Currently in his 5th exceptionally active decade as an essential jazz artist, William Parker needs no introduction. From era-defining statements of free music to soul-jazz organ quartet; from his seamless incorporation of indigenous folk forms to his exhilarating work for jazz orchestra; from the joyous accessibility of his Quartet to his nuanced scoring for dance and film. The NYC bassists latest new work is a treasure box abounding with gems. Voices Fall From The Sky is an expansive 3CD Box Set comprising three distinct and complementary albums whose focus is on the voice. Released on his own Centering Records imprint through AUM Fidelity, and is packaged in a beautiful 2-piece box with commissioned artwork by Lois Eby, "mini-LP" sleeves and full color 40-page booklet featuring extensive liner notes, song annotation, and complete lyrics.

BIG GURL (SMELL MY DREAM)

FOR THOSE WHO ARE STILL

Having left an indelible mark on numerous classic albums by David S. Ware and Matthew Shipp, drummer Whit Dickey has produced a substantial body of his own work in the ensuing years. These sessions have often brought out the best from all involved, and that is certainly the case here. Between these musicians is a luminous web of deeply affecting work - now spanning decades - and these are the brand new recordings. Dickey chose Tao Quartets as the name for these distinct yet interrelated groups as the Tao wholly incorporates an understanding of Yin Yang, and that same understanding is here to be heard. Representing the Yin is Peace Planet, a fluid, supple and dynamic flow of instantly composed wonder; each of the pieces presents as a mini-suite, with astonishing cohesiveness. Gentle lyricism and rhythmic/melodic invention abound. Also of note is "Suite for DSW"- a paean to Dickey/Shipp/Parker's former bandleader, David S. Ware, whose profound & enduring inspiration is powerfully felt by all. Box of Light brings the Yang herein, with fiery energy and crackling interplay to the fore. The inspiration of Dickey's early studies with Milford Graves are clear here, as is the precedent set by such as the New York Art Quartet (feat. Graves/Tchicai/Rudd). It is likewise clear that the idea of total sensitivity, to each and from each musician toward the evolution of the music, is also to the fore. It is AUM's great pleasure to present these very first works of Dickey's recent & powerful creative re-birth.

LOVE & GHOSTS

RAINING ON THE MOON / GREAT SPIRIT

ALTITUDE

BETWEEN WHILE

CROWN TRUNK ROOT FUNK

The Balance presents an outstanding David S. Ware concert, in trio with William Parker and Warren Smith. A tenor sax / bass / drums excursion of full-on intensity, this is a suite of spontaneous form created at NYC's Vision Festival in 2010. Ware had been a perennial at the vital annual gathering since it's beginning; this was his first time back since his revered Quartet bid farewell there in 2006, and a wholly exhilarating return. This particular Trio convened only three times over their 10 month existence: the Dec. 2009 studio session for Onecept, the June concert here, and the Oct. 2010 album release celebration at the Blue Note in NYC, documented on Live In New York, 2010. Also included are four out-takes from the Onecept session - all of which had been completed & considered for inclusion at that time. This new release, together with the two aforementioned, present the complete works which this group created. Packaged in a limited edition deluxe 6-panel digipak, with liner notes by Ware's long-time producer, photographs from the concert, and the vivid witness painting on the cover, which was made during this performance.

PLANETARY UNKNOWN

ONECEPT

OVERSOUL MANUAL

OUT OF THIS WORLDS DISTORTIONS

ANTENNAE