Herb Robertson - Knudstock 2000

All Music Guide

Sure, it may take some getting used to, and the concept of a completely freestyle big band (11 pieces) will likely be off-putting to those of a traditional bent, but, nonetheless, hats off to Herb Robertson and friends for making this such an utterly fascinating event. Combinations of these musicians had been informally jamming freestyle for years -- even decades -- before this was recorded. With a nod (but only a nod) to Coltrane's "Ascension," the group's three pieces land just this side of anarchy. Somehow, though, with the talent assembled here (in addition to Robertson on trumpet, there are Steve Swell on trombone, Bob Ackerman on woodwinds, and other lesser known though equally talented players), there is a creative coherence that emerges from the chaos. Robertson's trumpet (and cornet, valve trombone, eb tuba, and flageolets) gurgles gleefully throughout, rarely out of range, but it is the collective rumblings of everyone going at it that makes it. Call it post-Globe Unity, but ...the jazz improvisations give it a distinctly American feel. - Steven Loewy, All Music Guide Read more Less