Anthony Braxton

Anthony Braxton's 2002 release, Anthony Braxton, is a reissue of his initial release (with the same title) made during a three-year stay in Europe and released in 1969. The music performed by the altoist (who also plays soprano, clarinet, contrabass clarinet, flute, "sound machine," and chimes), trumpeter Leo Smith, violinist Leroy Jenkins, and drummer Steve McCall is very freely improvised, includes "little instruments" for their variety in sound, and contrasts high-energy playing with space. The music on Anthony Braxton (2002) includes one composition apiece from Braxton, Smith, and Jenkins, and is far from accessible but is generally worth the struggle. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide