Nels Cline, Andrea Parkins, Tom Raniey - Ash and Tabula (2004)
via bravo juju:
The idea behind Atavistic’s Out Trios series appears to be a sound one. Put three compatible improvisers in a room, turn on the machines, and let ‘em rip.Now although these particular artists don’t play together frequently, they share skills on the highest level. They listen and respond to each other so quickly it’s frightening, and they respond spontaneously with complementary colors.
Considered as a totality, this is strange, evocative stuff. “Ruination” begins with a suggestion of impending dentistry inside Godzilla’s mouth, while “Alleys of North America” manages to find its way back to its aching piano intro after spending much time in deep space. These three musicians all have substantial discographies at this point, but this album rates near the top of any list of their recorded achievements.
“I very much see KILT as among the natural heirs to a certain brand of humanist, soulful power improv, which began with LaMonte Young and his aforementioned Theatre, stopped off in Europe with ensembles like MEV and AMM, appeared later in the UK with The New Blockaders, and now sits comfortably on many a small stage, in dark, poorly ventilated rooms across the U.S. and elsewhere”
