Live At the Green Mill

Captured live over two evenings in late June 2007 at Chicago's Green Mill, saxophonist Ari Brown continues to illuminate the AACM style of experimental jazz he's been exploring since the early '70s. All six tracks are Brown originals, and while the passion of free jazz underlies them, these compositions are more inspired than fiery. "Richard's Tune" and "Evod," the beginning and ending tracks, respectively, allow the band to stretch out in spirited exchanges that are both compelling and accessible. Of the remaining four tunes, "One for Skip" is a touching ballad, "Shorter's Vibes" and "Kylie's Lullaby" engage a slight Latin tinge, and "Two Gun V" is a powerful nod to Rahsaan Roland Kirk as Brown plays tenor and soprano at the same time. Brown — who also plays flute on this date — is accompanied by the same band that he has been working with for over a decade and which appears on his first two dates as a leader on Delmark: pianist Kirk Brown, bassist Yosef Ben Israel, and drummer Avreeayl Ra. Rounding out the group are trumpeter Pharez Whitted and percussionist Dr. Cuz. This set is highly recommended, as are his earlier releases Ultimate Frontier and Venus.