Just as with rock music, contemporary jazz must dance gracefully in order to avoid falling victim to stereotyping. Since jazz has graced our presence for several more decades than rock, it's an even heftier burden to break new ground in a scene that has already seen the likes of Coleman, Kirk, Rollins and Borbetomagus. On this live recording, Bennett, sax in hand, blasts away at the Luggage Store Gallery, with newfangled results. Bennett's bold jazz gestures apply strong improvisation along with commanding control over an instrument that has seen few true masters in the course of its history.
At times, Bennett's boisterous barrage of soprano notes can be an unexpected upsurge, running the gamut between bliss and obnoxiousness. However, it also has the mysterious ability to channel you down a blind path of unfamiliar saxophone territory, all the while radiating a certain calm. The trained ear will pick up on Bennett's keen sense of melody and rhythm, which provides his compositions with definite beginnings and endings. The unexpected sharp turns and oddball angles in each piece are actually connected through an arsenal of arpeggiated notes which act as a bridge that connects the entire disc. To some, it may sound like aural torture, as Bennett manhandles his horn with a determined ferocity. Others will observe Bennett's knack for delving into the free jazz arena and coming out a victor.
Joining Bennett on track three is vocalist Kattt Sammon. As if engaged in some sort of post-modern call and response, the saxophone's questioning notes are answered by Sammon as she verbalizes howls and yelps like a modern day Billie Holiday. As Bennett's notes peak, so does Sammon's voice, producing several instrumental pinnacles. Equally as engaging are the toy instruments that are played by various audience members on track six. Could Bennett actually be playing to a daycare center full of estranged children armed with toy instruments? Off-key notes from these pieces of plastic add a twisted edge to the already barely contained soprano sax. Bennett dares to cross the line and succeeds with several unique pieces that have an unreserved personality and a vicious bite.
Not only does Aaron Bennett partake in a fresh approach to free jazz, but he does it alone, his soprano saxophone his only companion. If you play an instrument yourself, imagine playing it without accompaniment, yet still being able to saturate the environment with a vibrant, self-sustaining sound, provoking listeners' minds as it races through your own thoughts. Here’s to a provocative artist and an album that challenges not only itself, but also its listeners to partake in non-customary ways, with truly satisfying results.
