Klarinet Archive - Posting 000526.txt from 1995/05

From: MISPICK@-----.EDU
Subj: Re: other wild clarinet playing
Date: Fri, 19 May 1995 06:41:09 -0400

The Don Ellis recordings that contain the "easternish" mix of
multimeters were largely due to the Bulgarian pianist that played in the
band at that time, Michlo Leviev who is now active on the west coast in
jazz and movie work. It is my recollection that it is his "feel of the
meter" that is so incredibly wonderful in these recordings. The other
fine soloists in the band tend to play "over" the meter changes, whereas
pianist, Leviev makes music out of these complex meters, both stretching
them to their limits and grooving within them like no one I have ever
heard!!! He certainly is one of the most incredible improvisors of all
time doing this sort of thing. Thanks Ed Lacey and Larry Liberson for
reminding me of these excellent recordings. I'll have check them outif I
can find them. I recall a very haunting 5/4 adagio piece called "Loss"
as well as the rollicking and unusual-titled piece, "The Pussy Wiggle
Stomp."
>Date: Wed, 17 May 1995 04:45:13 -0700
>Reply-to: Klarinet - Clarinettist's Network
><KLARINET%VCCSCENT.BITNET@-----.EDU>
>From: Laurence Liberson <hardreed@-----.COM>
>Subject: Re: other wild clarinet playing
>To: Multiple recipients of list KLARINET
><KLARINET%VCCSCENT.BITNET@-----.EDU>
>
>>For those who like this type of music, I would recommend a recording
>by a
>>jazz band led by the late Don Ellis. His band specialized in odd
>meters
>>(sometimes very odd!). One piece they recorded is called "Bulgarian
>>Bulge." The meter signature is 33/8, with many unequal groupings of
>>beats within each measure, and the tempo goes like the wind. And,
>what
>>is more amazing, they improvise on this piece! While this doesn't
>relate
>>specifically to the clarinet, one of the improvised solos on the
>>recording is by a clarinet player.
>>
>>At the moment, I can't quote the name of the album or the name of the
>>soloist, because I lent my copy to someone, and never got it back! :-(
>>So, I am in the market for a replacement if anyone has one or can at
>>least tell me the name and number of the album.
>>
>>Edwin Lacy
>>el2@-----.edu
>>
>
>"Bulgarian Bulge" is on two different Don Ellis albums, "The New Don
>Ellis
>Band Goes Underground" (Columbia CS 9889) and "Tears of Joy" (Columbia
>G
>30927). The latter, expanded and improvised version here is the better
>(by
>far!) of the two. Enjoy!
>
>Larry Liberson
>Detroit Symphony Orchestra
>hardreed@-----.com
>