The Other Side of Time by Quin Kirchner
I’m very enthusiastic about this release. This could end up being one of my favorites this year, in fact. It combines the party feel a large street ensemble with the intimacy of an excellent band busting at the seems with excitement for bop pushing the boundaries into free. This is deeply Chicago in spirit but listening to this record gets you pumping like if you’re hoping around the outskirts of the French Quarter and bump into a band that’s like ten times better than anything you expected to see.
Kirchner is the percussionist and occasionally reminds the listener why it’s his band with some fantastic drum grooves. The album includes standards (and I’m intentionally using that word) by Paul Motian, Andrew Hill, Sun Ra, and Mingus. All tracks, original or not, rage.
Finally, the definitive Art Ensemble of Chicago flag is on full display here. These guys are ****ing torch bearers. Bass clarinet and flute both going off at the same time, yes sir! Absolutely deep dish delicious. Major props!