Anthony Braxton - Seven Compositions (Trio) 1989 (hat Art, 1989)

This post is by Dan

Anthony Braxton (as, c-melody sax; cl, fl, ss, sops); Adelhard Roidinger (b) Tony Oxley (d)

Recorded March 21, 1989

Because there are so many recordings by Anthony Braxton, it is difficult to know where to begin. One option would be to start with his various standards albums, and I recommended his Monk program earlier in this blog. But that only scratches the surface of his oeuvre. Braxton has amassed an enormous legacy that began in the 1960s when he was in his twenties. There are literally hundreds of full albums, a tribute to his creativity and his longevity. 

For me, the most satisfying Braxton albums come from the 1980s, and Seven Compositions (Trio) 1989 Is my favorite. Since I don't pretend to understand Braxton's musicology, it's difficult to explain why I like this album so much. Reading Graham Lock's booklet notes helps a little, but I'm not sure what to make of concepts like "vibrational space" or the diagrams that accompany Braxton's compositions. But I do like Lock's description of Braxton's playing on this album:

"...the grace and rapt intensity of his playing are what we have come to expect from such a master improvisor. His lines are like trails of brilliant light that dart and feint in a felicitous 3-D dance through the ever-changing contours of the sonic architecture." 

I'm in awe of Braxton's playing on the album, which I don't find "cerebral" at all. I also have become a fan of Tony Oxley, the British drummer on this album. The range of percussion "noises" coming from his kit is astounding, but always in service of the music. 

The seven compositions, including one standard, flow as a seamless suite. I love the segue from the opening 20-minute Composition 40D to "All the Things You Are," which then segues into two more compositions by Oxley and Braxton, respectively. These are remarkable moments in rarified jazz of a high order.

As critics often advise, if you only have room for one (Braxton) album in your collection, this would be a good choice. I personally have room for dozens of Braxton albums, but the 11 I have are enough for me. 

Regardless of space issues, check out Seven Compositions (Trio) 1989. You won't be disappointed.