Conversations 2

Album Description

Dive into the avant-garde jazz realm with Roscoe Mitchell's "Conversations 2," a captivating album released on April 22, 2014, under the Wide Hive Records label. This 11-track collection, recorded over two days in September 2013, is a testament to Mitchell's unique compositional style and his mastery of the reeds. Joined by Craig Taborn and Kikanju Baku, Mitchell delivers a free jazz experience that pushes the boundaries of conventional jazz.

"Conversations 2" is the second installment in a series that began with "Conversations," both culled from the same studio sessions. The album opens with "Frenzy House," setting the tone for the experimental journey that follows. Tracks like "Chipper and Bing" and "Stay Hayfer" showcase Mitchell's ability to blend improvisation with structured composition, while "They Rode for Them" and "I'll See You out There" highlight the collaborative dynamics between Mitchell, Taborn, and Baku.

The album's free jazz and avant-garde elements are evident throughout, with tracks like "Wha-Wha" and "Bells in the Wind" offering moments of sonic exploration and innovation. "Shards and Lemons" and "Just Talking" provide a more introspective feel, while "Next Step" and "Fly over and Stay Awhile" bring the album to a thoughtful close.

Roscoe Mitchell, a renowned figure in modern composition and jazz, continues to challenge and inspire with "Conversations 2." This album is a must-listen for fans of avant-garde jazz and those seeking to explore the genre's experimental side.

April 22, 2014

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.