Con Affectto

The Ganelin Trio has reached a sort of legendary status among devotees of free jazz. This largely unreleased live set from a concert in Moscow was originally smuggled out to the West, but took some time for its eventual release. The music is classic Ganelin, and although the first track is almost 60 minutes, it is filled with such a panoramic view of the history of jazz that it should delight even the most skeptical critics. Ganelin, Tarasov, and Chekasin spread out, to be sure, with lots of characteristic color. They also reach way back to swing and ragtime, with one of their most eclectic performances on disc. Ganelin immerses himself in his piano, but also adds some stunningly primitive work on basset and horn, while Chekasin lets loose with a funky blast from the past to complement his ambitious adventurousness. The three encores, including a subversive version of "Mack the Knife," round out the show. ~ Steven A. Loewy, Rovi