Anthony Braxton - Six Compositions (Quartet) 1984 (Black Saint, 1985)

This post is by Scott and Dan

Anthony Braxton (as, ss, Cm-sx, cl, fl); Marilyn Crispell (p); John Lindberg (b); Gerry Hemingway (d, perc)

Recorded on September 10-11, 1984

As with our other two posts of Anthony Braxton's albums, we face the challenge of using words to describe his unique style of composing. The assumption is that understanding the music is helpful in explaining why they are our favorites. That assumption may be flawed. Perhaps it is best to side-step the musicology and just enjoy what we hear.

A distinguishing aspect of this recording is that it includes Braxton's most simpatico quartet members: Marilyn Crispell, John Lindberg, and Gerry Hemingway. They are all leading free players, and they collectively respond to the musical challenges put before them. Braxton acknowledges their importance in the liner notes:

"After all is plotted and theorized it is still the musicians who must in the final analysis 'make the music live'. I could not have been more fortunate in this regard."

Braxton has frequently emphasized the importance of pulse to his music, as heard on Composition 114 which leads off the album. Elsewhere, the pulse is replaced by a free four-way conversation in which no single voice dominates. One can also just listen to one of the musicians at a time, a good way to appreciate jazz of any form. Hemingway in particular is heard as responsive and reactive to what the others are doing. That is certainly not the role of rhythm instruments in most other jazz.

Crispell, of course, is also worth singling out. She seems always to interject fascinating and unexpected comments into the conversation. She's a great foil for Braxton, who is always full of ideas that he seems to express effortlessly. Together, the group fashions a fascinating sound across all of the six pieces.

Braxton scholars could spend lifetimes deciphering the messages from this great artist. Listeners need not engage the theoretical aspects that drive Braxton's art. It's probably difficult to play but accessible, novel, and enjoyable to hear.