Chad Fowler - Thinking Unthinking (2022)

Saxophonist-producer Chad Fowler has been prolific since launching his label Mahakala Music. His latest releases - Thinking Unthinking and Broken Unbroken - realize his decades-long dream of recording in a trio with bass and drums. Bassist William Parker and drummer Anders Griffen each made their debut recordings with saxophonist Frank Lowe, albeit over 20 years apart, and originally made their musical connection at the turn of the millennium. Parker works with Fowler in Mahakala's inaugural band, Dopolarians.

These two titles were both recorded on the same day in August 2021. The music is completely improvised except for a couple melodies Fowler brought to the date - heard on "Kongerei" and "Marker" - but Parker and Griffen were not privy to these. Working together for the first time, the trio finds an easy rapport and takes advantage of the unlimited space afforded to them while exploring a range of textures and dynamics and everything from serene to aggressive.