Ursel Schlicht

This live recording led by the little-known but highly talented German pianist Ursel Schlicht is an outstanding example of the heights that can be achieved by musicians engaged in collective free improvisation. The first track opens impressively with aggressive, energized sounds that never let up, with powerful alto saxophonist Martin Speicher's searing solos showing him to be a performer of considerable depth. The remaining four numbers feature the quartet in a variety of moods, with trombonist Steve Swell, as the only horn, offering some remarkably cogent improvisatory muscle. By attracting a super trio of Americans (Swell, bassist Ken Filiano, and drummer Lou Grassi, all well-known recording stars on the CIMP label and its Cadence Jazz Records affiliate), Schlicht not only displays good taste, but shows an affinity for cutting-edge performance. All the tracks are collective improvisations except the somewhat more tame and intricate "Sound Quest," written by Schlicht, who displays a no less compelling romantic side to her playing. For many listeners, this recording will be a welcome introduction to a European talent who has the skill and finesse to number her among the best of the free improvisers on either side of the Atlantic. She calls her group Implicate Order, a reference to what she and Swell infer to be a "larger universe" that "forms the reality that our senses inform us as real." Regardless of the theoretical underpinnings, the results are exciting, solid, thoroughly challenging, and -- perhaps most importantly -- enjoyable. ~ Steven Loewy, All Music Guide