Ralph Alessi - Cognitive Dissonance - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Recording an entire album of duets would be a daunting task for most artists, but in the hands of flugelhorn/trumpeter Ralph Alessi, the result is a set of fresh and intimate interpretations of originals, standards and improvisations. Ralph is joined by former Steve Coleman and Ani DiFranco sideman Shane Endsley, who brings his own unique and versatile approach to the drums and trumpet to this recording. Another Steve Coleman alum, trombonist Tim Albright, plays on one track. InchVice & VirtueInch offers a daring departure from the typical and a chance to hear two of today's most original voices engaged in a sonic journey that captures the true spirit of improvised music. Album Tracks 1. Peace 2. Calls 3. The Second Square One 4. Post Scuffle 5. Bye Ya 6. Mask Upon Masks 7. If I Should Lose You 8. Everyday Work 9. Equal or Lesser Value 10. Soy Ink 11. Peace

Ralph Alessi's fourth appearance as a leader for the tag follows a singular album run that's been met with nothing but praise from The New York Times to The Guardian. On his new album, Alessi's unique tone is as limber, piercing and present as ever, enveloped by a fresh quartet line-up - pianist Florian Weber, BInchnz Oester on bass and drummer Gerry Hemingway - that navigates through the trumpeter's idiosyncratically swinging compositions with a sixth sense. Album Tracks 1. Hypnagogic 2. Old Baby 3. Migratory Party 4. Residue 5. The Shadow Side 6. It's Always Now 7. Diagonal Lady 8. His Hopes, His Fears, His Tears 9. Everything Mirrors Everything 10. Portion Control 11. Ire 12. Hanging By a Thread 13. Tumbleweed

An ECM artist for his entire musical career, US guitarist Ralph Towner has built up a unique body of work in his recordings for the tag. Central to his oeuvre are his solo albums, the first of which, Diary, was issued 50 years ago. At First Light extends this great tradition, drawing inspiration from a broad palette of music. In addition to his own pieces, Towner also plays Hoagy Carmichael's InchLittle Old LadyInch, Jule Styne's InchMake Someone HappyInch and the traditional tune InchDanny Boy.Inch Album Tracks 1. Flow 2. Strait 3. Make Someone Happy 4. Ubi Sunt 5. Guitarra Piccante 6. At First Light 7. Danny Boy 8. Fat Foot 9. Argentinian Nights 10. Little Old Lady 11. Empty Stage