was modern classical, one was like old-fashioned circus music, one was jazz etc. - The second set was much more of a whole, and the band really showed what they can do - even Mary Oliver's violin solo was as jazzy as anyone could wish. This, now, was full of life, like Ellington and Mingus.

But the concert certainly confirmed the impression given by the recordings - you're quite right there, Steve.

BTW: And Misha Mengelberg seems to have given up smoking - at least on stage! And about time too; he doesn't exactly look healthy.