SLAMCD580 Glen Hall, Bernie Koenig & M.J. Idzerda – Three Way Conversations

Improvised duo and trio “conversations” by the Canadian musicians, saxophonist Glen Hall, drummer Bernie Koenig and keyboardist M.J. Idzerda.

The first SLAM CD by Hall and Koenig was released exactly four years prior to this album, with improvised track titles taken from typical snippets of every day conversation, that CD was called ‘Overheard Conversations’ (SLAMCD552). On ‘Three Way Conversations’ the musicians, with the addition of M. J. Irdzerda have taken inspiration from their own informal communications, recreating this in their improvised musical conversations.

Glen Hall: tenor and soprano saxophone, flute, bass flute
Bernie Koenig: drums, vibes
M.J. Idzerda: electric keyboard

“In every piece there comes something new, due perhaps to the ever-changing constructions, whether in duo or trio. The tone from the tenor is large and robust, but by contrast the soprano is eel-like in its game of ‘Tick’ with Idzerda’s electrics. All three might create a mêlée, all improvising together and with many a giggle, as they fashion such entertainment from their new sounds. Glen Hall’s wide-ranging involvement with the genre shows and the spontaneity is nigh-on inflammable.” – Ken Cheetham, Jazz Views

“This takes the conversation metaphor/method to substantial lengths, 15 mostly quite short tracks in which the trio breaks down into different duo and instrumental pairings. The most interesting track, tellingly, is the long trio piece I Still Have More To Say…Particularly effective is the combination of vibes and bass flute, which you won’t have come across very often. Intriguing enough in its schematic way, this one leaves you wanting to hear more from the full group.” – Brian Morton, Jazz Journal

“Hall’s tenor tone is big and Rollins-strong, and is freely wheeled with Koenig’s drums on “Long Time No See” or with impressionistic vibes during “I Still Have More To Say.” Hall’s soprano plays cat and mouse with Idzerda on the slay “Think I’ve Got It” and is laconic for “You Can Always Count On Me.” The three scramble like eggs on “My First Taste of Jack” and with Hall’s flute gets mystical for “The Light of Dawn”.” – George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly

Recorded February 27th and August 5th 2016, London Ontario Canada
Recorded and mastered by Richard Moule

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