Roscoe Mitchell Sound Ensemble - Live In Detroit

Review by Jérôme Morin

The Roscoe Mitchell Sound Ensemble's latest album, Live In Detroit, is a tour-de-force of avant-garde jazz that showcases the group's improvisational prowess and boundary-pushing creativity. Recorded during a live performance in Detroit, the album captures the raw energy and spontaneity of the ensemble's live shows, with each track taking on a life of its own.

Led by the legendary Roscoe Mitchell on saxophone and flute, the ensemble features a talented group of musicians who bring their own unique voices to the mix. From the hypnotic rhythms of percussionist Kikanju Baku to the atmospheric textures of cellist Tomeka Reid, each member of the group contributes to the album's rich sonic tapestry.

One standout track is "Panoply", a sprawling 24-minute epic that showcases the ensemble's ability to seamlessly weave together disparate musical elements into a cohesive whole. The track begins with a haunting flute melody before gradually building into a cacophonous free jazz explosion, with Mitchell's saxophone leading the charge.

Summary by Jérôme Morin

Live In Detroit is a must-listen for fans of experimental jazz and improvisation. It's a testament to the power of live performance and the boundless possibilities of music when talented musicians are given the freedom to explore and create.