By Ivana Ng | Published October 2020
Loft-era jazz ages well on saxophonist Alan Braufman’s The Fire Still Burns, an album that harnesses unbridled energy and coarse improvisation to craft a set that’s accessible and lyrical, yet still fully embodies a ’70s free-jazz ethos. In the years between this offering and 1975’s Valley Of Search—the saxophonist’s only other leader date—Braufman delved into other genres, touring with Carla Bley, The Psychedelic Furs and Philip Glass. His boundless musical lexicon is evident here, too, swinging from delicate bop lines to frenetic free improvisation.
On “Sunrise,” pianist Cooper-Moore’s romantic melody paints a sweeping overture for Braufman and James Brandon Lewis’ sultry reeds. As on Valley Of Search, Braufman skillfully and methodically opens up the floor to his fellow band members, whose virtuosic and diverse perspectives further elevate his compositions and add rich elements to the uninhibited improvisations. Andrew Drury’s dramatic, high-octane drums put Cooper-Moore’s choppy strokes front and center for “No Floor No Ceiling.” But the quintet retreats to more accessible realms toward the end of the record, Drury’s languorous blues laying the foundation for Braufman and Lewis’ sentimental call and response on “Alone Again” and the title track.
The Fire Still Burns: Sunrise; Morning Bazaar; No Floor No Ceiling; Home; Creation; Alone Again; The Fire Still Burns; City Nights. (35:58)
Personnel: Alan Braufman, alto saxophone, flute; Cooper-Moore, piano; James Brandon Lewis, tenor saxophone; Ken Filiano, bass; Andrew Drury, drums; Michael Wimberly, percussion (2, 8).
