9 Compositions (Iridium) 2006

Rate It! Avg: 4.0 (51 ratings)
ALBUM INFORMATION
LIVE

Total Tracks: 35   Total Length: 582:29

eMusic Review

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Kevin Whitehead

eMusic Contributor

04.03.07
A nine-cd (plus DVD) brick of live sets from a visionary composer
2007 | Label: Firehouse 12 / IODA

No visionary composer has been more derided by jazz gatekeepers than Braxton. Likewise, none has been so strongly defended, inspired such devotion from players he's mentored, or seen his wide-ranging music so extensively documented, often in imposing box sets like this nine-CD (+ DVD) brick. The nine CDs comprise nine sets, recorded live over three nights, with a 13-piece including past or present students making their own reps: trumpeter Taylor Ho Bynum, altoist Steve Lehman, violinist Jessica Pavone, guitarist Mary Halvorson…. (Ringers include Chicago flutist Nicole Mitchell.) It's the culmination of the Ghost Trane Music Braxton been making for a decade. The rhythmic subdivisions are so complex the pulse seems constantly in flux; multiple subgroups pop out to improvise or layer on other compositions. Charles Ives celebrated the glorious clash of two bands converging on a square; this gleefully dense music is Ivesian simultaneity with 13 browser windows open.

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Massive and beautiful.

thatway57

This is an engrossing set of music. Constantly changing and always capable of keeping the interest of the listener. There are passages of beauty all the way through this massive piece of music. Once you listen to it you will want to keep coming back as it rewards constant playing.

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Amazing. Fantastic. Wonderful.

Unenclosed

I sit at my desk to work, start up this set (put on my headphones if anyone else is around), and can enjoy this incredible music for over nine hours straight, without it ever becoming repetitive or dull. Like any great art, each listening makes it richer, as different elements catch my attention at different times. Simply marvelous.

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"Keep playing, something will happen...let's hope"

BeckoningChasm

There are moments of beauty on these recordings, also moments of power and extraordinary musicianship. Alas, these moments are like tiny islands in a massive, sluggish ocean of sound. For the most part, these sessions sound vague, directionless, leaderless...as if the musicians were told, "Just keep playing, something is bound to happen." Except it rarely seemed to do so. I love free jazz and I love Anthony Braxton, but this advances the cause for neither.

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Almost as Interesting as the Carrier Band

jazzmine

This is almost as interesting to listen to as the Carrier Band's new eMusic release. JTomAzz, I realize that Mexico City is no stranger to art, but I never knew, until recently, that experimental music had a place there. Is experimental music something new to Mexico City?

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Woooooowwwwww!

JTomAzz

I can't believe! I love Braxton's Music! I'm preparing to listen Braxton live in Mexico City. Please add more Braxton's Music

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A Rather Enormous Deal!

jbull49

Given that this box-set costs U$120 (though the packaging is rather nice indeed and there are wise essays and so on), you'd do well, if you have any interest in Braxton, "art" music, saxophone virtuousity or any related field, to plunk down your monthly downloads on these tracks. Call this a "Live at the Plugged Nickel" for the pointy-heads (and a world of beautiful sound to escape into). C'mon--take a chance!

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WOW! AMAZING

AndrewDeutsch

Anthony Braxton should be named a nantional treasure! This is an amazing set of recordings. I can't believe this is here for download! Buy as many booster packs as you need! it worth every penny!!

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