JOHNSON/DUNNING - Free [CD]

A live recording with a noirish aesthetic, "Free" takes Jazz to a very deep place. Some musicians' work transcends music, exploring the underground river of emotions far at the back of imagination and desire, and it is in that sense that Jeff Johnson's creativity hearkens to Miles Davis. Listening to this CD is all but akin to a drug experience, as Jeff and two longtime bandmates, saxophonist Hans Teuber and drummer Billy Mintz, make time stand still with music which is more question than statement. Johnson has a cavernously rich bass sound, and a perfect foil to Teuber's puckish, quizzical alto sax, with drummer Mintz coloring their every feint. This music is all about flexibility and freedom. Originally released in 1999.