The Art Ensemble of Chicago - The Third Decade
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Free Music Notes for The Third Decade
Free Music Review: Beyond Jazz
Hit: 5 Stars
This was my introduction to the AEC and it still remains my favorite (along with Full Force). I would recommend it to any rock/pop fan who is interested in checking out the weirder side of jazz, but is not enthused about purely shrill, free form blowing. There is a little bit of that towards the end of the album, but what preceeds it defines the meaning of "eclectic." The AEC sound is always inhabited by all manner of bells, whistles, drums, and perfectly "off" saxophones, but here they are all put in the service of some consistently great melodies. "Prayer For Jimbo" builds mysteriously out of a strange, hovering synth hum, while a delicate folk melody is slowly developed on top. It creates a very surreal, dream-like atmosphere whilst building to the aptly titled "Funky AEOC." The bass kicks out what starts as a very earthy groove but the intertwining horn lines push it towards something akin to elastic space funk. From here we get some hard bop, some free jazz, and a symphony of bells, all played with that certain "otherness" which makes this band so special. All of this sonic adventurousness culminates in the title track where, for the first time, the horns begin to wail like sirens. After the admirable restraint shown on the rest of the album, it's as if Bowie, Jarman, et al, are announcing the beginning of their Third Decade, ready to explore new territory and blow minds in the process. If you missed it the first time around, here's your chance!!Free Music Review: their various talents itemised -
Hit: 4 Stars
This album is a collection of tracks that each highlight different aspects of the music that they brew up so wonderfully in the long, exploratory pieces and suites in the concert albums such as Urban Bushmen. 'jimbo' is intricate patterns of horns over delicate percussion that grows in intensity, 'funky' is what it says, a bassline that James Brown would have been proud of, but with clever interplay of horns crying on top. 'walking' could almost be a pop song featuring a lovely tenor solo. The bells is free improvisation coming up out of a primeval bass noise. the next one is pure hard-bop that wouldn't be out of place on an Art Blakey album.
But whatever style they play the interplay between the horns keeps you on the edge of your seat and it's all underpinned by one of the best and most versatile rhythm units ever, not just the bass and drums (and every kind of percussion you can think of) but driving rhythms from bass saxophones and other horns too.
An interesting way to get a grip on the musics that AEC have drawn together throughout their career.
Free Music Review: Wonderful music, wonderfully played
Hit: 5 Stars
I bought this album when it came out on LP & listened to it over and over again. From "Walking in the Moonlight" by Roscoe, Sr., to "Funky AECO" to the mystic "Bell Piece" I love this album. All five members play some great grooves. Lester, rest in peace.Free Music Review: Good, But Not Essential
Hit: 3 Stars
Since we are all entitled to our own opinion, I have to disagree with this being selected as an essential recording. This is not one of the essential albums of the 80s, or even one of the Art Ensemble's best. "The Third Decade" basically rehashes their creations of the first two decades with some watered-down funk added for rhythmic appeal. It's a good thing the Art Ensemble rebounded in the fourth decade with the "Dreaming of the Masters" recordings and the classic "Alternative Express."