Ballister - Slag

2017 release

The sixth release by Ballister, recorded live at the renowned Café Oto in London in March of 2015 finds a well-honed working unit that's settled into the deep groove of their stride on a long tour. Exactly halfway through the journey, on the eve of Rempis’ fortieth birthday, the band bursts out the gate screaming, spewing fire and ash into what might have otherwise been a quiet Monday in London. Although the band and these players are often characterized as working in “improvised music,” or “jazz,” or some other equally insufficient moniker, this music rocks in a way that “Rock” hasn’t in years. The trio’s rhythmic drive drags the listener along face first, at times with flat-out abandon, and at times in lurches and spurts. But overall trajectory for this concert, and this group generally, remains full speed ahead with no time to look back.

Dave Rempis – alto/tenor saxophones
Fred Lonberg-Holm – cello and electronics
Paal Nilssen-Love – drums and percussion

1) Fauchard 23:04
2) Guisarme 16:58
3) Glaive 22:28

Recorded in London March 23rd, 2015 @ Café Oto, by James Dunn
Mixed by Fred Lonberg-Holm
Mastered by Dave Zuchowski

Design by Johnathan Crawford