Mark Tokar
No-Exit Corner
The second of two releases of this trio recorded live in Krakow in 2016 finds Chicago reedist Vandermark, German drummer Kugel and Ukranian bassist Tokar blowing holes in walls. There are occasional respites, say when Tokar takes one his fascinating, focused solos. But generally this is tough stuff. Vandermark is a master of taking a phrase and working it repeatedly, wringing out the last drops as he modulates his ideas to the boiling point. His clarinet playing brings to mind what Artie Shaw mi…
For The People Of The Open Heart
Three masters in their respective instrumental fields. Wybithy trombonist Steve Swell, one of Germany's most active percussionists Klaus Kugel and Mark Tokar, a Ukrainian double bassist who swapped his double bass for a rifle for the duration of the war with Russia. They are not a working band, but when they stand on stage together you get the feeling that they have been playing together forever and understand each other in half a word and create music of great power and momentum. All the music …
Live at Vilnius Jazz Festival
The music was performed in the frame of Vilnius Jazz and Music of Silent Film festivals. Adaptation of the silent film The Lost World was made by Artūras Jevdokimovas. Recorded live on the 17th October 2016 at Vilnius Jazz Festival by Valdas Karpuška.