Plonsey recorded these 22 mostly very short pieces using various combinations of overdubbed saxophones -- soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone. The music is at times reminiscent of
the World Saxophone Quartet or
Plonsey's San Francisco Bay Area neighbors
the Rova Saxophone Quartet (albeit on a much bigger scale;
Plonsey uses as many as eight horns per track), yet the effect is just as often reminiscent of
Anthony Braxton's work with overdubbed multiple saxes; it also occasionally sounds like
Cecil Taylor playing a pipe organ.
Plonsey is an improviser, certainly, but he's also a composer. Any delineation between composition and improvisation is rendered irrelevant thanks to his conceptual organization and thoughtfulness.
Plonsey draws upon all manner of contemporary music techniques, yet his music avoids the leaden seriousness so common of many jazz experimentalists. This music is warm and frequently humorous -- a brilliant combination of heart and mind that makes a sympathetic listener feel that he's experiencing it on his own terms. An unusual and enjoyable listen, a free jazz sax lover's dream. ~ Chris Kelsey