Idiom

Idiom

On Idiom, tenor saxophonist/flutist Anna Webber dives deep once again with her Simple Trio, which previously recorded Binary in 2016, but also offers a second volume of compositions with a 12-piece large ensemble. The purpose of uniting them is Webber’s interest in extended techniques (nonconventional sounds produced on conventional instruments), commonly used by improvisers but here more fully integrated into her compositional frameworks themselves. Pianist Matt Mitchell and drummer John Hollenbeck join Webber on the five trio pieces, spiraling with seemingly impossible melodic and rhythmic precision. The full-ensemble tracks expand the palette with strings, brass, and reeds, as well as Liz Kosack on synthesizer and other sonic elements one wouldn’t expect (Yuma Uesaka’s contra-alto clarinet, David Byrd-Marrow’s French horn, Webber’s bass flute). Bassist Nick Dunston and drummer Satoshi Takeishi drive the rhythm while conductor Eric Wubbels holds it all together. Soloists include Adam O’Farrill (trumpet), Jacob Garchik (trombone), and Webber herself, brilliantly channeling Henry Threadgill and Zooid at the start of “Movement II.”

Disc 1

Disc 2

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada