Rashied Ali, Peter Kowald & Assif Tsahar - Deals, Ideas & Ideals

2000 CD release.

In the spring of 2000 German bassist Peter Kowald attempted the seemingly impossible and in the process made history. He commenced on a three-month concert tour of the United States starting in Florida, ranging up the East Coast, criss-crossing the Midwest, hitting the west coast and doubling back for a final string of dates in the east. Along the way he played approximately 50 shows, most beginning with a solo set and concluding with a cooperative performance with local musicians. Numerous ad hoc aggregations resulted and the bassist’s legendary talents combined with those of American improvisers of nearly every persuasion. Taped at the termination of the tour the studio sessions that resulted in this disc are a colorful capstone.

Even though this trio had only a fleeting time together, the music created is timeless, testament to the abilities of the players both as individuals and collectively. The likelihood of a reunion is perhaps unlikely. But as improvised music continually reminds, anything is possible and there’s no doubt that these three would have volumes more to say together if given the opportunity.

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