Description

Another in a series of major Not Two Vandermark documents, Past Present is a seven-disc boxed set comprised of live performances waxed between 2008 and 2011, including a program of the music of Don Cherry (recorded at the Sant’Anna Arresi Jazz Festival in 2008). The latter is a rare instance of the trio engaging the work of a composer outside the group, at least in a literal rather than implicit sense. Of course, DKV make these pieces entirely their own, with Vandermark both jubilant and searing in his muscular, linear improvisations on tunes from “Brown Rice” to “Elephantasy”. All of the sets are very well recorded and convey the sheer workmanlike joy that these three musicians feel in playing together – “workmanlike” in that so much of their music is a matter of getting things done, imbued with a no-frills approach to improvising.

There is nothing extraneous here, just spirited and consistently powerful playing. Perhaps time away from the group allowed each of the band’s members to refine their approach; compared to earlier recordings the music on Past Present seems more incisive and the improvisations (especially those of Vandermark) effectively colorful. 18 years together and apart will necessarily generate a bevy of experiences that translate into deeper levels of communication and it’s clear that DKV has grown as a unit. That’s not to say every moment is perfection – this writer has never completely been able to get behind the backbeat sections that occasionally crop up with this group, though admittedly the groovy close to Disc Six’ second piece (all of the improvisations are untitled) is pretty fine. Furthermore, seven discs is also a lot to get through, especially with a format that’s pretty basic. Nevertheless, in going through the set one finds that any single disc “toe dip” will be rewarding and overall Past Present is extremely consistent. The set’s size shouldn’t deter anyone interested in these three musicians’ work and even if there are a few flagging moments, the process of hearing and assimilating the DKV Trio’s music is very worthwhile.

by Clifford Allen & NYCJR (January 2013)

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