"One Great Night...Live" is a captivating live album by saxophonist Ellery Eskelin, released in 2009 under the hatOLOGY label. This album is a testament to Eskelin's prowess in the realms of free jazz and avant-garde, showcasing his unique compositional style and improvisational skills. The album features seven tracks, all composed by Eskelin, with the exception of "I Should Have Known," which is a cover of a Roland Kirk piece. The tracks were recorded live in Eskelin's hometown of Baltimore, offering an intimate glimpse into his performance style.
Joining Eskelin on this live journey are the talented Andrea Parkins on accordion and sampler, and Jim Black on drums. The trio's dynamic interplay is evident throughout the album, with each musician contributing significantly to the improvisational landscape. Parkins' accordion and sampler work add a unique texture to the sound, while Black's drumming provides a solid foundation and rhythmic complexity.
The album opens with "The Decider," a 12-minute exploration of free jazz that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Other notable tracks include "For No Good Reason," a 11-minute piece that highlights the trio's improvisational prowess, and "Coordinated Universal Time," a 10-minute composition that showcases Eskelin's compositional skills.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 9 minutes, "One Great Night...Live" is a substantial body of work that offers a comprehensive look at Ellery Eskelin's live performance style. The album is a must-listen for fans of free jazz and avant-garde music, and a testament to Eskelin's enduring influence in the genre.
