two of our universe's best unsung musicians performing the true new york underground circuit. listen to the trains run, the announcers squawk, the commutes dawdle, and tom and sabir break the bread of the earth. --Byron Coley, liner notes
coda magazine writers choice top ten recordings 1998
Two musicians recorded down New York's subway -- and, surprise, surprise, they're playing excellent jazz. Tom Bruno uses brushes on his busker's pared-down kit: a glorious, intricate waterfall of beats. Tenorist Mateen leaps in like a salmon, flashy and wise. A 45 minute improvisation requires pace and intellect; Mateen's meditative, Lowe-like intimacy is just what is required. When the sax lays out for nine minutes, Bruno's fluid ebullience comes to the fore. Mateen's concluding flourish lets in some subway ambience -- train-door slams and commuter chatter -- and the results are haunting. DAT recorder and hand-held mic provide better sounds than many routine studio dates. Byron Coley's sleevenote is, as usual, a gas. --Ben Watson, Hi-fi News & Record Review
A duet of shifting momentums, interplay, fresh feeling. Mateen coils up in repeat figures, releases into legato culminations. Bruno taps and shimmers crisp rhythm platforms, turning points. Train announcements, walk-up chatter included. Hey, they're on to something. Stop a while; there'll be a later train... --Coda
Two guys, a tenor sax, one-third of a drum set, a pair of brushes, and the occasional sound of a train being announced.... The album is admirable. Both exhilarating and thoughtful. --Walter Horn, Cadence
credits
released October 2, 2018
Bruno: drums
Mateen: tenor saxophone
28 February 1995, Grand Central Station, NYC
producer: Michael Ehlers
engineer: Alen Hadzi-Stefanov
photography: Charles Gross
supported by 16 fans who also own “Getting Away With Murder”
This record has such a magical flow to it, it seems to capture so directly the ups and downs of life, the joy of music and dance, and it's just so damn catchy and fun to listen to as well. Giles
supported by 15 fans who also own “Getting Away With Murder”
Forgot how good this record was, Schizophrenic Blues while not frantic has a driving urgency... there is bright optimism in Birds of Beaty that is much needed in these darker days. Echoes of Ayler on Fire March perfectly recalls the master and adds some Noah Howard original flourishes... Rev. Gregory Wadleigh