Curlew

On a hot Minneapolis night in the summer of 2001, the legendary avant/jazz group Curlew played a scorching gig at the now-defunct Gus Lucky's Gallery. Gussie documents that evening: the veteran improvising group dispensed with their compositions altogether and took an eminently successful walk along the free-improv tightrope. The ever-evolving lineup featured George Cartwright (saxophones), Davey Williams (guitar), Chris Parker (piano), Fred Chalenor (bass), and Bruce Golden (percussion). A limited edition of 436 copies, with hand-drawn covers by Anne Elias.

"A monster of soul-churned improv snacks... pressed in fidelity that can only be described as dandy. What a treat." -- Byron Coley, Arthur

"This limited edition LP contains none of that tight avant-jazz riffing any fan of the band is used to. That being said, anyone who has witnessed George Cartwright's group in the flesh knows that free improv is part of their modus operandi... Once the shock subsides, the intricacy of the playing and the inspiration of the musicians can percolate." - Francois Couture, All Music Guide

"...shows the group taking chances... Each member plays with surprising restraint, focusing on the creation of gauzy electronic textures that stretch in improbable and satisfying ways." - James Beaudreau, One Final Note

"It's a woolly pile of noise, but listened to in the right frame of mind, very exciting." - Jerome Wilson, Cadence

"Curlew sound in top form as they scrape, scratch, tinkle and blow their way through a set bulging with surprises and thrilling moments." - Edwin Pouncey, The Wire