Matt There are not many left of these type of musicians in Jazz that are still doing work which is new and original and is in constant flux but Henry Threadgill is one exception.Alto Saxophone and Flute are his two main tools that he uses to construct some of the most interesting and challenging Avante Garde Jazz out there today and the two new albums from his current band Zooid are no exception Both were recorded in 2008 and the first installment was Volume 1 in 2009 and then along comes Volume 2 in 2010. Ensemble would be a nice description for Zooid as everyone works within their own parameters and intricate and challenging music is the result.All compositions are by Henry Threadgill. Liberty Ellman who also is the guitarist for Zooid, produced proceedings. Liberty has been with Henry for quite a while now,he first appeared with Henry on the first Zooid ( Up Popped The Two Lips) album back in 2001 and spent his years previously honing his craft in San Fransisco playing jazz,hip hop,R and B and even a theatre production.

Five tracks are on the album and the first being "Lying Eyes" where Liberty Ellman on guitar starts proceedings for the tune in a restrained manner with the intro and a solo to follow as the tune unfolds the intensity gradually increases when Jose Davilla puts down some nice trombone and Henry gives a lovely solo in the Avante manner on flute where Jose joins him to finish of proceedings with his trombone." This Brings Us To" is up next and Tuba is keeping time with drums filling and assisting and Stomu Takeshi throwing in Bass and when one listens to Liberty when playing guitar you will hear the bass jumping in and out between chords and a quick passage from Henry on alto to a slow fade out end.Tuba again is the motor for "Extremley Sweet Willem" and Liberty Ellman does he now how to creep his solos in. He is playing them and one will think hang on,where did the come from.Henry is back on flute for this one.The last 2 tracks on the album are my favourite and "Polymorph is number 4 where Henry plays alto to open but solos primarily later on flute. Jose is back on trombone and the tuba ( even a little solo) Henry comes back on Alto and Stomu Takeshi on bass puts some down and more alto from Henry. The hardest sounding composition is the last where Henry really punches it out on alto in a staccato manner gradually building and joining those chords while tuba,guitar,bass and drums seem to fill every space he leaves.He really gets that alto honking in that great Avante method. Elliot Humberto Kavee was the drummer who provided a wonderful texture to the recording, although he did not solo he did a great job.

Like Blue Vein cheese Avante Jazz can seem absolutely hideous but after one gets over that first bite,"Excuse me, but could I have a little more". Another great one from Henry Threadgill