Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: The Ancients, an intergenerational coalition of free jazz masters, deliver a powerful and evocative double LP that resonates with the spirit of improvisation and collective expression. Isaiah Collier, William Hooker, and William Parker, brought together by Parker for concerts in conjunction with the Milford Graves exhibition at the ICA Los Angeles, weave a tapestry of sound that draws upon the rich legacy of free jazz while forging their own unique path. Across two LPs of long-form improvised sets, recorded in Los Angeles and San Francisco, the trio explores the sonic terrain first charted by the likes of Cecil Taylor and Ornette Coleman, their interplay showcasing some electric, spontaneous creation. Collier's tenor saxophone soars with fiery intensity, while Hooker's drums crackle with a restless energy and Parker's bass anchors the music with a deep, resonant foundation. This is music that speaks to the heart of the human experience, a tribute to the power of improvisation to transcend boundaries and connect us to the deeper currents of life.

Review: The debut recording from The Ancients, an intergenerational trio featuring Isaiah Collier, William Hooker and William Parker initially formed to play Milford Graves' Mind Body Deal exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. This double LP captures the raw energy and improvisational brilliance of their live performances, showcasing the enduring legacy of free jazz. Collier's tenor saxophone soars and wails, drawing on influences from John Coltrane to Charles Gayle, while grounding his explorations in a deep understanding of structure and form. Hooker's drumming is a force of nature, a whirlwind of polyrhythms and explosive energy that pushes the music to its limits. And Parker, a true legend of the avant-garde, anchors the music with his virtuosic bass playing, creating a foundation for the trio's improvisational flights. The music is both a celebration of the rich history of free jazz and a bold exploration of new sonic territory. The Ancients tap into the spirit of their predecessors, channeling the energy of the Cecil Taylor Unit and the Ornette Coleman Trio, while forging their own unique path, the power of collective improvisation looming large throughout.