Albums Featuring - Lou Grassi
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Catalog Number: CIMP 376
Mr. Fubar, I PresumeESATrio (Primary), Bill Gagliardi (Saxophone), Ken Filiano (Bass), Lou Grassi (Drums)Time and time again, people listen to Bill Gagliardi and wonder why he is not better known and why he waited until age 50 to record. This latest release won't answer any of those questions and in fact will only give new voice to the wondering. If a trio comprising Gagliardi, the remarkably full and inventive Ken Filiano, and the driving Lou Grassi suggests to you a full and stimulating listening experience, then you are correct. For the full experience, listen to the previous ESATrio release on CIMP 370.Catalog Number: CIMP Records 370
KenbillouESATrio (Primary), Bill Gagliardi (Saxophone), Ken Filiano (Bass), Lou Grassi (Drums)The ESATrio is Bill Gagliardi's latest venture into his wonderful world of improvisation. And who better to team up with than his old partner, Lou Grassi, and the phenomenal bassist, Ken Filiano. With these three musical minds at play you can expect grit and wit as they set up, dig in, and mine. Music of substance—pure and hip.Catalog Number: CIMP LTD 361
Absolute, absolutelyStephen Gauci (Tenor Saxophone), Nate Wooley (Trumpet), Ken Filiano (Bass), Lou Grassi (Drums)Here is part two of this remarkable Gauci quartet recording date. Nate Wooley joins Steve’s regular trio and sounds as though he’s been playing with this group for years. This is a classic quartet. Music written for the quartet is purposeful, pointed, and perfect Free Bop and beyond.Catalog Number: CIMP LTD 351
Wisps of an Unknown FaceStephen Gauci (Tenor Saxophone), Nate Wooley (Trumpet), Ken Filiano (Bass), Lou Grassi (Drums)Stephen Gauci has come on strong in the past three years. A veteran of the business, it's only of recent that he's decided to record. And that still slim body of work has been enthusiastically received by both the public and critics.
Here Stephen expands his core trio with trumpeter Nate Wooley—a brilliant choice. The whole of Gauci, Wooley, Filiano, and Grassi is music far more than the sum of its parts.Catalog Number: CIMP 344
Infinite PotentialLou Grassi (Drums, Percussion), Perry Robinson (Clarinet, Ocharina), David Taylor (Bass Trombone), Herb Robertson (Trumpet, Pocket Trumpet, Flugelhorn), Adam Lane (Bass)The 10th anniversary edition of the Po Band finds this veteran collective improvisation group in absolutely top form as it weaves whole cloth out of the threads from their individual minds and collective creativity that is vibrant in exposition and stunning in its conclusions. Recorded Sept.26 & 27, 2005Catalog Number: CIMP 342
Younger DryasWilliam Gagliardi (Alto, Soprano,&Tenor Sax), John Carlson (Trumpet, Pocket Trumpet), Ken Wessel (Guitar), Dave Hofstra (Bass), Lou Grassi (Drums)This release is the companion to CIMP 332. As regular CIMP listeners know, a second volume is not "leftovers." We don't release culls or anything of a standard we don't endorse. So be assured this is in fact more - more of the joyous, quirky inventive music from "Billy Gags" and his handpicked group of excellent and interesting artists. Recorded May 26 & 27, 2005Catalog Number: CIMP LTD 332
Memories of TomorrowWilliam Gagliardi (Saxophone), John Carlson (Trumpet), Ken Wessel (Guitar), Dave Hofstra (Bass), Lou Grassi (Drums)This is the third recording of Bill Gagliardi's (AKA Billy Gags) quintet, a group that has now managed to stay together since 2000. What has made this possible is that every member of the group wants to play together and is equally inspired both by one another and Bill's Gagliardi's music. Hear why people continue to say "How come I've never heard of this guy? His music is wonderful." Recorded May 26 & 27, 2005.Catalog Number: CIMP 318
JawboningKen Wessel (Guitar), Ken Filiano (Bass), Lou Grassi (Drums)There may be better known guitarists but none of them get to the heart of an improvisation better than Ken Wessel. A sideman on other CIMP sessions, we've been waiting for him to stand up and do his own date. The anticipation is justified as you'll hear on this mostly original music which also includes "I Remember You" and "Softly As In a Morning Sunrise." Recorded September 9 & 10, 2004Catalog Number: CIMP 316
Isms OutBurton Greene (Piano), Roy Campbell (Trumpets), Adam Lane (Bass), Lou Grassi (Drums)Playing the music of Bill Evans, Jim Hall, Ali Akbar Khan, and its own originals, the Burton Greene-Roy Campbell 4tet goes pretty straight ahead but without compromise as four strong instrumental voices document their music following an East Coast tour. The expressions and themes are exceptional. It's been almost two decades since Burton recorded in quartet and over 30 years since he recorded with trumpet. This is Roy's first recording with Burton. Recorded June 29, 2004.Catalog Number: CIMP Records 313
Avanti GaloppiLou Grassi (Drums/Percussion), Rob Brown (Alto), Ken Filiano (Bass), Herb Robertson (Trumpet/Pocket trumpet/Cornet/Flugelhorn)Lou Grassi knows how to pick 'em and mix 'em. Here he renews his associations with 3 of the most powerful music personalities on the scene, but united for the first time in the recorded spotlight. Seven cuts especially composed and prepared for the occasion. Everyone has a feature and there's plenty of style and form to study and enjoy. Recorded June 8, 2004.
Catalog Number: CIMP 297
Hear and NowWilliam Gagliardi (Tenor&Soprano Saxophones), John Carlson (Trumpet), Ken Wessel (Guitar), Dave Hofstra (Bass), Lou Grassi (Drums)William Gagliardi (tenor & soprano saxophones) Quintet with John Carlson (trumpet) - Ken Wessel (guitar) - Dave Hofstra (bass) - Lou Grassi - (drums)
Hear and Now
People still marvel at Bill Gagliardi's talent and why they've never heard of him for his first 50 years. Well, here is part 2 of Catalog Number: CIMP 291
NHLAHLAWilliam Gagliardi (Tenor Saxophone, Thumbpiano), John Carlson (Trumpet), Ken Wessel (Guitar), Dave Hofstra (Bass), Lou Grassi (Drums)Saxman/composer Gagliardi waited over 50 years to make his first recording CIMP 242), a date which was met with critical acclaim and a sense of “Where has this artist been hiding?” Now he reunited the quartet and adds trumpeter John Carlson for another quirky and dynamic concert of 7 new Gagliardi compositions. Recorded July 7 & 8, 2003.Catalog Number: CIMP 278
Hope is Bright Green Up NorthJohn Tchicai (Tenor Sax, Bass Clarinet), Pierre Dorge (Guitar), Lou Grassi (Drums)When John Tchicai was the featured guest on Lou Grassi's Po Band recording (CIMP 262), they had such a good time that John decided this would be a good combination to pair up with his long-time associate Pierre Dorge. Dorge is best known (and justifiably so) for leading the New Jungle Orchestra. Here you get a good listen to the instrumentalists in a small group setting. One would expect John and Pierre to debut their own compositions, but the big surprise is that this recording marks Lou's compositional debut. Let's hear it for the drummer. Recorded October 1 & 2, 2002, The Spirit Room, Rossie, NY.
Catalog Number: CIMP 271
NorthCountry PieDavid Wertman (Bass), Charlie Kohlhase (Alto Saxophone), Lou Grassi (Drums)Kohlhase and Grassi are familiar names to improvised listeners, but bassist David Wertman has been off the creative improvised recording scene since the 1980s. And there are enough bass features that you'll see he's a talent with more than journeyman abilities. Fresh music from fresh personalities, accessible but still demanding. Recorded June 17 & 18, 2002.Catalog Number: CIMP 266
Handling the MomentMatt Lavelle (Trumpet), Ras Moshe (Tenor Saxophone), Francois Grillot (Bass), Lou Grassi (Drums)This release presents the Matt Lavelle Quartet. A touch of avant, of Ra, of funk and Blues, this group defines its own self with a set of 8 tracks that are both inside and out, but always within the CIMP perimeter of good music - without qualification. Recorded March 4 & 5, 2002.Catalog Number: CIMP 262
ComPOsedLou Grassi (Drums), John Tchicai (Tenor Saxophone), Paul Smoker (Trumpet), Art Baron (Trombone), Perry Robinson (Clarinet), Wilber Morris (Bass)The latest from Lou Grassi's PoBand. This time the guest artist is John Tchicai. This concert by the PoBand is unique for a number of reasons (besides the always-fresh improvisations and presence of guest John Tchicai) in that, for the first time it deals with a compositional framework; Art Baron joins the band; and, sadly, this was the late Wilber Morris' last outing with the band that he helped establish in 1995. Thankfully, Wilber's spirit and voice (instrumentally and vocally) is well represented on the date. Eight wondrous cuts.Catalog Number: CIMP 242
Music is the MeditationWilliam Gagliardi (Alto Saxophone), Ken Wessel (Guitar), Dave Hofstra (Bass), Lou Grassi (Drums)William Gagliardi leads a tasty hard bop come free bop session featuring his notable compositions and the inspired front line mix of the leader's torqued sax with the flying inventiveness of Kenny Wessel's hard body guitar. Listen to this date and you ask yourself why is this this man's first release in 54 years. Recorded Feb. 20 & 21, 2001.Catalog Number: CIMP 227
The Joy of BeingLou Grassi (Drums), Paul Smoker (Trumpet), Steve Swell (Trombone), Perry Robinson (Clarinet), Wilber Morris (Bass), Joseph Jarman (Flute)The PoBand strikes again, this time the guest is Joseph Jarman who shares this journey into the unknown but compelling world of inventive music. Recorded June 12 & 13, 2000.Catalog Number: CIMP 226
Large Music 2Paul Smoker (Trumpet), Bob Magnuson (Tenor Saxophone), Ken Filiano (Bass), Lou Grassi (Drums)The equal companion to Large Music 1, CIMP 219. Recorded March 6 & 7, 2000.Catalog Number: CIMP 219
Large Music 1Paul Smoker (Trumpet), Bob Magnuson (Tenor Saxophone), Ken Filiano (Bass), Lou Grassi (Drums)As melodic as a classic hard bop date and as spontaneous as improvised artistry gets, this is Part One of a killer session featuring this very collective and supportive group producing very large music. Recorded March 6, 2000.Catalog Number: CIMP 207
PoZestMarshall Allen (Alto Saxophone), Lou Grassi (Drums), Paul Smoker (Trumpet), Steve Swell (Trombone), Perry Robinson (Clarinet), Wilber Morris (Bass)Sun Ra's legendary right hand alto man, Marshall Allen, meets Lou Grassi's PoBand in an extemporaneous musical outing that freely references everything from the late night blues to other galaxies. Recorded May 10 & 11, 1999.Catalog Number: CIMP 201
Neo NeoLou Grassi (Drums), Tom Varner (French Horn), Ron Horton (Trumpet), Tomas Ulrich (Cello)This is hot chamber Jazz in which the musicians extend their imaginations in a beautiful blend of brass, strings, and percussion over 15 catchy compositions.Catalog Number: CIMP 184
AtmospheelsSteve Swell (Trombone), Will Connell (Alto Saxophone), Lou Grassi (Drums)Steve Swell with a nifty little post-bop trio that includes the rarely heard veteran Will Connell. These players have known each other for more than two decades and these eight tracks open up some fine conversant and stimulating exchanges. Recorded August 3 & 4, 1998.Catalog Number: CIMP 182
ThropticsBurton Greene (Piano), Wilber Morris (Bass), Lou Grassi (Drums)Pianist Burton Greene's Trio presents a lively eclectic set of music ranging from contemporary rags to free form improvisation, all gloriously captured in audiophile real sound. Recorded July 30, 1998.Catalog Number: CIMP 169
Creative CatalystsBob Magnuson (Tenor Saxophone), Lou Grassi (Drums)Saxophonist Bob Magnuson and drummer Lou Grassi go head to head in duo and produce not only exciting improvisations but a CD that has a wide variety of ambiance. Powerful and sensitive, this is music naked in its presentation and very successful in its strategies. There's no net and it's a beautiful flight. Recorded March 3 & 4, 1998.Catalog Number: CIMP 161
Scratching the SurfaceRob Brown (Alto Saxophone), Assif Tsahar (Tenor Saxophone), Chris Lightcap (Bass), Lou Grassi (Drums)The Rob Brown and Lou Grassi Quartet is an intense group offering post bop music which is thematically solid in form and composition and heady in its chewy improvisations. And, even with a two man sax line, this music offers excellent deliniation of line and beautiful audio definition of its sound. Recorded October 6 & 7, 1997.Catalog Number: CIMP 156
Mo' PoLou Grassi (Drums), Perry Robinson (Clarinet), Herb Robertson (Cornet), Steve Swell (Trombone), Wilber Morris (Bass)One of the best free ensembles working today. The seven tracks range in length from under 3 to over 17 minutes in length. Out of nothing, substantial music is developed, remarkable fresh and free of fat and fill. It's what can happen in the hands of veterans well versed in the discipline of the art. No faking here. Recorded July 16 & 17, 1997.Catalog Number: CIMP 144
Nine WingsBruce Eisenbeil (Guitar), Rob Brown (Alto Saxophone), Lou Grassi (Drums)Bruce Eisenbeil brings a new aesthetic to the guitar. Nine original compositions show there is still room for a fresh and original approach to the instrument. Recorded March 27, 1997.Catalog Number: CIMP 123
Quick WitsLou Grassi (Drums), Phillip Johnston (Alto Saxophone), Joe Ruddick (Bari Saxophone), Chris Kelsey (Soprano Sax), Dave Hofstra (Bass)The Saxtet not only plays with drive and conviction, but contributes some memorable compositions and arrangements in a contemporary hybrid of improvised musics from the 30's to the 90's. Recorded August 2 & 3, 1996.
Catalog Number: CIMP 116
Out And AboutSteve Swell (Trombone), Roswell Rudd (Trombone), Ken Filiano (Bass), Lou Grassi (Drums)State of the art trombone from two generations of masters. Warm, wonderful, and wild - it confirms why Steve Swell and Roswell Rudd are in a league of their own. Trombonemanship of the highest order and energy. Recorded June 14 & 15, 1996.
