Flamethrower (album)

''Flamethrower'' is an album by Chicago Underground Trio which was recorded in 2000 and released on the Delmark label.

Reception

In his review for AllMusic, Alex Henderson states: "''Flamethrower'' is a generally enjoyable, if imperfect, avant-garde jazz date. Outside playing is dominant, and the influence of Chicago's AACM is strong throughout the CD. ... This isn't an album that one can easily absorb on the first listen, but after playing ''Flamethrower'' several times, the listener finds more and more to like about this music. Despite its imperfections, ''Flamethrower'' is worth picking up if you're an admirer of AACM-style jazz".

Christopher Porter of ''JazzTimes'' wrote: "''Flamethrower'' demonstrates the Underground at its cerebral best: free-floating, quietly melodic, modal-based jazz... While his broad tone doesn't recall Miles Davis' pinched sound, Mazurek does share with the Prince of Darkness a fondness for sad melodies and electronics: Interludes using electronic tonalities separate some of ''Flamethrowers tunes."

Writing for ''All About Jazz'', Derek Taylor commented: "the interplay here between the four players often operates at peak levels. Mazurek's ferrous cornet negotiates tightly packed ensemble sections and skeletally spaced solo interludes with equal facility... Each member of the group seems equally adept alone or in concert." Another ''AAJ'' reviewer remarked: "''Flamethrower'' is creative work at the edge of the in & out continuum—music that requires the listener to pay attention and participate."

In an article for ''One Final Note'', Scott Hreha wrote: "''Flamethrower'' is an excellent disc from start to finish. Though they ought to be careful—a few more recordings like this one and the 'Underground' of their name will shift from accuracy to irony."

Track listing

All compositions by Chicago Underground Trio except where noted
# "Quail" (Rob Mazurek) − 4:43
# "Fahrenheit 451" − 1:56
# "Warm Marsh" (Mazurek) − 5:40
# "Antiquity" − 5:07
# "Flamethrower" (Jeff Parker) − 2:33
# "Woman in Motion" (Mazurek) − 6:16
# "Triceptikon" − 3:02
# "A Lesson Earned" (Chad Taylor) − 8:51
# "Arcweld" (Mazurek) − 2:10
# "Elroy" (Parker) − 0:47
# "Number 19" − 11:21
# "504" (Noel Kupersmith) − 2:17
# "The Tungflec Treaty" − 5:25
# "The World Has Changed" − 3:20
# "Elray" (Parker) − 1:00

Personnel

*Rob Mazurek – cornet, electronics
*Noel Kupersmith – bass fiddle, electronics
* Chad Taylor – percussion
* Jeff Parker – guitar, electronics

References

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2000 albums
Chicago Underground Trio albums
Delmark Records albums