Carry the Day
Henry Threadgill is the kind of musician who gives Wynton Marsalis nightmares. A product of the turbulent early-'70s Chicago jazz scene that produced Muhal Richard Abrams and the Art Ensemble of Chicago, the alto saxophonist breaks nearly every rule Marsalis has set up for proper jazz. Yet he still creates a music--grounded in blues, syncopation, and improvisation--which projects a powerful personality. OnCarry the Day, half of the six compositions are played by his recent band, Very Very Circus, which includes two tuba players, two electric guitarists, a drummer, a French horn player, and Threadgill himself on alto sax and flute. On the other three pieces, Very Very Circus is supplemented by two singers, two percussionists, a violinist, an accordionist, and a player of the Chinesepipa. Threadgill creates music of great contrasts--harsh conflict and lovely harmony, hypnotic chants and freewheeling horn solos.--Geoffrey Himes