The Vandermark 5: Dave Rempis, Ken Vandermark (saxophone); Kent Kessler (bass instrument); Fred Lonberg-Holm, Tim Daisy.
Personnel: Fred Lonberg-Holm (cello); Ken Vandermark (bass clarinet, baritone saxophone); Dave Rempis (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Tim Daisy (drums).
Audio Mixers: Robert S. Weston IV; The Vandermark 5.
The aptly named A DISCONTINUOUS LINE finds the Vandermark 5 creating complex, creative sound paintings composed largely of discontinuous lines that, taken together, form some of the most fiery and inspired avant-garde jazz in the early 2000s. Cello, bass, drums, and alto saxophone augment Ken Vandermark's explorations on tenor sax and bass clarinet, and the unit work beautifully together to create dense, varied landscapes that are alternately celebratory, melancholic, sly, frenetic, and lyrical. For lovers of challenging jazz that combines formal and free concepts, the V5's A DISCONTINUOUS LINE is an engaging and exhilarating ride.
Professional Reviews
The Wire (p.63) - "'Some Not All' is an extraordinary composition, with a unison horn theme suddenly breaking into a swaggering, funky, bowed double bass riff..."
Down Beat (p.57) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "'Aperture (For Walker Evans)' is a terrific example of how this band can combine swing and less structured territory."
JazzTimes (p.88) - "This is the band doing what it does best....It is smart and intense..."
