Alto Saxophonist Eugene Lee’s online album Srivbanacore is a worthy addition for those who enjoy free jazz and the avant garde. Lee’s style is reminiscent of the AACM school and shows the clear influence of artsts like Anthony Braxton and Julius Hemphill. However he often sounds like he is in slow motion eschewing the rapid doodling of most free jazz reed players. The first two tracks are solo efforts and benefit from the artist’s long droneful lines. When he does take off into a fast succession of notes as on “Voices”, it is thoughtful and structured. The title track is an extended duo with drummer Dan Nadeau. It’s a nicely developed 12 minutes of sound right up to the Aylerian climax. Pianist Ben Stepner and trumpeter Phil Grenadier help out on some of the tracks. The overall effect is like an avant garde chamber jazz, gentle in parts but with a bite in others. All the tracks are excellent but I am quite partial to the final duo with Nadeau. “There Will Be Never be Another Pluto” is a light hearted take-off on a similarly titled song that most jazz lovers will recognize. It is a great upbeat ending to a generally introvert jazz outing.

The album is available as separate tracks in VBR M3 (about 192kbps).

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