On May 1st of 1991, Downtown Music Gallery opened its doors to the public at 211 East 5th Street between 2nd & 3rd Aves in the East Village. Originally there were three partners, David Y, Steve Pop and me, BLG. The original goal was to sell USED CD's, which was a new market at that time, as well as LP's and cassettes for the types of music that we dug the most: avant jazz, progressive rock, Downtown, Canterbury, jazz/rock/fusion and psychedelic plus other less popular musics like modern classical, electronic, noise and other in-between-categories sort of things. We had three locations (so far) on East 5th Street (1991-2003), the Bowery between Great Jones & Bond (2003-2009) and 13 Monroe in Chinatown (2010 until now). I became to he sole owner in 1997 and Manny/Lunch joined me around the turn of the millenium to be a partner. We've had around 33 employees over the many years and I want to say thanks to all of them for helping us to survive and thrive. We started sending out the DMG email newsletter in the late 1990's, from monthly to biweekly to weekly and it continues to reach upwards of 7,000 subscribers each week. Over time, I've read dozens of music books, read hundreds of music magazines and discussed at length with musicians and other serious listeners the many different musicians, bands, genres, formats, that I still study and consider each day. I still love working at DMG and discussing all sorts of music with whomever comes to visit or just contacts us via phone or email. Since the millenium, we've had weekly in-store concerts every Tuesday, as well as one Saturday a month curated by Stephen Gauci. The weekly in-stores are often the highlights of my week, especially since there are often moments of transcendence in almost every set (3 per night mostly). I usually transmit 1 minute segments on InstaGram almost every day of the in-store sets. I started adding lyrics to the top of the newsletter during the pandemic as a way to reach out to those of us who needed some hopeful musical or lyric Inspiration during those dark days. My goal is to reach our 40th year as a record store which still promotes the types of music that still inspire some/many of us.
The last few years have been difficult for us as CD sales continue to get worse. We have gotten in more than 6,000 CD's in donations over the past few years with customers dropping off piles and boxes coming in the mail almost every week. I do appreciate all of those donations although we are starting to run out of space in the back of the store. I want to thank all of our loyal customers from all around the world for your longtime support. I can still feel the positive vibes from all who continue to engage with us, this is an endless source of Inspiration. I often think of you: subscribers, friends, musicians, artists, label folks and distributors as part of our extended family. We are all in this together and we need each other to survive. Remember: We are All Family!
This Sunday, we will have a modest celebration of our 35th anniversary here at DMG, starting around 5 or 6pm with one set free from improv from some of our DMG friends. I will provide some wine and snacks. If you come down, you can also bring some snacks to share. Thanks to all you out there, you know who still Loves you... me, Bruce Lee Gallanter, John M, Caroline M, Sarah S, Manny/Lunch... your friends from DMG
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THE DMG 35th ANNIVERSARY IN-STORE CONCERT SERIES Continues with:
This Sunday, May 3rd:
THE DOWNTOWN MUSIC GALLERY 35th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!
Celebrating 35 years of Creative Music Inspiration and Promotion!
Starting at 6pm with a set of Free Form Improv from the DMG All-Star Team at 7pm!
Tuesday, May 5th:
6:30: NICK NEUBERG - Drums / AYAKO KANDA - Vocals / BRITTANY KARLSON - Bass
7:30: MICHAEL EATON - Sax / EVAN PALMER - Contrabass / PATRICK GOLDEN - Drums
8:30: AYUMI ISHITO / KATE MOHANTY - Sax Duo
Tuesday, May 12th:
6:30: AMANDA MONACO - Guitar / RAS MOSHE - Tenor Sax & Flute
7:30: AYAKO KANDA - Voice / LUKE ROVINSKY - Guitar / JAMES PAUL NADIEN - Drums
8:30: SKETCHBOOK SERIES #17: the thing they cannot imagine is us (after Rebecca Solnit) - Featuring: ELLEN CHRISTI, BOB HOLMAN, SUSAN HWANG & DAFNA NAPHATALI - Voices / ON KA'A DAVIS - Guitar / CLAIE de BRUNNER - Bassoon / patrick brennan - Alto Sax, Composition & Conducting
Tuesday, May 19th: Bruce at Victo, No in-store this week!
Saturday, May 23rd: GauciMusic Series Featuring:
6:30: SAM NEWSOME - Soprano Sax / BRITTANY KARLSON - Bass / NICK NEUBERG - Drums
7:30: STEPHEN GAUCI - Tenor Sax - Flute / DAVID SHEA - Drums
8:30: RAS MOSHE - Tenor Sax - Flute / DAVE ROSS - Guitar / DAVE MILLER - Drums
Tuesday, May 26th: Relative Pitch Series:
3 Sets from 6:30 - 8:30 featuring:
1st Set: CHUCK ROTH - Guitar / KATE MOHANTY - Alto Sax
2nd Set: ANNA LUISA DIAZ de COSSIO - Violin / KATE MOHANTY - Alto Sax
3rd Set: CHUCK ROTH / KATE MOHANTY / ANNA LUISA DIAZ de COSSIO
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THIS WEEK'S SONIC TREASURES BEGIN WITH:
CARLA BLEY with MICHAEL MANTLER / STEVE SLAGLE / GARY VALENTE / EARL McINTYRE / HIRAM BULLOCK / STEVE SWALLOW / VICTOR LEWIS / MANOLO BADRENA - Joyful Noise (Live In Hamburg 1984) (Made in Germany M1230-2; Germany) Carla Bley is considered the female, jazz-oriented counterpart to Frank Zappa. Great live recordings from the concert on 1984/03/14. American jazz musician, pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader Carla Bley (1936-2023) became an icon thanks to her unconventional and original style. She brought sardonic humor and new sounds to jazz, adhering to conventions by breaking them, and making the complex seem simple and the simple seem complex. She combined unconventional harmonies with equally unconventional, almost original instrumentation. Together with her penchant for humorous and ironic elements, this led to a unique sound aesthetic in her musical universe.? On March 14, 1984, the Carla Bley Band was a guest at what was then Studio 10 of Norddeutscher Rundfunk. The ten-piece ensemble included Carla's husband Michael Mantler and bassist Steve Swallow, who still remembers that spring day in Hamburg well: "This is a great live recording. Michael Naura, who had been promoting jazz at NDR for many years, was a great host. He made us feel welcome and comfortable. The band was on fire, celebrating not after, but during the concert - but, as Gil Evans said, it was a party where we all had a goal in mind. It's a blessing that these recordings of a truly sensational and extraordinary performance have survived intact on a shelf deep in the basement of the NDR archives! And they are also irrefutable proof of the power and humanity in Carla Bley's music!"? There's a wink in every bar, the concert is full of imagination and originality, free spirit and humor.
I myself am a longtime fan of Carla Bley as she is a world-class jazz composer who plays by her own rules. I own all of most of her nearly 50 releases and still savor each and every one. Her music is often quirky, filled with sly humor and unexpected twists which you might not notice until you listen to it several times. I recall checking her out twice in the late 70's (at the Public Theatre) and in the early 1980's (at Hurrah's with Massacre), both times being blown away. Although I dig all of large collection of albums, I am particularly fond of 'European Tour 1977', when her band featured Canterbury legends Gary Windo, Elton Dean and Hugh Hopper! Plus Carla and her then husband Michael Mantler also featured Robert Wyatt singing on several Mantler albums and Nick Mason's 'Fictitious Sports' LP (all songs composed by Ms. Bley & backed by her band). I haven't heard this disc yet but can't wait to play it when I get to the store tomorrow. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
2 CD Set $22
BURIAL TREE with MONTE CIMINO / BILL LASWELL / PETER APFELBAUM / ADAM McCLURE / DAVE LOMBARDO - The Power of Myth (Subcontinental Records SCX013; USA) Featuring Monte Cimino on guitar & EFX, Peter Apfelbaum on sax & megaphone, Bill Laswell on bass, treatments & EFX, Dave Lombardo on drums & electronics or Adam McClure on drums. I know of northern Californian guitarist Monte Cimino mostly as an old customer of DMG. although he has played in Dark Matter Halo with Bill Laswell on an album called ‘Caravan to the Stars’ (from 2019). Due to Bill Laswell’s ill health issues, he hasn’t been very prolific over the past few years. There are only two recent discs with Mr. Laswell: Laswell/P.ST./Henry Kaiser on ‘Mount Analogue’ &from Sub Rosa) and a disc by Sam Morrison called ‘Cosmic Trip’ (working on getting copies now). Former Bay Area saxist & keyboardist, Peter Apfelbaum seems to pop up and dozens of recordings and gigs since he moved here several years back. I caught 3 of his 4 night residency at The Stone last year and was knocked out by every set! Former drummer for Slayer, Mr. Bungle & the Fantomas, Dave Lombardo, has been collaborating with John Zorn & Bill Laswell for many years and Mr. Lombardo has a great duo effort with Mr. Zorn from last year (2025).
There are three long tracks on this disc. “Sigils” opens and it is the first of two trio efforts with Cimino, Laswell and McClure. After a dark ambient sorta opening the trio break into a slowed down, brutal, metalish, throbbing groove. Drummer McClure does a great job of pounding out the groove while guitar and bass play their tight riffs together, both with a layer of echoes to make everything shimmer in a drone-like way. I dig the dark ambient vibe here which I haven’t heard in a long while. The second piece, “Veve”, features the trio with Peter Apfelbaum, Cimino and Lombardo. It is Mr. Lombardo’s powerful marching, pounding drums at the center of the storm here with Cimino’s dark, throbbing guitar on top. Mr. Apfelbaum’s tenor sax rides on top of the waves, Lombardo’s massive drums are featured underneath several waves of altered guitar and bass. The third and last piece is the title track, “The Power of Myth’” and it features the duo of Cimino on guitar and Laswell on bass, both with a variety of EFX added. The eerie effects give both instruments a swirling, spacey, sorta dubby sound which casts a rather hypnotic spell over the listener. I recall when the Subharmonic and Strata labels seems to release dozens of dark ambient discs seemingly weekly in the early aughts. Although there is more going on here, I do enjoy that swirling, mesmerizing sound that I haven’t heard in a long while. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $15
MARTY EHRLICH with RON HORTON / SARA SCHOENBECK / ERIK FRIEDLANDER / MATT PAVOLKA / SATOSHI TAKEISHI - Cartographies of Flight "Lines Set Afloat Towards Hope" (CorbettVsDempsey 124CD; USA) Corbett vs. Dempsey presents the release of Cartographies of Flight by Marty Ehrlich. This new recording presents Ehrlich's compositions and woodwinds in the context of an illustrious sextet with Sara Schoenbeck, Ron Horton, Erik Friedlander, Matt Pavolka, and Satoshi Takeshi, with settings of poetry by Erica Hunt, read by the poet. One of the most significant voices to emerge from the fertile musical environs of 1970s St. Louis, making a mark in 1980s New York, Ehrlich has steadily amassed one of the great discographies in creative music. Cartographies of Flight introduces a vivid new chapter in this uniquely personal legacy. Produced by Marty Ehrlich. Recorded October 10th, 2024 at Samurai Hotel Studios. Mixed, mastered, and edited by Christopher Hoffman. Cover painting by Andrea Deszö.
"This recording starts with a sound that has energized me over many years: the 'Dark Woods' of the clarinet, bassoon, cello and bass; the 'Bright Sparks' of the alto and trumpet; the wood and metal of the percussion bringing it all together. The album also contains many of my multitudes: settings of and improvisations with poetic text (here read by their author, Erica Hunt), the combination and contrasting of compositions with improvisations, and works both open and set; then the corralling of these elements into a large field, the beginning to end of a CD, or of a concert. Cartographies of Flight is a wonderful instrumentation, but it is the unique and expressive voices of these artists that I most wanted to engage with. Our performances had a galvanizing effect on me: I wanted to get into a recording studio to map, all pun intended, the flight of the music. The music on this CD moves quickly from one scene to the next. This is one path through, one 'line set afloat' to navigate this troubling and challenging time we live in. I hope it serves." - Marty Ehrlich.
CD $15
DOYEON KIM with MATT MANERI / HENRY FRASER / TYSHAWN SOREY - Wellspring (TAO Forms 020CD; USA) "Wellspring presents the arrival of a powerful new voice in creative music, unrelenting in passion and invention, while always transmitting a deeply empathic grace. Masterful composer-improviser DoYeon Kim is an unparalleled practitioner of the Korean gayageum (a silk-string zither), and is also in possession of a purposeful vocal intensity. This is her debut album as a bandleader, featuring fellow master musicians Tyshawn Sorey (drums), Mat Maneri (viola), Henry Fraser (bass). Armed with an unlikely traditional instrument, flanked by three extraordinary improvisers, radiating a brash, acoustic strategy that simultaneously invokes folk universalism and a no wave battle-stance, the Brooklyn-based virtuoso drops a volcanic sonic statement with grand humanist goals. Kim mingles Korean lullabies, fervent interactions between drums and strings, and pure instrumental expressions of musical self. At times, she sounds like she can halt armies. Wellspring is a call for society to come together. How the Seoul, South Korea-born 34-year-old came to be the centuries-old zither's leading -- and perhaps only -- practitioner of contemporary improvised music, reflects an expansive embrace of her own culture, her place in modern society, and her ascending recognition of music's liberatory power."
Over the past few years, I've caught Doyeon Kim playing her gayageum and singing live around a 1/2 dozen times. She has consistently knocked me out as she is one of the most intense, focused and spirited musicians that I've heard in many years. The instrument that she plays, the gayageum, is a Korean instrument which has between 12 & 25 strings and looks like a koto or a guzheng. I can only think of one other gayageum virtuoso in improvised music and that is Jin Hi Kim. Doyeon Kim is also a vocalist and a powerful one at that. I caught this quartet at the Vision Fest last year (2025) and they were extraordinary. Sharing the frontline with Ms. Kim was/is Mat Maneri, a microtonal specialist who excels at playing those difficult notes in between the regular scales or notation. The first thing I noticed here is how well it is produced, just incredible sonically speaking. Starting with "The Beats of Distant Thunder", both Ms. Kim and Mr. Maneri, are bending their notes in similar ways, interweaving a series of slightly bent orbits. Polymath drummer/multi-instrumentalist/bandleader/composer Dr. Tyshawn Sorey is a master percussionist. His playing here is striking, seeming to be everywhere at once, connecting endless rhythmic, melodic and strategic dots together. His playing often sounds orchestral. Ms. Kim's voice is featured on "Walking in the Dream", and although I don't know the words she sings, her voice unleashes many deep emotions. Bassist Henry Fraser I've heard with Chris Pitsiokos and Brandon Seabrook. His playing here has reached a new level, his bowing holds down the bottom end of this quartet. Ms. Kim's playing speeds up on "Whispers Among Dawn", to a daredevil tempo and then slows back down to a more contemplative level. Because of the approach that Mr. Maneri uses, he often plays those bent notes which compliments the many odd notes and nuances that Ms. Kim also utilizes. These two unique stringed instruments work quite well together no matter how far out they go. Considering that this is an all acoustic recording, the sound is superb: warm, well-balanced and consistently fascinating. The blend between eastern and western tendencies is just right and often magical. A true treasure of sonic riches. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $14 / LP $25
DAVE LIEBMAN and RA KALAM BOB MOSES with SADHU BHAV TONY FALCO / RAPHAEL LEHNEN / MICHAEL KNOBLACH - Live at the Lilypad 2027 (Ra Kalam Records 043; USA) Featuring Dave Liebman on tenor & soprano saxes, piano and wood flute, Ra Kalam Bob Moses on drums, percussion, etc plus guests: Sadhu Bhav Tony Falco, Raphael Lehnen and Michael Knoblach on drums & percussion. Woodwinds master Dave Liebman and drum wizard Ra Kalam Bob Moses recorded collaborations began more than 50 years to an early Liebman album called 'Drum Ode'. This session was recorded live at the Lilypad in Cambridge, MA in October of 2017. There are also three guest percussionists involved as well, mostly former students of Ra Kalam's when he was a professor in Boston, MA. Both Mr. Moses and Mr. Falco worked together on several recordings with guitarist Tisziji Munoz.
The first sound we hear is Mr. Moses' distinctive drumming, swirling around his uniquely designed drum set. Dave Liebman soon enters on tenor, his tone also most distinctive, dark, warm and probing the depths. It sounds like there could be several drummers playing as well, although it is hard to tell with Moses's organic, free flowing waves of percussion. Dave Liebman, who is a longtime acolyte of John Coltrane's playing, worked with Trane's main drummer Elvin Jones for several years in the early 1970's, was/is influenced by Trane's sheets of notes and hence, this is part of his sound/style. "Soprano Burn/Piano Dance" starts off with the drummers all playing together in tight, circular waves before they are joined by Liebman's sly, spinning soprano sax. This piece eventually calms down to simmering percussion and soft soprano sax. Soon we hear just the percussionist playing a marching groove together before they are joined by Liebman's solemn exquisite piano. "Lift Off to Hyperspace" is a righteous, slow-burning jam with layers of percussion tapestry and Lieb's powerful tenor sputtering on top. The inner and outer vibe here is Spirit Jazz at its best. On "Cry of the Wind", the multiple percussionists sound orchestral as their sounds and playing expands. Liebman sounds as if he is slowly bending each note on his soprano, perhaps with the mouthpiece off?!? The multiple percussionists sound like Elvin Jones as they sway around the beat together on "Joyous Ascension". Liebman plays some haunting, subdued soprano on "Peace Universal", with several layers of stunning waves of percussion. The soprano keeps soaring higher and higher as he travels the spaceways. The righteous sounds of Spirit jazz flows freely through the music here and seems to provide us with a healing force or sonic medicine. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD-R $15
MARTA SANCHEZ - For the Space You Left (Out of Your Head Records 043; USA) Featuring Marta Sanchez on solo prepared piano, recorded at Opus Studios in Berkeley, CA in February of 2024. I've caught Spanish-born pianist Marta Sanchez a couple of times over the past year or so. Once in the David Murray Quartet at the Vision Fest and more recently at The Stone during her residency. I was most impressed on both occasions so far. Ms. Sanchez was also part of a quintet with a two tenor sax frontline (Camila Nebbia and Maria Grand). Playing prepared piano used to be relatively rare for jazz pianists but things have changed quite a bit over the past decade thanks to several pianists like Sylvie Courvoisier, Kris Davis and others. Everyone who plays prepared piano, often prepares the piano in their own way, muting the strings with their hands or other objects.
The opening piece is called "Frost Bloom" and Ms. Sanchez mutes certain string while playing the keyboard. The muted strings and the unmuted strings have much different sound so it sounds at times like there are two pianos or pianists playing at the same time. The muted strings have a more percussive sound, the unmuted are more melodic in overall sound. On "Inward Loop", Ms. Sanchez has two themes going on at once, playing a bassline with her left hand while she adds those odd jewelry or toy box like lines on the higher end muted strings. Each piece has two or more themes or lines which occur simultaneously and there is a balancing act going on so we have to listen to hear how these lines are connected or interconnected. On "Estalagtita", Sanchez speeds up, playing more rambunctiously while holding down the pedal which creates a haze of notes. The haze of notes often has a mysterious dream-like quality. "Echolord" is somewhat darker with Sanchez playing a series of waves with both the muted and unmuted strings, the interwoven lines are mesmerizing to hear as certain notes or lines are blurred. "Pygmora" sounds like a sonata which has been sped up in places with some quirky muted notes in a rhythmic counterbalance. What I like most about this disc is that Ms. Sanchez rarely pushed things too far out, often balancing the melodic and rather outside lines just right. While one line might be great for tap dancing to, the other line moves into some more unexpected detours. There is some inner magic going on here which is not too difficult to grasp and still stimulating nonetheless. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $14
MAYO THOMPSON / SVEN AKE-JOHANNSONS QUINTETT with AXEL DORNER / RUDI MAHALL / STEN SANDELL / MATTHIAS BAUER - Shotgun Wedding (Yellowbird Records YEB-7708-2; Germany) Featuring Mayo Thompson on guitar, vocals & songs, Rudi Mahall on bass clarinet, Axel Dorner on trumpet, Sten Sandell on piano, Matthias Baurer on contrabass and Sven Ake-Johanssons on drums & arrangements. Mayo Thompson is one of the most eclectic, diverse and unpredictable artists that I've had the pleasure of following over many years. Thompson was a founding member of the Texas-based psych/freak-out/avant rock band, Red Crayola, whose two albums on International Artists remain one of the weirdest avant/psych bands to emerge during the psychedelic era (1967 & 1968). Thompson went onto play the guitar with mid-period Pere Ubu as well as working with Lora Logic & Art Language and organizing a new version of Red Krayola in the 1980's (recording a dozen discs from 1979 - 2016). Thompson also recorded an obscure solo effort in 1969 called, 'Corky's Debt to His Father' and later worked with German electronic musicians Moebius & Conny Plank.
This album was first released in 2009 and features all-star German avant jazz quintet. Each member of this quintet have long histories, starting with the legendary drummer Svan-Ake Johansson, whose earliest recording date back to 1972 and who began working with Alex Von Schlippenbach and Derek Bailey. Swedish pianist, Sten Sandell, is also prolific, having worked with the Fire! Orchestra, GUSH and Evan Parker. Bassist Matthias Bauer plays both modern classical compositions as well as free improv and the youngest of the great Bauer Brothers (trombonists Connie & Johannes). Both German horn players, Rudi Mahall & Axel Dorner, have worked together on Von Schippenbach's Monk's Casino band.
What's interesting and unique about this session is that nine different songs which were composed by Mayo Thompson when he was member of Red Crayola/Krayola or a solo effort, transcribed and rearranged by Mr Johansson with Mayo Thompson added on guitar and vocals. This is a rarity as far as most tributes go. Most of these songs are already odd to begin with. For the opener, "Born to Win", Thompson turns his guitar down, sings calmly on top while the quintet play on bass clarinet and trumpet with the piano playing counterpoint underneath. Aside from covers of Monk songs or other cover songs performed by Aki Takase (who works with Mahall & Dorner), it is odd for these out cats to play somewhat more normal music but in their own unique way. "Coconut Hotel" is the title track from a Red Krayola album from 1994. After the opening with Thompson speak/sings the words, pianist Sandell adds his own layer of lines. "Old Tom Clark" sounds like an ancient dance hall ditty which Thompson sings with his own oddball charm. Mayo Thompson sounds like Chet Baker, often singing quietly and in a somewhat charming way. Both Rudi Mahall's bass clarinet and Axel Dorner's trumpet get chances to stretch out and solo on several of these pieces. "Transparent Radiation" comes from the very first Red Crayola record, 'The Parable of Arable Land". The song has a goofy melody which is played mostly on Thompson's guitar while the rest of the band plays freely around him, the bowed bass taking a great out solo. Although Mayo Thompson doesn't have a great voice, he knows how to use it in his own quaint way. Each song here seemed to have been mutated and arranged in an odd way. The band itself has their own unique sound which is unlike any other band, pop or even jazz-wise. This is an explicable gem in a class of its own. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $12
NATHAN NAKADEGAWA-LEE - Book Someone New (Self-released; USA) Featuring Nathan Nakadegawa-Lee on solo tenor sax, recorded live in Queens in December of 2025. Since the pandemic hit (in March of 2020), I've counted more than 40 saxists that have played here at DMG during our weekly in-store series. Most of them play in all sorts of groupings: duos, trios, quartets and more, but just a few play solo sax sets. Nathan Nakadegawa-Lee has played here on two occasions, once in a quartet and once as a soloist. I recently caught Mr. Nakadegawa-Lee playing with Selendis Sebastian Alexanders' big band. The liner notes inside the booklet were written by Mr. Nakadegawa-Lee and Selendis and both are thoughtful and illuminating. The disc is one long nearly 32 minute piece. Mr. Lee mentions many sax legends who have inspired him in the notes, names we both well know. Lee takes his time, playing a short line of notes, one at a time, occasionally centering on one note and then twisting it carefully in different directions. Instead of screaming or blasting those free/jazz extremes, Lee's playing is often restrained and moderately paced. He often stays in the middle register without aiming for those high-note multiphonics that many free/jazz saxists seem to revel in. Bending notes in the middle register is much easier on the ears. Just past the middle section, Lee starts to take a phrase and twist it, adding other fragments. I like that there are a number of quieter moments here, no screaming or blasting. Lee never seems to be quoting any familiar melodies but still stretches his lines out without going too far. If you are put off by solo sax discs with too much screaming and/or multiphonics, then you should check out this modest gem. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD-R $15
MARCEL DUCHAMP - Duchamp on Tape: The Janis Family Interviews (Museum of Modern Art 9781633451766; USA) Paperback. 150 pages. "One of the towering figures of 20th-century art holds forth on his controversial life and career in a previously unpublished set of interviews. Over six sessions between September 1951 and November 1952, Marcel Duchamp sat down with collectors and gallerists Harriet and Sidney Janis for a wide-ranging conversation about his inspirations and working processes, and his many opinions on the workings of the modern art world and its histories. The Janises, owners of the influential Sidney Janis Gallery, were ardent supporters of modern art and close friends with Duchamp. Harriet, an accomplished author, led the interviews with an eye toward writing a monograph on Duchamp, though this was never realized. Now, this previously unknown chronicle is available for the first time through the efforts of Carroll Janis, Sidney and Harriet's son. Under Harriet's expert guidance, Duchamp holds forth on his artistic philosophies, his career, his friends, his rivals and his lifelong obsession with chess. He provides an inside look at some of his most famous works, from his controversial 'Readymades' to 'The Large Glass.' Contextualized with illustrations, annotations and an introduction by Carroll Janis, this publication is a rich treasure trove of information on one of the 20th century's most controversial, groundbreaking and larger-than-life artists. Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968) dismantled the boundaries of what constitutes a work of art. Although he began his career as a painter, Duchamp was also a curator, conservator, art advisor, professional chess player, writer, inventor and celebrity. Following the completion of his conceptual masterpiece, 'The Large Glass' (1915-23), he abandoned traditional artmaking altogether. Today he is best known for his 'Readymades' -- ordinary objects such as a urinal or bicycle wheel, elevated to works of art -- which challenged traditional aesthetics and redefined authorship."
BOOK $22
BACK IN STOCK, LAST COPIES!
CECIL TAYLOR NEW UNIT with TONY OXLEY / HARI SJOSTRUM / JACKSON KRALL / OKKYUNG LEE - Cecil Taylor New Unit (The Last Bandstand) (Listen! Foundation/Fundacja Sluchaj! FSR 16/2025; Poland) Reviving Cecil Taylor's legendary Unit concept, this searing New Unit performance with Cecil Taylor (piano & voice), Tony Oxley (his own drum samples & electronics), Harri Sjostrom (soprano & sopranino saxes), Jackson Krall (drums) and Okkyung Lee (cello), documents the final concert of Taylor's life in a nearly eighty-minute fusion of music and spoken word, recorded live on April 23, 2016, at the Whitney Museum in New York City. I was at this set at the Whitney Museum and remember enjoying it immensely. It was located in a large gallery space with photos, artwork, album covers, poetry and other visual items by or influenced by the late, great avant piano genius, Cecil Taylor.
CD $17
THELONIOUS MONK with CHARLIE ROUSE / LARRY GALES / BEN RILEY PHIL WOODS / JIMMY CLEVELAND / JOHNNY GRIFFIN / RAY COPELAND - Monk Live In Paris, 1967: Volume One (Rhythm-A-Ning Entertainment 001LP; Earth) "A newly unearthed and fully restored recording of Thelonious Monk's 1967 Paris concert. This marks the first official release from the Monk Estate. Captured at the height of Monk's creative powers, this historic performance showcases the pianist and composer with his classic quartet: Charlie Rouse (tenor saxophone), Larry Gales (bass), and Ben Riley (drums). The unparalleled composer/pianist/visionary Thelonious Sphere Monk epitomized every aspect of this in exponential form. As a result, he occupies a unique position in the Jazz pantheon. Every aspect of this extraordinary man epitomizes jazz expression at its most compelling level. His visual presence -- his headwear, his glasses, his sartorial style -- matched with his remarkably profound verbal statements, the way he danced around the piano during other musicians' solos; and even more importantly, his brilliant compositions that are both starkly angular, yet gorgeously lyrical, and matched by his piano playing which made dissonance and fractured rhythms so utterly delightful, make Thelonious Monk stand out dynamically even amidst his other transcendent peers. This release, Monk Live in Paris, 1967: Volume One, is very special, not only for its merging of these elements, but also because it showcases Monk's longstanding quartet featuring tenor man Charlie Rouse and the bass/drums tandem of Larry Gales and Ben Riley, who are joined by five very special guest horn men. Alto saxophonist Phil Woods, trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, Ray Copeland and tenor titan Johnny Griffin (Rouse's predecessor in the quartet) perform in various permutations. Volume One includes four Monk classics -- 'Epistrophy,' with a scorching, growlingly muscular Griffin solo and a lyrical and adventurous Copeland solo; the deliciously syncopated 'Evidence,' with sparkling Rouse, another terrific solo by Copeland; and bluesy, wickedly swinging Woods. On both extended pieces, the four horns provide densely harmonic thematic statements and some adventurous riffing that spurs on the soloists for a spontaneous feeling with a jam session atmosphere of jubilant excitement. 'We See' again highlights Rouse and Copeland; with the beautiful 'Ruby, My Dear' just featuring the original quartet completing the package. The recording is presented as a 180-gram audiophile pressing and was selected by Thelonious Sphere Monk III as the first in a new series of previously unreleased, rare live recordings, mastered by Rudy Van Gelder. The album cover artwork was designed by Japanese graphic designer and artist Gaku Inada. Vinyl: 180 gram, blue vinyl. Packaging: single pocket jacket with a polylined sleeve and insert."
LP $33
HIMBA HYMN - Ghosts Of Namibia's Skeleton Coast (Sublime Frequencies SF132LP; USA) Recorded live on location, this is a style of music unlike anything you have ever heard before and the first album of the Himba people's music ever released from northwest Namibia. From the album's producer and recordist, Ian Brennan: "The Namib desert is the oldest in the world. Therefore, the driest. Italian-Rwandan photographer, Marilena Umuhoza Delli and I had come to record with possibly the most photographed people on earth, the Himba -- to listen rather than gaze at them as if on display. To share their voices as a counter to their visual objectification, particularly the inappropriate eroticization of the women who customarily go topless throughout daily life. We had to stress multiple times that we did not want the musicians to don touristic tribal costumes -- quite possibly the first music project in history that urged performers to cover-up rather than pleading with artists to expose more flesh. But it was to no avail. When the assigned hour arrived, the men all ditched the baseball caps and soccer jerseys that they routinely wear. And for the women, the reality is that they almost without exception keep their torsos bare, even in winter. We had to acquiesce. Forcing the issue would have only been the flipside of inauthenticity. The featured, traditional instrument is the Cattle Gun. It's rarely found these days and therefore, costly. Made from the lengthy horn of an Oryx and coated in mud, it is blown, resulting in a breathy, rattled tone. Via the use of live looping on three of the album's tracks, psychedelic vocal tapestries were created as if snatched from the ever-shifting skies that enshrined the valley from all sides. But even more esoteric results arose from members cupping hands over mouth to create chorusing and flanging effects sans electricity or gear. Rather than 'primitive' or traditional, the Himba music making is imbued with innovation and timelessness.' Limited edition pressing of 500 vinyl copies with four-page color insert including photos of the musicians and liner notes by Grammy-award winning producer and author, Ian Brennan.
LP $28
SQUIRREL BAIT - Skag Heaven (Drag City DC 103LP; USA) "What's new for the first time in over a decade? Squirrel Bait's and Skag Heaven in the black. In '85-'87, their screamin' teenage psycho dilemmas stood way out in the emerging field of metal damaged hardcore punk. 'Kid Dynamite' would ring in your head like a #1 single that had just unseated 'Sun God' from the vaunted top spot. Every week. Anthems for the freaks! It happened fast. After a couple of records, guitarists David Grubbs and Brian McMahan split for Bastro and Slint (and Gastr del Sol and The For Carnation, respectively). With Grubbs went bassist Clark Johnson, original Bait batterie mate Britt Walford joined McMahan in Slint. Leaving only the stuff of legend: records eternally exploding with youthful feels through all the endless winters and summers of hearts and minds. Repressed, Squirrel Bait can now continue to dialogue with the young in the creation of new useful and unforgettable experiences. For the children of tomorrow as well as your own damn selves, get copies now."
LP $25
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ATTENTION ALL CREATIVE MUSICIANS OUT THERE, Around the world.
If you have a link for some music that you are working on and want to share it with the folks who read the DMG Newsletter, please send the link to DMG at BLGallanter@gmail.com
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THE STONE RESIDENCIES - A TRIBUTE TO CONNIE CROTHERS
APR 29-MAY 2
We celebrate the life and legacy of the great pianist Connie Crothers on the 85th anniversary of her birth. A virtuosic improviser and composer with a truly original sound, her importance in the world of improvised music cannot be overstated. Powerfully committed to honest self-expression, Crothers forged her own path, living her life just as she played the piano: intensely, fearlessly, lovingly.
“When we create music, it’s always from love” — Connie Crothers
Curated by Deep Friendship: The Connie Crothers Legacy Project—Virg Dzurinko, Carol Liebowitz, Andrea Wolper
4/29 Wednesday
8:30 pm: RICHARD TABNIK QUARTET
Richard Tabnik (alto saxophone) Harvey Diamond (piano) Cameron Brown (bass) Billy Mintz (drums)
4/30 Thursday
8:30 pm: WEBER-HARRIS DUO / DIMENSIONALITY
Mark Weber (poet) Ratzo Harris (bass) Dimensionality: Ursel Schlicht (piano) Ken Filiano (bass) Lou Grassi (drums) Andrea Wolper (vocals); Dimensionality was created by pianist Ursel Schlicht in homage to Connie Crothers' dimensional approach to life and music. The group debuted as a trio in New York City in 2017 and, later the same year, as a quartet at JazzFest Kassel, Germany.
5/1 Friday
8:30 pm: MICHAEL WIMBERLY SOLO AND QUARTET - Michael Wimberly (piano, drums) Alexis Marcelo (piano) Adam Lane (bass) Steve Swell (trombone)
5/2 Saturday
8:30 pm: KAZZRIE JAXEN SOLO AND DUOS
Kazzrie Jaxen (piano) Bill Payne (clarinet) Roger Mancuso (drums)
THE STONE RESIDENCIES / JOHN KING / MAY 6-9
5/6 Wednesday
8:30 pm: Palestine Is Everywhere - Amir ElSaffar (trumpet, electronics) Leyya Mona Tawil (voice, electronics) John King (guitar, electronics)
5/7 Thursday
8:30 pm: antifa4 - Chris Cochrane (electric guitar) Hans Tammen (electric guitar) John King (electric guitar) Lesley Mok (drums)
5/8 Friday
8:30 pm - TRIO: Michael Wimberly (drums) John King (guitar) Ras Moshe (tenor sax)
5/9 Saturday
8:30 pm - “landlesscapes” - monodramas: Gelsey Bell (voice) John King (voice, electronics)
5/12 Tuesday
8:30 pm - Danger Room: River Sadowsky (bass) Tanzanite Chen (guitar) Hudson Brubaker (guitar) Angelo Limentani (drums) Aaron Mead (woodwinds)
STUDENT CONCERT SERIES—ADMISSION FREE!
THE STONE is located in
The New School at the Glass Box Theatre
55 West 13th Street - near 6th ave
For more info: https://thestonenyc.com/calendar.php?month=1
LIVE MUSIC
wed-sat - music at 8:30pm
ADMISSION - $20 per set
unless otherwise noted
cash only payment
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I-BEAM in Brooklyn:
Sunday, May 3
@IBeam Brooklyn
2pm Quartet
Carol Liebowitz . piano
Patrick Holmes . clarinet
Stephanie Griffin . viola
Adam Lane . bass
3pm - Trio
Ursel Schlicht . piano
Adam Lane . bass
Vijay Anderson . drums
4pm - Duos and Trio
Virg Dzurinko . piano
Claire de Brunner . bassoon
Ryan Messina . trumpet
At IBeam Brooklyn
168 7th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215
$20 suggested donation