Artist: Ensemble Uncontrolled
Title: Links
Cat Number: SLAMCD507
Year released: 2001
Format: CD & all digital platforms
Barcode: 5028386 050728
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International free jazz ensemble that features Estonian musicians trombonist Edward Akulin and guitarist Mart Soo, as well as Japanese percussionist Takashi Kazamaki, Swiss saxophonist Christoph Gallio, German guitarist Kalle Laar, plus American clarinettist Paul Hoskin on two tracks. They perform ten tracks in a mixture of live and studio settings recorded in Estonia.
Edward Akulin: trombone
Christoph Gallio: soprano and alto saxophone
Takashi Kazamaki: percussion
Kalle Laar: guitar, electronics
Mart Soo: guitar
Paul Hoskin: bass clarinet (tracks 5 and 9)
“Ensemble Uncontrolled’s second CD came out on Slam Productions, five years after the debut Tales from the Forest on Leo Records Laboratory. It presents studio recordings from April 1997 and two live pieces from October 1996…Members of the international outfit meet sparsely, but their free improvisations still convey a strong sense of maturity. The studio tracks were recorded in Tallinn, home of Akulin and Soo. Laar (guitar), Kasamaki (percussion) and Day & Taxi saxophonist Gallio complete the line-up. Hoskin adds his bass clarinet to the two live improvs. Halfway between Peter Brötzmann’s tropical-heat blowing and the Spontaneous Music Ensemble’s abstract restraint, the music of the Ensemble Uncontrolled embraces texture without turning its back on dynamics…generally the music offers a complex, rich amalgam of ideas. The two guitars dominate the sound, establishing moods, taking up solo space, etc. Gallio brings a more lyrical point of view, throwing lines inspired by Evan Parker. Trombone and percussion remain for the most part at the level of interesting accessories. Wind Tells (Sometimes), Restless Counterpoint and Have You Been in Tibet? all provide paced highlights. Links is not a ground-breaking album, but it features honest, heartfelt, and challenging improvising.” – François Couture, All-Music Guide
Tracks 1-4, 6-8 & 10 recorded at Eesti Raadio, Tallinn, Estonia. 18 April 1997; tracks 5 and 9 recorded live at Minoya Hall, Osaka, 14 October 1996.