Mark Helias "Open Loose"
(US)
modern jazz
Bass man Mark Helias’ new acoustic trio from New York reminds you what is great about deep jazz: atmospheric compositions, intimate sound and strong emotional interaction. Strange Unison is their
new timeless album, where Helias’ compositions and improvisation join in a seamless whole.
Helias rose to the limelight in Anthony Braxton’s quartet in the late 70’s and later worked extensively with Leo Smith, Ed Blackwell and Don Cherry. He gigs continually in New York anywhere
from small bars to Carnegie Hall. He has done 11 albums as a leader, composed two movie soundtracks and several chamber pieces. Tenorist Tony Malaby has played in Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music
Orchestra and Paul Motian’s Electric Bebop Band and has a couple of excellent solo albums. Drummer Tom Rainey has worked on nearly 80 albums, some of them by saxophonist Tim Berne.