Chris Chalfant is an avant-garde pianist who at times sounds like early
Cecil Taylor (circa 1959) and in other instances is more original. On this release, she performs nine of her diverse originals, many of which are actually free improvisations that set a certain mood. Her interplay with bassist Ken Filiano and drummer Ken Yamazoki is pretty democratic, although
Chalfant (who sings wordlessly in a few spots) is the obvious leader.
Joseph Jarman (formerly with
the Art Ensemble of Chicago) plays flute and ocarina on three numbers, adding to the haunting atmosphere of those pieces. Overall, this is an intriguing, if not essential, set. ~ Scott Yanow