.WAFL (lf@ [one final note | assif tsahar]
 [one final note]
volume 1 / number 1
winter 1999 / 2000
Assif Tsahar & the Brass Reeds Ensemble
The Hollow World (Hopscotch)

In the realms of creative improvised music, ambitious undertakings are often a risky enterprise. Especially taxing is the drafting of music for large collectives of musicians. Designing an environment that nurtures both individual and group improvisation in a space populated by numerous instrumental voices can sometimes portend failure for even the most seasoned improviser/composer. On his latest release Assif Tsahar stares these realities boldly in the face and cleverly circumvents them through an ingenious use of space and an almost Ellingtonian-like understanding of the capabilities of the musicians in his ensemble. The finished product is something to marvel at, a nine-piece group comprised almost totally of brass and reed players and fueled rhythmically by only a single drummer. It's no accident that the drummer happens to be Susie Ibarra, Tsahar's wife. Her presence as rhythmic fulcrum is a crucial contribution to the successful strategy deployed by the group.

The cast of horn players assembled is no less impressive. Comprised of a cadre culled from the upper echelons of New York's current improvising community, the ensemble dives into Tsahar's compositions with enthusiasm and candor. Of particular note are the contributions of Chancey and Daley whose deeper brass instruments more than make up for the dearth of a traditional string bass presence. At the opposite end of the sonic spectrum Jonas handles upper register duties with a alacritous energy and imagination. The five pieces over which the ensemble ranges often focus on smaller combinations of instruments rather than the collective voice of the entire group, though no one ever stays on the bench for too long. Some of the most interesting moments occur when Tsahar pairs players together. The opening "Tapestry of Dreams" features a number of such duos including an exciting exchange between Tsahar and Brown. When these two trade phrases the results are rarely less than extraordinary. "Edge of Dreams" is likewise packed with insightful conversations from Brown and Daley, and Chancey and Vu. "Rainbow at My Table" builds a reverent tribute to William Parker, one of Tsahar's chief mentors, and the bassist's Little Huey Orchestra is invoked in the densely conceived horn charts Tsahar devises for the piece.

Tsahar's earlier trio recordings solidified his stature as rising star in the ranks of improvised music. On this new release he bravely steps out again in a daringly different direction and carries things off exceedingly well. Given the uncertain economics that can plague the finances of larger groups this ensemble's existence is something to be grateful for. Hopefully Tsahar and his colleagues will find the time and resources to record again very soon. [derek taylor]

Players: Assif Tsahar- tenor saxophone; Herb Robertson- trumpet; Cuong Vu- trumpet; Vincent Chancey- french horn; Joe Daley- tuba; Chris Jonas- soprano saxophone; Rob Brown- alto saxophone; Susie Ibarra- drums.

Tracks: Tapestry of Dreams / The Edge of Infinity / Rainbow on My Table / The Hollow World / The Luminous Tree.

Recorded: March 30, 1999, Roulette, NYC, New York.




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