In a sense,
Four Compositions (GTM) 2000 is a homecoming for
Anthony Braxton. This 2003 release reunites the
avant-garde reedman with
Delmark Records, where he recorded his first album,
3 Compositions of New Jazz, in 1968.
Braxton was only 22 at the time, and he turned 57 in 2002. Some musicians mellow with time, but not
Braxton; after all these years, the Chicago native is as uncompromising as ever. Like so much of his previous work,
Four Compositions (GTM) 2000 has to be accepted own its own terms -- and those terms certainly aren't terms of the conservative "
bop police." This is complex, abstract, dissonant, highly cerebral music that never goes out of its way to be accessible -- the sort of music that appeals to intellectuals in Sweden. That isn't to say that only Swedes listen to
Braxton, who has a small following in the United States -- only that albums this left-of-center are a hard sell in the U.S. and that intellectuals in Sweden and other European countries have been consistent supporters of
Braxton.
Four Compositions (GTM) 2000 won't be a
pop hit, but those who are daring enough to go along for the ride will find that
Braxton is in excellent form on four extended pieces (one of which lasts 20 minutes). This time, he plays several instruments (including flute and various saxophones) and leads a cohesive quartet that includes pianist
Kevin Uehlinger, bassist
Keith Witty, and percussionist
Noah Schatz. Many non-
avant-garde musicians have had difficulty comprehending
Braxton's work, but these sideman obviously understand where he is coming from and serve him well on this inspired addition to his sizable catalog. ~ Alex Henderson
