John Blum - Nine Rivers (LP)

John Blum's "Nine Rivers" is a captivating exploration of free jazz and avant-garde music, released on September 1, 2023, under the esteemed ESP Disk' label. This solo album is a testament to Blum's virtuosity and improvisational prowess, recorded live at the Crosscurrent Festival in Italy. Spanning nine dynamic tracks, each titled after a river, the album clocks in at a concise yet intense 47 minutes. Blum's piano work is raw, powerful, and unapologetically innovative, offering a singular artistic vision at its peak. From the opening notes of "First River" to the final crescendo of "Ninth River," Blum's playing is a blazing journey through the landscapes of his imagination. Fans of avant-garde jazz and those seeking a fresh, unfiltered musical experience will find "Nine Rivers" to be a compelling addition to their collection.