Jazz Bunker

Featuring a trio of Dutch drummer Han Bennink, American electric guitarist Eugene Chadbourne, and Japanese trumpeter Toshinori Kondo, this double CD promises a bit more than it delivers. Nonetheless, it is an absolutely fascinating exposition of free jazz. Recorded live in Holland (in less than high fidelity), the three musicians fly high, with more than a dozen different instruments represented. Just the chance to hear Han Bennink play piano, tenor and soprano saxophones, clarinet, trombone, and harmonica is alone worth the price of the CDs. His skills should surprise more than a few of his admirers. Fans of Chadbourne can expect his usual silliness, along with some tasty string work. Kondo adds a couple of euphoniums to his usual virtuoso trumpet work, and the whole conglomeration is outrageously wild. While sometimes it all seems somewhat anarchic, there are nonetheless plenty of rewarding moments. ~ Steven Loewy|