Andrew Cyrille Albums (14)
What The Critics Say
Andrew Cyrille, Mark Dresser, and Marty Ehrlich have formed a consummately cooperative jazz group, and C/D/E is their first recording. On tunes like Cyrille's melancholy "Aubade," Ehrlich's melody statement segues into some magically delicate group improvisation. Here, Cyrille limits himself to tiny cowbell hits, Ehrlich plaintively explores the tune, and Dresser dances around a funky walking line; no musician steps into the spotlight, yet the music is never without focus. This tune and others (all three members write for the project) reveal why these men are some of the most in-demand players in modern creative jazz: They remain sensitive at all times to the dynamic of the group. All the selections are intriguing, but Thomas Chapin's ethereal "Aeolus," on which Ehrlich plays flute, and Ehrlich's Ornette Coleman-esque "C/D/E," featuring successive solos by each player, really showcase the versatility of this all-star trio. One caveat for fans of these players' more aggressive output is that the mood here is largely tender and melodic, with little outright blaring. ~ Henry M. Shteamer, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This is definitely a recording for very specialized tastes. American drummer Andrew Cyrille and Russian drummer Vladimir Tarasov (who was formerly with the Ganelin Trio) perform four drum duets at concerts in Canada and Oakland. Two of the collaborations are quite lengthy ("No. 11" is listed on the back jacket as timing in at 11:38 but is actually ten minutes longer) and there is also a pair of more concise duets. Although probably pretty impressive to see live, on record much of the musical magic is missing and there are not too many listeners that interested in hearing 56 minutes of drum solos. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Good to Go: A Tribute To Bu'
Release Date 7/15/1997
Tracks 11
Label Soul Note
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What The Critics Say
This is an intriguing set, featuring the combination of drummer Andrew Cyrille, flutist James Newton and bassist Lisle Atkinson, a different kind of power trio. The music ranges from fairly free flights to "Inch Worm" (arranged by Sheila Jordan) and two versions of "A Tribute to Bu" (for Art Blakey). Due to the variety of the material (mostly originals) and the consistent brilliance of Newton, this CD is recommended to fans of advanced jazz. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Ode to the Living Tree'
Release Date 5/20/1997
Tracks 8
Label Evidence
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What The Critics Say
In December 1994, a 55-year-old Andrew Cyrille made his first trip to Africa. First, Cyrille and a group of fellow jazzmen traveled to Ghana to perform at a festival. Then they ventured to Senegal, where they recorded Ode to the Living Tree in a Dakar studio. It isn't every day that jazz improvisers from the U.S. record in Senegal; most of the music that is recorded there is either contemporary African pop or traditional African tribal music. But then, African-American music (jazz as well as blues, rock, and funk) has greatly influenced African pop -- so it makes perfect sense that a studio in Dakar would roll out the carpet for visiting musicians from the United States. According to Cyrille, this historic CD was the first jazz session ever recorded in Senegal, where the drummer leads an inspired, cohesive quintet that employs David Murray on tenor sax and bass clarinet, Oliver Lake on alto sax, Adegoke Steve Colson on electric piano, and Fred Hopkins on bass. With such a cast, Ode could have easily been very left of center. But the performances are generally quite melodic; in fact, Ode is essentially an album of inside/outside post-bop (in the John Coltrane/Jackie McLean/Yusef Lateef vein) rather than ultra-radical, ultra-dissonant free jazz. Murray's tenor is downright lyrical on the peaceful ballad "So That Life Can Endure...P.S. With Love," and a strong sense of melody also defines everything from Murray's moody "Dakar Darkness" to Colson's Brazilian-influenced "Midnight Samba." Coltrane's music is a priority; the musicians bring a lot of passion to "Mr. P.C." as well as a 19-minute medley consisting of "Acknowledgment" and "Resolution" (both from A Love Supreme). Although not as radical as some of Cyrille's other work, Ode to the Living Tree is an excellent CD that he should be proud of. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
'Metamusicians' Stomp'
Release Date 6/15/1994
Tracks 4
Label Black Saint
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What The Critics Say
This intriguing set gives listeners an early glimpse of the great avant-garde tenor saxophonist David Ware, who is well featured with drummer Andrew Cyrille's quartet. "Metamusicians' Stomp" and "5-4-3-2" are fairly concise pieces that could have fit quite comfortably in the repertoire of the original Ornette Coleman Quartet. The standard "My Ship" is given an expressive and lyrical treatment. Over half of this CD is taken up by the 21-and-a-half minute "Spiegelgasse," an episodic piece led by bassist Nick DiGeronimo that contrasts Ware's Archie Shepp-inspired tenor with the comparatively mellow (but sometimes quite fiery) trumpet of Ted Daniels. This is a stimulating program that is easily recommended although its length is that of an LP. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Cyrille displayed his facility at sympathetically and smartly guiding other players throughout this date, interacting with bassist Nick Di Geronimo to design a framework that allowed trumpeter Ted Daniel maximum space and room for his piercing solos, and spurred pianist Sonelius Smith. When necessary, Cyrille soloed with a rigorous discipline and percussive vitality, but was more concerned with overall group dynamics and sound. Daniel was particularly impressive on longer cuts, where his lines, phrases and solos were crisp, expertly articulated and surging. The sound was bright and full, and this is an example of thoughtful, nicely played group improvisation. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Considering the musicians who are involved, it is often surprising how gentle and melodic this music is. Guitarist Alix Pascal is a new voice with a quiet sound, while flutist James Newton, bassist Anthony Cox, and drummer Andrew Cyrille have long been known for their versatility, open-minded approach to improvising, and high musicianship. Each player contributed two songs apiece, and the soloing is pretty democratic, with each musician having their opportunity to shine both as a soloist and in the ensembles. This is a subtle set that grows more interesting with each listen. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Fiery, rampaging session with drummer Andrew Cyrille anchoring a stirring set featuring the dynamic Oliver Lake on alto and soprano saxophone. This is uncompromising, exciting material, far from sedate standards or derivative hard bop recitations. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
