Andrew Hill Trio - Von Freeman

The concert by this quartet, assembled for the occasion around Von Freeman and Andrew Hill, will most probably be the musical surprise of 2005. With their entirely unique and sophisticated vocabularies, in which they draw extensively upon the great book of jazz, both men tell beautiful and exciting tales in their own personal idiom. Von Freeman, Chicago's most well-preserved tenor saxophonist, exemplifies capricious, lively and not-too-heavy jazz from the Windy City: breathing, speaking and singing through his instrument. The enigmatic Andrew Hill, also from Chicago, makes intriguing music both as a pianist and as a composer. Paul Hindemith's free orchestration lessons are responsible for Hill's private musical language. His style is austere: keys that are barely touched, silences and an almost idle left hand, like Cecil Taylor in a contemplative mood. Von Freeman's virile approach to the music will rouse Andrew Hill to an unprecedented cheerfulness and directness. One thing is for sure: it's going to swing. Slightly eccentric, high-voltage party music of an exuberant sobriety, full of unexpected moments.