Chicago Clarinet Conglomerate

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Editor's info:
On his newest recording, Jeff Chan's Chicago Clarinet Conglomerate (Asian Improv Records 0082), the Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist/composer can be found dedicating his full attention to the clarinet. Primarily known as a tenor saxophonist, Chan has been focusing more on the clarinet in recent years. And by gathering two of Chicago's top reedists, Mwata Bowden and Edward Wilkerson Jr., he has built an ensemble to deal seriously with the instrument. Adding another dimension to the album are special guests - bassist Tatsu Aoki and violinist Jonathan Chen - who appear on four of the album's twelve tracks, performing both acoustically as well as on electronics. The trio (and sometimes quintet) covers a broad range of sonic territory, some of which is mapped out by Chan's compositions, and the rest defined through free improvisation. Following in the direction established by his previous CD Horns of Plenty (AIR0077), Chan continues to display a broader musical palette as he develop his sans rhythm section chamber music concept. PERSONNEL Jeff Chan - Bb clarinet and bass clarinet Mwata Bowden - Bb clarinet, contrabass clarinet and rainstick Edward Wilkerson Jr. - Eb sopranino clarinet, Bb clarinet and alto clarinet Special Guests (tracks 3, 6, 9 and 11) Tatsu Aoki - bass and electronics Jonathan Chen - violin and electronics