Duets with Tyshawn Sorey and Special Guest Hugh Ragin

Album Description

Dive into the avant-garde jazz realm with Roscoe Mitchell's "Duets with Tyshawn Sorey and Special Guest Hugh Ragin," a captivating album released on March 12, 2013, under Wide Hive Records. This record is a testament to Mitchell's enduring legacy as a pioneer of free jazz and his continued innovation within the genre. The album features a unique collaboration between Mitchell, the legendary saxophonist, Tyshawn Sorey, a versatile composer and drummer, and Hugh Ragin, a renowned trumpet player and fellow member of the Art Ensemble of Chicago.

Spanning 11 tracks and over an hour of music, "Duets with Tyshawn Sorey and Special Guest Hugh Ragin" showcases the trio's exceptional improvisational skills and musical chemistry. The album opens with "The Horn," setting the stage for a journey through intricate compositions and spontaneous performances. Each track, from the ethereal "Bells in the Air" to the playful "A Game of Catch," offers a distinct sonic landscape, highlighting the artists' individual strengths and collective synergy.

Mitchell, known for his adventurous spirit and consistent innovation, delivers a powerful and introspective performance on the saxophone. Sorey's compositions provide a solid foundation, while his drumming adds layers of complexity and depth. Ragin's trumpet work complements the duo perfectly, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall sound.

"Duets with Tyshawn Sorey and Special Guest Hugh Ragin" is not just an album; it's a celebration of jazz innovation and a testament to the enduring power of improvisation. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

March 12, 2013

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.