Quite Simply Enja***

Polish-German alto saxophonist Angelika Niescier has a reputation as an intrepid improviser, not afraid to venture into uncharted instrumental waters. But this back-to-basics trio outing with the heavyweight American rhythm section of bassist Thomas Morgan and drummer Tyshawn Sorey (both associates of the influential Chicago alto player Steve Coleman) stands in the venerable tradition of saxophone trio recordings, eschewing any chordal instrument in favour of a robust melodic and rhythmic exchange between the players. And with a drummer like Sorey, who combines volume and technique with intense creativity, "robust" is the word for a set of the saxophonist's own compositions, which produce some liberated and occasionally very loud playing. It's not for the faint- hearted, but for those prepared to take their courage in their hands, Quite Simplyis a worthy addition to a noble tradition. See angelika-niescier.de.