THE GIG

Trillium in Bloom

Photo by Kyoko Kitamura

This week brings the Tri-Centric Festival, an omnibus showcase for composer-multireedist Anthony Braxton, at the new Roulette in Brooklyn. I wrote a piece previewing the event, after spending some time with Braxton recently, and much more time with his music. 

One thing I’d been wondering about was whether Braxton sensed a greater acceptance of his music in recent years, after the warm glow of Wesleyan’s season-long tribute in 2005; the subsequent release of major multi-disc sets like The Complete Arista Recordings and 9 Compositions (Iridium) 2006; and the ardent testimonials of his disciples. Well, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Braxton ordered a glass of white wine as we sat down to our interview, and proceeded not to touch it for the next hour. He’s an energetic conversationalist, quick to oblige any request for clarification. Here’s what he had to say about misperceptions surrounding his work:

The Year in Gigs

Daniel Barry for The New York Times

Results from the 2010 Village Voice Jazz Critics’ Poll are officially in, along with a brief contextual essay by its master undertaker, Francis Davis. No spoilers here: presumably you already knew that this was the Year of JAMO. I’m only sorry that my belated review of Charles Lloyd’s Mirror, slated to run in today’s paper, had to be bumped for space. It was a real pleasure to dive back into that album, after some months, and study Moran’s contribution anew.

While we’re still on the subject of year-end reflections -- and don’t worry, dear reader, this all ends with the arrival of a new year -- Jazztimes has posted my sixth annual Year in Gigs (hence A. Braxton, pictured above). The fun thing about this list is that it makes no claim for comprehensiveness. I saw a lot of jazz in 2010. Perhaps you did too. There’s a good chance that something you saw would have made this list, had I also managed to see it. So with that in mind, I’m welcoming any other Best Gig reminiscences in the comments below.

Please, though, nobody say “Herbie Hancock at Carnegie Hall.” I know a prank comment when I see one.

Action Braxton

 

 Tri-Centric Modeling

Le Poisson Rouge, June 18