Ned Rothenberg Double Band – Parting (CD3012)

The last chapter of the Double Band. Parting is the final recording of Ned Rothenberg’s New York ensemble, made on May 28–29, 1996 at Water Music in Hoboken, New Jersey. As always, everything comes in pairs: Ned Rothenberg and Thomas Chapin on alto and soprano saxophones and flutes, Jerome Harris on electric guitar and bass and Tony Scherron electric and acoustic bass, plus two drummers, Michael Sarin and Samm Bennett.

The music is everything the Double Band stood for: intelligent compositions, fiery solos and a heavy, almost rock-like groove. Pieces like “End Over End”, “Crosscut and Rip” and the 10-minute “Chemical Peel” show the two drummers and two bassists pushing the music forward while the saxophones play off each other. Chapin’s spirited lines contrast with Rothenberg’s more angular style. “Fool’s Parade”, “Last Dance” and the funky “Clav-Hay” round out the album, which ends with the short “Faux Redd”.

This is a must for fans of the Double Band, of Thomas Chapin and of the energetic downtown jazz of the 1990s. Released on Moers Music. When you buy here, you’re buying directly from the label, and we only sell originals.

The Side Story

The album title says it all. Saxophonist Thomas Chapin died of leukaemia in February 1998, just days before his 41st birthday. Ned Rothenberg released these 1996 recordings in 2004, partly as a tribute to Chapin, and then retired the Double Band from his repertoire. Parting is a farewell.

Chapin was one of the great, if underrated, saxophonists of his generation. From 1981 to 1986 he was lead alto saxophonist with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, and from 1983 its musical director. When New York’s Knitting Factory opened in 1986, he was one of its first acts, and he was the first artist signed to the club’s label. His trio with bassist Mario Pavone and drummer Michael Sarin, who also plays on this album, was the focus of his last years. His time with the Double Band is considered one of his strongest sideman roles.

Parting completes the trilogy with Overlays (1991, CD2074) and Real and Imagined Time (1993, CD3006), both also on Moers Music.

Tracklist

1. End Over End – 8:15

2. Snowball – 6:49

3. Crosscut and Rip – 9:05

4. Fool’s Parade – 7:56

5. Chemical Peel – 10:22

6. Last Dance – 7:44

7. Clav-Hay – 4:52

8. Faux Redd – 3:28

Total running time: approx. 59 minutes

Personnel

• Ned Rothenberg – alto & soprano saxophone, flute

• Thomas Chapin – alto & soprano saxophone, flute

• Jerome Harris – electric guitar, electric bass

• Tony Scherr – electric & acoustic bass

• Michael Sarin – drums

• Samm Bennett – drums

Details

• Format: CD

• Label: Moers Music

• Catalog no.: CD3012

• Recorded: May 28–29, 1996, Water Music, Hoboken, New Jersey (recorded by David Voight)

• Released: 2004

• Price: €14.00