The Bobby Few and Avram Fefer Quartet, CIMP Records

Originally posted on January 9, 2008

CIMP (Creative Improvisation Music Projects) is a CD label run by the folks at Cadence Magazine. They have hundreds of interesting releases under their belt. Essentially the label is devoted to uncompromising, serious jazz and free music. Each record uses audiophile two-microphone placement and no additional processing. All that enables them to retain an authentically live feeling to the recording and a full dynamic spectrum.

One of the better CDs CIMP has released in the last couple of years is Sanctuary (CIMP 333) by the Bobby Few and Avram Fefer Quartet. Pianist Few has been around for years, playing with Albert Ayler and Steve Lacy, among others. He seems to have come into his own significantly in recent times. His partner on soprano and tenor saxophone, Avram Fefer, has paid his dues and makes a perfect co-leader with virtuosity and musical sensitivity.

The rhythm section of Hilliard Greene on upright bass and Newman T. Baker on drums drives the music forward with good energy. Each of the six original compositions has its own sound and structure. The relationship between compositions and improvisations is logical and appealing. The CD constitutes a notable gathering of some of the more important creative Jazz people of today. You can check it out along with other CIMP releases at http://www.cimprecords.com/.