Album Notes

The sophomore release by Loose Assembly. The band continues its evolution by working through a balance of composition and instant composing. In addition to Reed\'s tunes and the improvised pieces, the group covers \"Tezetayé Antchi Lidj (Baby, My Unforgettable Remembrance)\" by the Ethiopian vibraphonist Mulatu Astatqe, and Max Roach\'s \"Garvey\'s Ghost\". With great ease the group moves through sonic pastoral explorations to edgy post bop and even Chicago post-rock influences. Reed says, “In the end I guess I\'m still thinking about the early AACM bands like Air, as templates for what is possible.”

Musicians: Nicole Mitchell (flute, voice), Josh Abrams (bass), Jason Adasiewicz (vibraphone), Mike Reed (drums & percussion), Tomeka Reid (cello), Greg Ward (alto saxophone)

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\"Despite its unusual lineup, Loose Assembly is one of Reed\'s more regular outlets and, accordingly, has a bubbling, organic chemistry. On its second album, the Assembly breezes through music as diverse as a cover of Ethiopian vibraphonist Mulata Astatke (airy and light, with a chugging Afro-Asian groove) and vaguely blues-drenched meditations, such as Reed’s \'Picking Up Greta.\'\"
— Matthew Lurie, Time Out Chicago

\"...features Reed joined by four of Chicago\'s most impressive young musicians. Adasiewicz\'s shimmering vibes and Reid\'s sonorous cello lend an effervescent aura to the session\'s stately air, while Ward alternates pugnacious intervals with keening lyricism. Abrams\' sinewy, rooted bass and the leader\'s carefree, yet nuanced polyrhythms provide an elastic undercurrent that veers from painterly rubato accents to intricate time signatures. An exceptional percussionist, Reed provides unwavering forward momentum even while engaged in pithy call-and-response with soloists.\"
— Troy Collins, AllAboutJazz.com