Broomriding

by Dan WarburtonPianist Alex von Schlippenbach is justifiably famous as the driving force behind the Globe Unity Orchestra, Europe's first (and arguably best) free improvising large ensemble, and as one third of a prolific trio with saxophonist Evan Parker and percussionist Paul Lovens, but releases under his own name have been relatively rare. All the more reason, then, to welcome Broomriding, released on Parker's PSI imprint, which features Lovens along with bass clarinetist Rudi Mahall and cellist Tristan Honsinger. Seven of the 11 tracks are credited to Schlippenbach (though they sound fresh enough to be freely improvised) and two to Honsinger, and two are covers of material from Eric Dolphy's legendary 1964 album Out to Lunch. An astute move, this, as the juxtaposition of tightly structured and freely improvised material adds depth and contrast. Honsinger, despite appearances to the contrary, is no crazy scratcher on the cello, but has a keen ear for a pitch and the technical wherewithal to find just the one he needs; likewise, Mahall has no need to be afraid of covering music by the most celebrated bass clarinetist of them all -- Dolphy -- as his mastery of the instrument in all its registers is apparent throughout. Lovens is, as ever, a percussionist of impeccable taste and talent, and Schlippenbach is obviously in his element. The whole history of the 20th century piano is in there, from Teddy Wilson to Misha Mengelberg, from Debussy to Xenakis, and the album is a joy from start to finish.