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The Carl Michel Group (​+​)

by Carl Michel

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1.
Les Can 05:09
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2.
Skippin' 03:46
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3.
Jitterbug 04:20
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4.
Cold Pizza 06:35
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5.
Song For Tomorrow 03:56
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6.
Forbidden Fruit 07:06
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7.
You Probably Will 05:36
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8.
C. T. 08:30
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9.
N.O. Blues 05:26
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about

Ann Arbor-based guitarist Carl Michel, whose last release (1998) was a relaxed, bluesy set with a pianoless quartet (featuring excellent work from alto saxophonist Mike Graye and the priceless rhythm duo of Tim Flood, bass and Gerald Cleaver, drums), delivers nine ideas for jazz octet that'll have fans reaching for comparisons with the Gil Evans and Charles Mingus bands.
Among the many strengths and pleasures on this disc are Michel's compositions (and arrangements thereof) which open things up wonderfully for the soloists. Totally justifying the freedoms they've been granted, Graye on alto, Andrew Bishop on tenor sax and clarinet, Paul Finkbeiner on trumpet and flugelhorn, and Chris Smith on trombone (also Michel on guitar and Ellen Rowe on piano) rise to every occasion with the kind of confidence usually associated with the big time. All the great orchestras of jazz history, from Ellington's and Basie's to Gillespie's and Monk's, relied on soloist power when it came to realizing a vision.
Michel often starts out with really gorgeous melodic material (hear "Jitterbug," with its Mingusesque "Pussy Cat Dues"- like clarinet-or "Forbidden Fruit" recalling the Carla Bley-Charlie Haden Liberation Music Orchestra-or "You Probably Will" with its moody Gil Evansish suspensions), but each tune 's success ultimately depends on some boss inventiveness from everybody concerned. It's this sense of heavy responsibility fulfilled that makes Michel's new project such a joy.
One of the more intriguing approaches to soloing in evidence here is collective improvising (more that one soloist playing at the same time), an idea associated with traditional New Orleans jazz and which took on major importance in the work of Mingus' forward-thinking groups of the '50s and the 60's, Ornette Coleman's quartet and some of John Coltrane's wilder adventures. But Michel's use of it, rather than giving his music an "avant" sound of interaction, creates a timeless space of interaction, a realm if relaxed joyfulness where King Oliver clinks glasses with Gil Evans.-George Tysh" Metro Times 11/15/2000

credits

released January 1, 2000

Carl Michel-guitar, Gerald Cleaver-drums, Tim Flood-bass, Mike Graye-alto sax, Andrew Bishop-tenor sax & clarinet, Paul Finkbeiner-trumpet & flugelhorn, Chris Smith-trombone, Ellen Rowe-piano, Composed & Arranged by Carl Michel Tex Carmichael Music BMI, Recorded by Terry Herald at RGM Studios, Mixed and Mastered by Terry Herald, Produced by Carl Michel © 2000 Play On Records

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Carl Michel Austin, Texas

Carl Michel started playing electric guitar, switching from cornet, inspired by 1960s rock and blues guitarists. Michel and became a co-founder of the Creative Opportunity Orchestra, with the innovative lead vocalist Tina Marsh.
His recordings as a leader, the 1998 Carl Michel Group and 2000 Carl Michel Group + CDs received across the board critical review acclaim and nationwide radio airplay. ... more

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