As the title implies, Live in Leipzig was actually recorded live in Leipzig at Mediencampus Villa Ida, on December 16, 2023 where it was warmly received and deservedly so.
Although the approach is decidedly 'free', it isn't jarringly so, there's a compelling (fatal?) attraction to the, sometimes, dissonant ensembles, the interplay between the horns, or the bass who seems to hear a different drummer and the drummer himself who appears to do it 'his way'. However, put it all together and it comes out as one. It's a bit like five people entering a thickly-wooded forest from five different points and yet arriving simultaneously at the same exit to relate the adventures they've had along the way.
The compositions, all by Speyer, are themed. Changes is a search for freedom. Innate Ornette pays tribute to their original inspiration. Chimes for Grimes, Henry Grimes the great American bassist and Loz Speyer once had a non-stop two hour session in NYC. You don't forget moments like that! I Weep for Your People as I Weep for Mine. A heartfelt response to the events of last October. Finally, Rhythm Changes Time: A more traditional track, well maybe not quite! Still good fun and Wilcox has a sock it to 'em solo that doesn't hurt.
Given the calibre of musicianship, I wouldn't have expected anything less and I wasn't disappointed. True it is at times demanding but then again, so is Schoenberg, Shakespeare, Münch, Marmite ... if it's worth it, it's worth persevering with and the rewards are worth the effort (Marmite being the exception).
Frankly, this didn't need any persevering with, it clicked with me first time.
Live in Leipzig was released in July so I've fast-tracked it up the pile as I think it's worth checking out. Lance
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