By adding two trombonists and a percussionist to his sputtering soprano saxophone, Chris Jonas creates some startlingly original pieces that sound as if they are performed by a much larger group. Joe Fielder continues to grow as his rip-snorting against-the-grain lines bounce off Chris Washburne's forays to the lower depths of the bass clef. Percussionist Andrew Barker sparks energetic bursts but also shows a soft, sensitive side. Jonas' pointillist compositions make good use of the trombone timbre, as the horns punch out syncopated bursts. The saxophonist focuses on interaction, as his horn weaves in and out of harmonies laid down by his brass brethren. Surprises abound, as variety reigns. Unpredictably accessible, The Sun Spits Cherries points to some new and vibrant directions in which free jazz may be headed at the turn of the century. -- Steven Loewy
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According to unsubstantiated legend, Nirvana's Kurt Cobain once approached Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder in a Seattle bar and told Vedder he hated everything Pearl Jam and its fans stood for. The next time he saw Vedder, he retracted half of the comment, since the exact same fans supported both bands.