Ingebrigt Håker Flaten (Exit) Knarr - Breezy (Sonic Transmissions Records) I was a fan of the first (Exit) Knarr album, which (as I understand) was not intended to be an ongoing band. For all the reasons represented by the title (a nickname for jaimie branch, one of Håker Flaten’s longtime close friends and collaborators), this is music that needed a large canvas. And the result is, well, let’s just say I looked back and wasn’t sure if this was the first or second time I was mentioning this album. (I did my best, but it may still be that I’m repeating myself here, and if so, just take my word for it, Breezy is that good.) Mette Rasmussen plays a solo on “Free the Jazz” that’s easily among the best solos of the year. This is big, bold, heart-on-sleeve jazz meant to be played loudly on the biggest possible speakers.
Mette Rasmussen, Craig Taborn, Ches Smith - Weird of Mouth (Otherly Love) Yes, it’s another new group featuring Mette Rasmussen! And, once again there is an amazing lineup and absolutely fantastic playing. I first caught bits of Weird of Mouth on Instagram, as short clips from recent shows made their way around. The album’s a much-needed full account of the trio’s music. This one drops towards the end of the week, jump on the bandwagon now, friends.
The Necks - Bleed (Northern Spy Records) The latest from the iconic trio, Bleed is the first since 2018’s Body to feature the, you might call it, classic structure of a single extended performance. The past couple of albums echoed the structure of the gorgeous Unfold, and these macro shifts in approach may help listeners grasp some of the micro-level changes and adjustments in “Bleed,” the song. The Necks sound very much like a band that still has a lot to say, continuing their exploration of all things piano, bass, drums. There are upcoming dates for a listening party and European tour stops this fall.