Cadence - Dec 26, 2006

INDUSTRIOUS NOISE TRIO,
CREATIVE NATION, no#.
Nugget / Trio / Dawn / NHF / Ditto for Dorsey / Longmeadow /
Makedonya. 49:58.
Chris Veillieux, as, ss; Phil Sargent, g, elec.; Mike
Connors, d, perc. Longmeadow, MA, July 2005.

After the overly familiar textures of [ATMOS TRIO], the original concept and sound of [Industrious Noise] came as a welcome relief. I have a friend who is fond of inflicting the latest music from the Industrial Noise scene upon me so, given the title of this trio, I was prepared for the worst. My fears proved unfounded right from the start as I listened to the lyrical, almost mournful sax and guitar duet that opens the CD. That duet gives way to an interesting rhythmically propulsive tune that was logically prepared by the preceding improvisation and was an unexpected delight. The next tune, “Trio” seemed to pick up where the preceding tune had ended but developed in a different direction with a tightly focused alto solo followed by a very interesting time-morphing solo from Connors that reminded me somewhat of a rock-influenced Stu Martin. “Dawn” changes the landscape again, moving us into an introspective mode with guitar and sax weaving lugubrious lines through one another over a minor key dirge, offset by Connors’ resourceful colorations. The epic tune “NHF” contains too many shifts to enumerate here but was replete with happy surprises. Sargent’s compositions showcase a wide variety of ideas and are quite effective at setting up the soloists to explore the various permutations suggested by his tunes. His compositional originality is matched by his incisive playing which ranges from “inside” lyricism to hard edged, riff based, screaming rock and satisfying surreal textures aided by his intelligent use of electronics. Veilleux too, displays an impressive range of approaches in his sax playing, mirroring Sargent’s improvisational inventiveness and contributing a nice tune with “Ditty for Dorsey.” Connors’ deft playing calls upon multiple influences from straight ahead to Free Jazz all the way through to rock-funk, all delivered quite effectively with an alert awareness of the ensemble’s needs at all times. Industrious Noise Trio was one of the better discoveries I made in this month’s batch of CDs for review and I’m happy to recommend this release and looking forward to subsequent efforts from them.

- David Kane

“I found the Master Class presented at UMA by Greg Loughman and his ensemble, Iskar, to be superb. The focus was odd meter masterly. Each member explained their own personal approach to performing odd meter tunes and gave exquisite examples. They also answered questions clearly and succinctly and made seemingly difficult topics easy to understand.

The attendees of the master class received copies of the music that was being performed and discussed as well as other music ideas and explanations. This was most helpful.

The students and visiting musicians (and faculty) attending the master class were obviously inspired and impressed. I have heard UMA music students talking about the master class for days. My student ensemble asked to incorporate an odd meter tune into the upcoming concert. Additionally, students have asked great questions in various classes regarding ideas presented in the master class. Our faculty have explored and discussed these questions and used them as teaching tools."

The Master Class was truly enjoyable, inspiring and educational experience. Iskar has been added to my 'A' list.”

- Russ Lombardi, Professor of Music, University of Maine at Augusta