John Heward
Voices: Ten Improvisations
This superb pairing of two top-flight improvisors reminds me of why I listen to this music. It’s not about ‘music’, it’s about sounds and their making. It’s a given that these two can really ‘play’. Joe McPhee established that in the immediate post-Coltrane era, and Heward – while I know little about him except that he’s also a visual artist who recorded a duo album on Avant with Steve Lacy – I’m sure he can really whack those tubs. The point, however, is that they don’t ‘just play’, they also l…
Live In Montreal
This live concert is perhaps one of the last recordings from soprano saxophone legend Steve Lacy. Lacy and percussionist John Heward first met in Paris in 1975. Though they remained in regular contact through the years, they did not actually play together until this concert in Montreal on 20 June 2003. Two months later Lacy was diagnosed with cancer, and died in June 2004.Lacy suggested to Heward that he wanted to end this improvisation with the motif Recessional for Oliver Johnson, as a tribute…
On No On
A CD of duo improvisations by two of Montreal’s great improvisors: bass clarinettist Lori Freedman and drummer/percussionist John Heward. The two have performed together in various ensembles over the years. Both have produced significant discographies. These unedited studio improvisations were recorded in Montreal in 2011. It is the third set of duos featuring John Heward on Mode/Avant. Cover art by John Heward. Liner note by Eric Lewis. Photos by Sylvia Safdie.Lori Freedman, b-flat & bass-clari…