John Zorn, Eugene Chadbourne, and Tom Cora highlight this all-star improv session from 1978. Historic band that was convened by Andrea Centazzo after his (Yes, Centazzo's a "he") arrival in New York. The full band:

Centazzo - percussion
Zorn - sax
Cora - cello
Chadbourne - guitar
Toshinori Kondo -- trumpet
Jack Wright -- sax
Ladonna Smith -- voice / violin
Davey Williams -- guitar/banjo
Polly Bradfield -- violin

Everyone doesn't play at once... these are mostly duets and trios, showing off different forms of interaction. Track one is the largest grouping (sextet) and the only track with Zorn.

We have lots of noisy, abstract improv in the library... this disk reaches a good energy level without being obviously louder or "faster." Maybe that's just my mind coloring the sound due to its historical importance -- or, maybe these sounds were captured when the musicians were younger, hungrier, more creative, less jaded. Well worth the listen either way.

1- w/sextet: Busy, with a slow-moving feel. Includes Zorn's angry peck- and-chirp sax
2- w/Chadbourne: Quiet, with a couple flares of noise
3- w/sax and percussion: Clanky and brash, with cool dual-trumpet effect created by electronics
4- w/cello: Rolling evil, then a shrill but serene jangling jungle
5- w/sax: Slow, ending with bitter sax flickering
6- w/violin, voice, guitar: Slow cavernous groans
7- w/trumpet: Slow and spacious, w/one fast segment
8- w/guitar: Fast and hard-digging
9- w/violin: Fast stringy swirls. Quiet start.