Which is Which, the New Release by Baritone Saxophone Trio Reed's Bass Drum

Reed's Bass Drum is a Brooklyn based jazz collective focused on composing music as dialogue for baritone saxophone, bass and drums. “I originally organized the trio as a workshop for compositions that simultaneously embrace the spectral range of baritone saxophone and bass, and are built around melodies that transcend the trio sound and become collective musical statements," says baritone saxophonist and composer Jonah Parzen-Johnson. Reed's Bass Drum explores the trio format both as a way to place the bass and baritone saxophone comfortably in center stage and as a way to draw from a tradition of melodically interested uninhibited improvisers.

The influence of trios led by Fred Anderson, Sonny Rollins, Joe Lovano, and Fly is implicitly referenced in the work the trio produces. However, the defining use of baritone saxophone and the ever present intuitive dialogue between the members of the trio has contributed to a musical persona that is all their own.

“By the time we got to the final writing stage of Which is Which we were writing tunes for each other rather than for specific instruments," offers bassist Noah Garabedian. Which is Which, the trio's first full-length release, is a collection of pieces that exist as events performed by a single multifaceted voice. “Even though the three of us have different approaches to composition, we have always been able to maintain a consistent and personal sound," adds drummer Aaron Ewing. This diligent work pays off in the effortless performance of compositions that are perfectly tailored to the ensemble. With Which is Which, Reed's Bass Drum breaks new ground for the baritone saxophone trio while consistently presenting an exciting dialogue.

Record Release Concert on January 28th at The Stone (NYC)
Street Date: January 28th 2010
Contact: Jonah Parzen-Johnson, [email protected]