The Art Spirit

This music is inspired by Robert Henri (June 24, 1865 - July 12, 1929) artist, teacher, writer and an organizer of the group known as "The Eight," a loose association of artists who protested the restrictive exhibition practices of the powerful, conservative National Academy of Design.

Bassist Michael Bisio, already familiar to ESP-Disk' fans from his work in the Matthew Shipp Trio, is joined by NYC scene veterans Kirk Knuffke and Fred Lonberg-Holm for an invigorating album of improvisation.

Track Listing:

1. Not a Souvenir of Yesterday   5:10

2. r. henri                                        7:49

3. Both Keys Belong to You       11:17

4. Use Them                                   6:51

5. Orange Moon Yellow Field      5:35

6. Things Hum                                5:04

7. Like Your Work As Much As  11: 01

8. A Dog Likes to Gnaw a Bone   9:08 

                                                        61:55

Credits:

Michael Bisio: bass

Kirk Knuffke: cornet and soprano cornet 

Fred Lonberg-Holm : cello/electronics

Recorded 24 September 2018 by Eli Winograd at Lone Pine Road, Kingston NY

“r. henri,” “Orange Moon Yellow Field,” and “Things Hum” composed by Michael Bisio. All others by Bisio/Knuffke/Lonberg-Holm.

Press Quotes for Bisio/Knuffke/Lonberg-Holm’s Requiem for a New York Slice (Iluso, 2019):

“It is hard to find three more expressive musicians. Bisio being one of just a few bassists that can match the energy of Matthew Shipp. Lonberg-Holm's cello can be heard on over 300 recordings, with heavyweights such as Peter Brötzmann, Ken Vandermark, and Joe McPhee, and Knuffke maybe (no, is) the most expressive cornetist working today. That expression is dialed to max on "Sanctus" where the cornetist makes a joyful noise over a pair of bowing accompanists. … "In Paradisum" might be the saddest and most beautiful piece on this recording. Bisio opens with huge reverberating pulled notes while Knuffke squeezes upper register tones before Lonberg-Holm's cello slices skidding notes across the bandstand. Halfway through the music pauses as if to reflect on the loss, then bows are applied as tears are shed.” – Mark Corroto, All About Jazz

“Jazz is the music of pure emotion, and it’s the vehicle by which Bisio, Knuffke and Lonberg-Holm sorted out their feelings about this tragedy. As improvisation artists of the highest order, they already treat every performance as a requiem of some sort but there’s an extra impetus this time, and it shows up masterfully in these five group improvised performances.” – S. Victor Aaron, Something Else Reviews

“…creative music that often sounds more indebted to hair-raising chamber music and Arnold Schoenberg than jazz improvisation.” – Capitol Bop

Musicians: Michael Bisio