The first thing I noticed about this album is the well done album cover, definitely makes you think some quality jazz might be hidden in those grooves.The second thing I noticed was that Rolf Kuhn is a clarinetist, an instrument not widely used in modern jazz. Outside of Jimmy Hamilton, I can't think of too many times I have heard the instrument outside of a swing setting.
Impressions of New York being a thrift store find, I didn't have much invested and honestly since I had only barely heard of these Kuhn brothers, I didn't have high expectations.
In fact I have a jazz funk album from Joachim that is pretty good, but nothing like this album, this is serious modern jazz.
I have had this record for a few years now, and as an avant garde jazz aficionado, "believe it or not", I never put up for sale, the record has really grown to be one of my favorite free jazz/chamber jazz records I own.
Free jazz is such an acquired taste I know, if you like Ornette Coleman or Cecil Taylor, I think you will have a fine time with this album.Kuhn really plays well on this album, he does remind one of Cecil Taylor, with his bright percussive attack.
Rolf Kuhn's style won't remind you of Benny Goodman believe me, he does sound a lot like Ornette Coleman to my ears, just Bluesy and exclamatory, darting around structured, but with plenty of imagination.
Coltrane quartet bassist Jimmy Garrison offers some fine bouncy elastic bass playing, actually reminds me a bit of Ron Carter circa- the Miles quintet.
A vinyl copy like this vintage 60's Impulse original will run you around $50 right now. CD versions are commanding almost the same. I paid .99 cents for this copy. For a fan of inside/outside modern jazz you can't go wrong with this record.
All photos are my own of the copy I found at a Goodwill Thrift store.
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