Vandermark 5, The – “a Discontinuous Line ” – [Atavistic]

A Discontinuous Line, is the latest (well, Fall of ’06!) blast from Chicago-based,
multi-instrumentalist Ken Vandermark???s long-running and great ensemble, the Vandermark 5. It marks a new era for the 5, with cellist Fred Lonberg-Holm replacing trombonist Jeb Bishop, whose contributions to previous V5 dates I really appreciated. As always, the V5 incorporates a variety of influences to cover wide range of stylistic ground: alternating between tuneful, post-bop passages; minimal, neo-classicism; slamming rock/funk rhythms; and awesome freedom chases. Personal favorites included “Reciprocal” and the disc’s tour de force centerpiece “Some Not All”. Outstanding! DL