Rusian Khain Archive

Michael RABINOWITZ: Uncharted Waters – Cats Paws Records

Michael RABINOWITZ: Uncharted Waters – Cats Paws Records

Michael Rabinowitz again showcases the virtuosity of the bassoon in a warm acoustic setting. Michael RABINOWITZ: Uncharted Waters – Cats Paws Records 9855, 56:50 (4/22/17) ****: (Michael Rabinowitz: bassoon/ Ruslan Khain: bass/ Nat Harris: guitar/ Vince Ector: drums) The first time I heard the sound of the bassoon I didn’t whether to laugh or cry. I was astonished at the vibratory power of the lower range and its effect on one’s inner organs. The tenor range likewise possesses magical qualities, from stately to charmingly eccentric. There is no doubt that the instrument brims with character, and yet it has stood outside the jazz world, owing no doubt to the obstacles of the double-reed mechanics, which don’t allow for the all important vocal inflections and special effects so prominent in jazz. This is also true for the other members of the double-reed family, the oboe and English horn; they have all been left behind by that great innovation of Adolphe Sax, who solved problems of air flow and tonal flexibility in one fell swoop, thus paving the way for the saxophone to achieve its prominent position in jazz history. In the newly released Uncharted Waters, Michael Rabinowitz’ fourth outing as a […]