Ellery Eskelin's "The Secret Museum," released in 2000 under the hatOLOGY label, is a captivating journey into the realms of free jazz and avant-garde. This album, featuring Eskelin on tenor saxophone, is a collaborative effort with Andrea Parkins on accordion and sampler, and Jim Black on drums. The ten-track collection, spanning just over an hour, is a testament to Eskelin's prowess as both a saxophonist and composer.
"The Secret Museum" delves into the individual and collective experiences that we all carry, as Eskelin himself has described it. The album opens with "Prelude," setting the tone for the innovative and exploratory music that follows. Tracks like "You'll Know When You Get There..." and "Vox Organalis" showcase the trio's dynamic interplay and improvisational skills. The album's title track, "The Secret Museum," is a standout piece that encapsulates the essence of the record, blending avant-garde sensibilities with jazz traditions.
Eskelin's compositional approach and the band's collective improvisations create a unique sound that is both challenging and rewarding. The album's avant-garde jazz elements are balanced by moments of lyrical beauty and rhythmic complexity, making it a compelling listen from start to finish. "The Secret Museum" is a significant addition to Ellery Eskelin's discography and a notable contribution to the world of contemporary jazz.
Vinylscout