Jon Raskin Quartet

Quartet abstract improv, but often guided by written scores of some sort. This gives the group sound an overall logic or quasi-rhythm, in some cases (1 and 12 are good examples). It's a propulsive and friendly sound overall.

Pieces are short, compact, rarely going past 5 minutes. That might be intentional, trying not to let lengthy improvs dominate the conversation -- or it might be a sign that Raskin's ideas were still formative here, still trying out different voices and strategies to see what fits. Either way, they're nice snippets.

Personnel are all local: Raskin on sax (he's the "R" in ROVA Sax Quartet) and Liz Allbee on the trumpet. George Cremaschi and Gino Robair on bass an drums flesh out the sound.

1- Abstract improv, strong pace. A unified rolling sound early, that's interrupted. Later, more disjoint but still fast
2- Mostly calm improv, starting strong/rough.
3- Chugging little free-jazz groove
4- Improv based on nearly jazzy horn phrases at first.
5- Buzzy, rolling, mid/fast. Becomes a strong abstract brew.
6- Improv, lots of small curly sounds after an opening blare
7- Careful feel. Opens up later.
8- Quiet. Small squiggles of activity, slight metal-ringing sound
9- Slowish feel but brash, still perky. Not quiet.
10- Nicely brash start and end. Floaty middle with nervous undertones.
11- Perky improv, a bit growly. Busy.
12- Bright, perky intro, brassy but small. A singing warble near the end.