Torque by Brian Groder

The trumpeter holds his own as a player opposite a true giant of jazz, bringing poised, muted trumpet figures that fit perfectly with Rivers' elaborate flute filigrees on the freely improvised 'Behind the Shadows Part 1'. He also asserts his presence confidently into a tight band that's been going for more than a decade, finding firm footing in 'Oculus''s relaxed, swinging groove and joining into the collective tumult of 'Betwixt'. The other two players get a couple duets apiece with Groder, and each offers a strong example of unflagging engagement. The opener, 'Spellcast', features drummer Anthony Cole's masterful management of tension with fluid shifts from cymbals to toms. Bassist Doug Mathews' adroit shifts between unison and counterpoint on 'Jingo' are impressive. While it's Groder's date, Torque is an excellent opportunity to hear Rivers in a two-horns-and-rhythm-section setting that he hasn't employed for a while. His adroit tenor turn on 'Diverging Orbits' sounds individual yet completely integrated into Groder's free-bop framework; the energy and attunement of his playing belies the fact that he was 81 years old when this disc was recorded. Somehow that makes this recording seem even more special." — Bill Meyer, Downbeat Magazine April 2007

"The axis on which this session rotates is the superb rhythm section of bassist Doug Mathews and drummer Anthony Cole. That said, Torque is likewise an intergenerational jazz jaunt that works exceptionally well due to several factors: the extreme level of comfort that flutist/saxophonist Sam Rivers has with this rhythm section; the fact that Rivers, at the age of 83, can still blow away just about anybody; and compositional skills of the driving force behind this date — trumpeter/flugelhornist Brian Groder. Groder, who is a shining light in NYC's new jazz avant-garde, leads the proceedings with an emphasis on his flugelhorn and intersperses ensemble playing with duets of various pairings on these 14 compact pieces. A spiritual airiness makes these forms and rhythms, which defined primarily in terms of line, stand out. From the artistic packaging to tunes like 'Diverging Orbits' that lift off in controlled melodic flight before each player enters into his own trajectory and 'Fulcrum' which both hornmen independently rise up from a rhythmical pivot point, a loose zeitgeist prevails. 'Behind the Shadows Part 1 and 2' are diminutive flute/horn duets with Rivers leading on 'Part 1' and Groder returning the favor on 'Part 2'. All four of these musicians are able to use the full range of their instruments to quell or excite and whether it is a gorgeous duet, tight ensemble playing or Rivers and Groder spitting fire, Torque twists and turns easily to move through its free and structured spaces." — Elliot Simon, All About Jazz-NY

"Trumpeter Brian Groder's Torque is one of those rare releases in which everything clicks. Groder's cohorts on this release are the members of the Sam Rivers Trio, and even the most cursory listen reveals that such a combination of musicians is truly inspired. All of the cuts on Torque are graced with a remarkable sense of balance that makes the somewhat dark material fascinating, rather than leaden and over-serious. Torque is a celebration of great fun and creativity. This is easily one of the best and most exciting releases of 2006 and may prove to be an enduring classic." — Ken Kase, All About Jazz

"Groder gives the listener a different vantage on how Rivers applies the unique lexicon he has refined over the decades. Groder’s engaging methods of combining line, texture and attack spur on Rivers at every turn. Their chemistry catalyzes this exceptional recording." — Bill Shoemaker, Point of Departure

"Groder converses very beautifully with the trio. Without exaggeration, this is one of the better recent samples of avant-garde jazz." — Radiophone Greece

"Here’s a superior set of contemporary jazz, blazing straight out of the long and unruly heritage of left-field explorations. Rising trumpeter and composer Groder is here teamed with the eminent saxophonist and flautist, Sam Rivers, plus Rivers’ usual rhythm section of bassist Doug Matthews and drummer Anthony Cole. Together, they whip up a bubbling, effervescent concoction of jagged, free-jazz group improvisations and hard-swinging free-bop that recalls Miles Davis’s mid-’60s ‘time no changes’ output as much as it does Ornette Coleman’s confounding harmolodic experiments. Groder and Rivers seem unnaturally in tune, weaving lines around each other, finishing each other’s thoughts and anticipating statements with razor-sharp accuracy. And the Octogenarian Rivers remains a commanding presence, attacking his sax with a fiery vigour that leads one to conclude that, in his case, jazz is, indeed, the healing force of the universe." — Daniel Spicer, Popmatters.com (UK)

"A strong statement from Groder’s emerging voice and further solidifies the sterling reputation of the veteran Rivers. It is music that can reach both fans of the avant-garde and those who rarely venture beyond modal hard-bop, which is actually quite something to say." — Joseph Bendel, J.B. Spins

"This CD is right at the cutting edge of contemporary improvised music. Brian demands and deserves the attention of audiences who like to hear music that is not only new but thought-provoking. Music not only for today but also for tomorrow." — Bruce Crowther, swing2bop.com

"This is music of ceaselessly fascinating possibilities." — Samuel Chell, All About Jazz

"There is a solid chemistry that anchors each track. Groder offers plenty of solo time to Rivers, who is still his same old speedy self even in his 80s." — Tad Hendrickson, JazzWeek

"The magic here is that even when these men are playing in the free mode, they seem to sail together and anticipate each other's moves, always flowing together in one stream." — Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

"Torque is marked by four brilliant musicians listening closely to one another and playing extremely well together. All written — whole or in part — by Groder, Torque is a graceful recording that while at times free and cacophonous, is never hard on the ears and is marked by the flawless tone of Groder. Rivers' technique, it should be noted, is just as powerful as ever, after almost 50 years of playing." — Ollie Bivins, All About Jazz-LA

"Working out with Sam Rivers, the young trumpet player and the vet sax man come together to create a new vision for modern jazz that has a lot on the ball. A tasty engaging session that is sure to grab the contemporary jazzbo’s fancy." — Midwest Records

Also check out Brian's other disc on CDBaby, Ancestral Tongues (cdbaby.com/cd/groder)

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