Chris Speed, a driving force of modern jazz for decades, presents Light Line, an impressive solo statement on the clarinet. The repertoire of this musical legacy includes his own pieces and short improvisations, as well as compositions by inspiring luminaries such as John Coltrane, Julius Hemphill, Eric Dolphy and Paul Motian. In addition, there are compositions by friends and long-time musical companions such as Andrew D'Angelo, Skúli Sverrisson and Hilmar Jensson.
There is "an implicit guiding light through the whole project: the commitment to reduction, to finding the power in taking things away, the power in trusting that there is still a lot there once you do take the surface layers away, and above all an undying commitment to melody in some elemental sense as the primary element in music", writes Anthony Burr in the liner notes.
1. Light Line 04:09
2. Drifting
3. Sphasos Triem
4. Tassos
5. Miss Ann
6. Rites
7. Cat Heaven
8. Sparkle Pants
9. Retrogression
10. Shields Up
11. A Week from Now
12. Enfant
13. La Rosita Arribeña
14. Sun Ship
15. It Should’ve Happened a Long Time Ago
Chris Speed - solo clarinet
Recorded, mixed in San Diego, October 2020, by Anthony Burr.
Mastered in Seattle, December 2020, by Mell Dettmer.
Cover art and graphic design: Jonas Schoder.
Liner notes: Anthony Burr. Photo: David Haskell
