Cora, Tom – “It’s a Brand New Day ” – [Knitting Factory Records]

Goddamit, Tom Cora is dead. A revolutionary
cello player, and a mark of excellence for
the many of releases KFJC is blessed to have
connecting him (see fine rundown in liner
notes here). Last year we added the double
disc Tzadik tribute, now here’s some rare
live recordings…and here’s to a long
goodbye for a short life, more post-jazz,
posthumous releases. Plenty of luminaries
on here, but Cora shines brightest from
brainiac action to boisterousness reminiscent
of his work with the Ex to high flying
fretwork to rubbery double hand slap and
plunking to low bow tension. Cora’s so good
at his balance between the avant and the
agile. My faves were the two gypsy-laced
jaunties w/ his wife channeling vox (#1,#7).
He was a brand new cello player!