Shelton, Aram (Fast Citizens) – “Two Cities” – [Delmark]

Aram Shelton moved to Oakland, California to study and teach at Mills College but he teams up here with some Chicago pals for this intriguing set of improv pieces. One can hear influences of Ornette Coleman and Roscoe Mitchell, but the overall sound is quite original and certainly is well played. Sometimes engaging (horns on track 6, strings on track 2) but challenging to hear for the first time with occasional whiny, aimless moments.