Interface (Live)

Album Review

Saxophonist Steve Lehman digs in with drummer Pheeroan akLaff and bassist Mark Dresser in a highly exploratory program. Movement and evolution are the hallmarks of Lehman's compositions, and that is illustrated here by his rearrangement of two pieces: one from each of his previous outings — the opener, "Structural Fire" from the 2001 album of the same name, and "Rison," from Camoflage, issued in 2002. Lehman's compositional ideas reflect the logic of spartan melody as it gives way to dynamic and chromatic organization within the negotiated space of the trio as built upon by structural improvisation. These tunes, though decidedly on the fringes, keep the movement on the post-bop edge, teetering and fluctuating wildly between sound worlds. It works best on "Structural Fire," "Motion," and "Interface," the longest pieces on the set where the gradual unfolding allows for the force in these pieces to be given proper breathing room. On the shorter pieces, there is simply so much force the listener doesn't have enough time to hold on to the density of ideas being tossed around in the swirl. Ultimately, this is a satisfying set and should resonate with anyone interested in modern free jazz.