Mike Pride's "Listening Party" is a captivating journey through the realms of free jazz and avant-garde music, released on July 7, 2015, under the independent label 1307080 Records DK. This album is a testament to Mike Pride's innovative spirit and his ability to push the boundaries of traditional jazz.
Spanning a duration of one hour and one minute, "Listening Party" is a collection of 18 tracks that showcase Mike Pride's virtuosic drumming and his knack for creating intricate, engaging compositions. The album opens with "Tracking" and "Drum Rattles," immediately drawing the listener into a world of rhythmic complexity and improvisational brilliance. Each track is a unique exploration of sound, with titles like "Inua," "Glockenspiel Etude 2," and "Roach Survivor (For Max Roach)" hinting at the diverse influences and inspirations that Mike Pride brings to the table.
The album is not just a display of technical prowess but also a tribute to some of the greats in the jazz world. Tracks like "Rhythm Structures 3 (For Charlie Looker)" and "Cyrille About? (For Andrew Cyrille)" pay homage to influential figures, while "Cut-Ups (For William S. Burroughs)" and "Graves Grand (For Milford Graves)" blend literary and musical inspirations.
"Listening Party" is a must-experience for fans of free jazz and avant-garde music, offering a rich, textured soundscape that is both challenging and rewarding. Mike Pride's mastery of rhythm and his fearless approach to composition make this album a standout in the contemporary jazz landscape.
