Mark Dresser Seven - Ain't Nothing but a Cyber Coup & You (2019)

Ain’t Nothing But a Cyber Coup & You is the second album by the Mark Dresser Seven, following the critically acclaimed 2016 Clean Feed release Sedimental You. Both records showcase playing by flutist Nicole Mitchell, multi-reed player Marty Ehrlich, trombonist Michael Dessen, pianist Joshua White and drummer Jim Black; new addition violinist Keir GoGwilt joins on this album. The musicians explore multiple jazz traditions in six new compositions that include pieces for fallen friends, irreverent political commentary and some with purely musical agendas. Between the composed works are brief solo bass interludes improvised on the McLagan Tines, a set of seven graduated steel rods invented by luthier Kent McLagan.
“Black Arthur’s Bounce,” dedicated to the alto saxophone giant Arthur Blythe, features Marty Ehrlich who (along with Dresser) played with Blythe. In the tradition of Charles Mingus, both the title tune, “Ain’t Nothing But A Cyber Coup & You” and “Let Them Eat Paper Towels,” engage with our current “reality-horror-show of corruption, malice, xenophobia and class warfare.” In contrast, the parametric waltz “Gloaming” uses multiple levels of polyrhythm which expand and contract within shifting meters of lyricism. Mark Dresser continues to explore new ideas in jazz through these vibrant compositions and to celebrate the solo power of this ensemble of virtuoso improvisers. The final result is magnificent, as you would expect from this pathfinder.

Nicole Mitchell flute, alto flute & piccolo | Marty Ehrlich clarinet, bass clarinet & alto saxophone | Keir GoGwilt violin | Michael Dessen trombone | Joshua White piano | Jim Black drums & percussion | Mark Dresser double bass & McLagan tines