Composition / Improvisation Nos. 1, 2 & 3

Album Description

"Composition / Improvisation Nos. 1, 2 & 3" is a captivating live album by the renowned jazz saxophonist and composer Roscoe Mitchell, recorded in Germany in September 2004 and released on ECM Records in 2007. This avant-garde jazz masterpiece is a testament to Mitchell's unique ability to bridge the worlds of jazz and contemporary classical music. The album is structured into nine sections, each offering a distinct yet interconnected journey through Mitchell's innovative compositions and improvisations.

Performed by the Transatlantic Art Ensemble, a 14-piece band, the album showcases Mitchell's prowess as a composer and his deep understanding of musical structure and improvisation. The pieces begin quietly and deliberately, building in intensity and complexity as they unfold. The album's duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes allows for a rich and immersive experience, with each track seamlessly flowing into the next.

Mitchell's work on this album is a significant contribution to the free jazz and avant-garde genres, offering a fresh perspective on composition and improvisation. The album's release in 2007 marked a return to the location where the Art Ensemble of Chicago recorded for ECM 25 years prior, adding a layer of historical significance to this already impressive work. Whether you're a longtime fan of Roscoe Mitchell or a newcomer to his music, "Composition / Improvisation Nos. 1, 2 & 3" is an essential addition to any jazz enthusiast's collection.

March 27, 2007

℗ 2007 ECM Records GmbH, under exclusive license to Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin

About Roscoe Mitchell

Roscoe Mitchell is a pioneering figure in the world of avant-garde jazz, renowned for his innovative compositions and virtuosic performances on multiple woodwind instruments, with a particular mastery of the saxophone. Born in Chicago in 1940, Mitchell has been at the forefront of modern music for over half a century, co-founding both the Art Ensemble of Chicago and the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). His work is characterized by a deliberate and methodical approach that pushes the boundaries of improvisation, earning him accolades as one of the key figures in avant-garde jazz. Mitchell's contributions extend beyond performance; he is also a respected educator and musical thinker, currently serving as the Darius Milhaud Chair of Composition at Mills College. With a career spanning over five decades, Mitchell continues to inspire and influence the jazz world, blending composition and improvisation in groundbreaking ways.