(Free Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz, Contemporary Jazz) Nicole Mitchell's Ice Crystals - Aquarius - 2013, MP3 tracks, 320 kbps

Editorial Reviews
Nicole Mitchell's Ice Crystal project explores water and glass chemistry of flute and vibes, by combining the creative flutist with young luminary Jason Adasiewicz on vibraphone. Ice Crystal's sound reminds us of the legendary collaboration between flutist Eric Dolphy and vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, but with a Chicago twist. Expression of yet another color in Mitchell's kaleidoscope of approaches, Aquarius is blues-inflected serenity, playfully swinging to the ethereal. Mitchell may have migrated to California, but her Chicago story continues, as she teams up with veteran improvisers Joshua Abrams (bass), Frank Rosaly (drums) and Jason Adasiewicz to take free swing to the ninth degree.

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Producers - Robert G. Koester; Steve Wagner; Nicole Mitchell
Chicago, November 7 & 8, 2012

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Flautist Nicole Mitchell may have recently headed west for the warmer climes of California, but her latest Delmark venture Aquarius is still very much a Chicago affair. The ensemble name reflects both the wintery certainties of that Midwestern city and the boreal beauty at the root of the band’s sound. Vibraphonist Jason Adasiewicz is the chief reason for the latter distinction and his mallet-meted patterns often supply the bonding agent for Mitchell’s subtly inventive compositions. Coruscating clusters and sustaining swells are recurring call signs to his contributions, and they work exceptionally well in concert with Mitchell’s mercurial leads... By Derek Taylor

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You can hear many of those influences at play on her new album, “Aquarius,” the debut release by her Ice Crystal quartet. The Chicago combo features vibraphonist Jason Adasiewicz, bassist Joshua Abrams and drummer Frank Rosaly. As the band’s name implies, the instrumentation lends itself to a translucent, elemental sonic palette that’s striking in its purity...

NICOLE MITCHELL (flute)
JASON ADASLEWICZ (vibes)
JOSHUA ABRAMS (bass)
FRANK ROSALY (drums)