
Less Than or Equal Too
Good For Cows
Free Porcupine Society
2003
This jazz duo, comprised of Theory of Ruin drummer Ches Smith, and bassist Devin Hoff of Nels Cline Singers & Odessa Chen, reminds me a lot of some of the European, particularly Norweigan, improv stuff I've been hearing, and seeing recently. I am no expert on jazz, but I do know what I like.
The simple approach and recording by Alex Newport (Theory of Ruin, At the Drive-In, Icarus Line etc), fits perfectly. Sit back and chill as the obscure rhythms and sounds of Tragedy and Farce, or Your Problem is My Problem, fill your head.
Smith's drumming, moving from minimal to frenzied, allow Hoff to weave his groovy double bass lines through the beats. Sometimes sounding trad, sometimes leftfield, if you like this sort of thing, you'll love this.
Review - Kenny Mooney
Good For Cows website
Free Porcupine Society