Review: ‘Luke Stewart Exposure Quintet’

Free Jazz/Avant-Garde is at its most expressive when it presents itself as a collective experience. A singular unit that exists by excavating the thoughts, experiences, emotion, and creativity of all members in equal measure. On the recording of The Luke Stewart Exposure Quintet’s self-titled album, the bassist-bandleader states: “I want to convey again the collectivity of the Quintet…The example set out by the journeys of many in Improvised Music, including the gentlemen on this recording, allows for exploration of “composition” in true collective non-hierarchical form. There are no single series of notes, timbres, and dynamics conceived previously by an individual that was then imposed. Rather the music was allowed to be presented with equal representation from each individual.”

The result of this is a powerful collision of musical personalities. The group is rounded out with reedmen Ken Vandermark and Edward Wilkerson Jr., pianist Jim Baker, and drummer Avreeayl Ra. This bold collection of Chicago-based musicians have created a record that is steeped in jazz tradition while simultaneously propelling it light years forward. The Austin, Texas based Astral Spirits record label, who released this album, seems to specialize in this methodology. 

The album begins with “Awakening the Masters,” opening with an ominous bass hook that pulses in and out throughout the track, inviting in the other players to interpret it in whatever manner suits them in that particular moment. It is fascinating to listen to. At times the members will approach it in a thoughtful, light-hearted manner, and at other times, like Baker’s run around the 5 minute mark, it can be downright menacing.

“Brown and Gray” kicks off in a similar manner, with the reed section bleating out a Basie-esque melody…if Count Basie was stuck in 5th circle of hell…which Vandermark and Wilkerson quickly push to the 7th circle in just a few minutes. This is certainly not a knock on the playing. Vandermark and Wilkerson’s chemistry is not only infectious but also incredibly moving. 

Great Free Jazz doesn’t need to punch you in the face with a fistful of dissonance to get your attention. Some of the most powerful pieces of music that fall within the Free Jazz domain lend towards a surprisingly tender and introspective sound. Vandermark and Wilkerson aren’t afraid of melody, and prove that on tracks like this and throughout companions tracks “Harp and Silhouette Pt. I” and “Harp and Silhouette Pt. II.” 

This midway point of the album is also where we see the impeccable timing and beauty in drummer Avreeayl Ra’s playing. Thank God we still have Free Jazz drummers that truly understand the importance of simultaneously expressing their own ideas while keeping the band on track. Ra is very aware of when a motif has run its course, or when coming down off of a crescendo is in the best interest of the piece, as he gently steers the musicians towards a more sincere place. This is especially evident on the masterful 23 minute long album closer “The Scene.”

While Astral Spirits releases remarkable music on a near-weekly basis, this album has truly held its place as one of the best releases of the year. An intense, captivating album, it is not for the faint of heart, but at the end of the day, who wants to listen to weak music anyways?

Luke Stewart Exposure Quintet is out now on Astral Spirits Records

Tracklist: 1. Awakening the Masters; 2. Brown and Gray; 3. HAARP and Concrete Silhouette Pt 1; 4. HAARP and Concrete Silhouette Pt 2; 5. The Scene.

Personnel: Luke Stewart (bass); Ken Vandermark (reeds); Edward Wilkerson, Jr. (reeds); Jim Baker (piano); Avreeayl Ra (drums).