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New CD, CENTURY, from The Light Upon Blight Ensemble NHIC Records announces the release of the new album from The Light Upon Blight Ensemble: CENTURY. This record encompasses a wealth of musical styles and genres. Rooted in psych-jazz, progressive rock, post rock and free jazz, it also features elements of straight ahead jazz, contemporary classical, electric blues and pop. A century of influences, synthesized in a new long-form composition by Jeff Cedrone and Bob Gorry showcasing tight riffs, open improvs, harmolodic interplay, lovely melodies, and high intensity collective improvisation. From the meditative introduction of "Unity" to the dynamic percussion-led evolution of "Pearl" to the dramatic unison finale concluding "The Other", the communication between the players—their melodies, timbre, and pace—is continually shifting as they respond to each other's individual and collective voices. Each listen to CENTURY reveals new compositional elements, subtle musical interactions and ideas. The Light Upon Blight Ensemble make it remarkably engaging, inviting listeners to return again and again. he Light Upon Blight Ensemble Richard Brown: alto sax; Pete Brunelli: bass; Jeff Cedrone: guitar, synth; Bob Gorry: guitar; Tom Hogan: Drums; Peter Riccio: Drums Record Release scheduled for Wednesday, March 5th at Cafe Nine in New Haven CENTURY, the new album from the Light Upon Blight Ensemble is a musical exploration of the depths of the American experience informed by 100 years of music. Composer/guitarists Jeff Cedrone and Bob Gorry have crafted a compelling journey. Their guitars guide the way, blending and battling with supportive counterpoint. The dual drumming of Tom Hogan and Peter Riccio adds a dynamic contrast, playing off each other's unique styles while remaining in sync.. Richard Brown’s saxophone, seasoned by a lifetime in music, weaves a complex tapestry—sometimes attacking, sometimes soothing. Drawing inspiration from progressive jazz legends like Sun Ra, Ornette Coleman, and John Coltrane, as well as R&B icons like Maceo Parker, Brown channels all these influences seamlessly, always in service of the music. Holding it all together is Pete Brunelli's masterful bass playing, providing a bedrock foundation for the music to soar, occasionally stepping into the spotlight with the perfect pithy phrase. CENTURY is a cohesive opus that weaves together a diverse array of styles, creating an experience that transcends the individual components. The composition is structured into distinct sections, each functioning as individual pieces while seamlessly connecting to form a unified statement. The album opens with “Unity, ” a post-rock landscape enriched with elements of jazz and art-rock. "Night Windows" follows, bringing a raw intensity with its clash of guitars and saxophone. The dazzling drum duet that kicks off “Pearl” leads into a series of beautiful, lyrical melodies. “Beyond” offers a blend of exploration and contrast, featuring bluesy rock alongside unexpected shifts in mood and texture. The composition concludes with “The Other, ” a coda that revisits the post-rock and prog influences introduced earlier, while developing and recapitulating key themes. It ends with a deliberate, composed statement of finality, clearing the way for a new beginning. CENTURY is a single performance in front of a captivated audience at Firehouse 12 in New Haven, one of the great rooms for live shows and pristine recordings in the world. All of the rich tonal detail of this exciting ensemble playing this remarkable new composition is captured. The Light Upon Blight Ensemble Apart, they are core members of the New Haven Improvisers Collective and scores of influential New Haven bands, playing everything from indie rock to original art music to Captain Beefheart songs. They have played across the country and ventured into Europe, performing jazz, punk, and experimental new music over decades. Members have played with rock luminaries like Napoleon Murphy Brock (Frank Zappa) and new music stalwarts Joe Morris, Stephen Haynes, and Lawrence D."Butch" Morris and underground legends like Stan Nishimura. Together, they have put on evenings of the music of Ornette Coleman, scores for silent films, and many original compositions and free improvisations in clubs and festivals. The New Haven Improvisers Collective celebrates 20 years of music and remains one of the focal points of a thriving improvised and experimental music scene in New Haven, CT. The Collective now numbers more than 50 members and has been featured in the New York Times along with several national and local publications and radio outlets. NHIC is dedicated to creating and presenting cutting-edge music, building a community of musicians and listeners passionate about the spontaneous and creative process of music making. NHIC continues to hold free monthly workshops, sponsors performances of various combinations of NHIC members and hosts visiting jazz and new music ensembles. NHIC supports the music and the musicians. NHIC Records was formed to document groups associated with the New Haven Improvisers Collective. CENTURY is the 19th release since 2008 and will be followed up later in 2025 with the debut release from The Roundhouse Quartet. |
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