Ben Goldberg - Everything Happens To Be. (LP)

Ben Goldberg's "Everything Happens To Be." is a captivating exploration of free jazz and avant-garde music, released on June 18, 2021, under BAG Production Records. This 57-minute album features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Ellery Eskelin, Michael Formanek, Mary Halvorson, and Tomas Fujiwara, who collectively bring a sense of optimism and joy to the project.

The album opens with a delightful stretchiness in the track "What About," where Goldberg and his bandmates playfully tug and squish phrases, setting the tone for the rest of the record. Throughout the ten tracks, Goldberg leverages the talent at hand to maximize the potential of uncomplicated melodies, creating challenging yet rewarding music.

"Everything Happens To Be." showcases Goldberg's ability to blend empathic familiar sounds with carefully measured tension. The album's title track and others like "Fred Hampton" and "Cold Weather" highlight the band's dynamic interplay and improvisational skills. The track "Chorale Type" offers a moment of reflection, while "Tomas Plays the Drums" gives a nod to the rhythmic prowess of Fujiwara.

With its innovative approach and stellar performances, "Everything Happens To Be." is a testament to Ben Goldberg's artistry and his ability to push the boundaries of jazz. This album is a must-listen for fans of free jazz and avant-garde music, offering a fresh and invigorating listening experience.