Free-jazz quintet NRG Ensemble, founded in the late '70s, continues its long history of sonic experimentation. Though reedman extraordinaire Ken Vandermark recently left the band (citing differing musical interests), the group will be performing at the Chicago Jazz Festival in September 1998, with feisty saxophonist Chuck Burdelik (who worked with the group a decade earlier) taking Vandermark's place. When founder Hal Russell passed away in September 1992, Ken Vandermark (a new member of the group) and longtime member Mars Williams (saxes & clarinet) took over the leadership role. Other members include Kent Kessler (bass), Brian Sandstrom (bass, guitar & trumpet), and Steve Hunt (drums and percussion). Violinist/guitarist Daniel Scanlan is a frequent visitor, as is electronic musician Don Meckley. Chicago Reader critic Peter Margasak characterizes their shows as a "mix of anarchy, precision, humor and firepower."
Their most recent Bejazzo Gets a Facelift (Atavistic Records) is a tight, but wildly high-octane ride, and also incorporates the groups first recorded free improvisations (four of them, in fact). The Ensemble's This is My House was released at the beginning of '96. Previously, they had several albums on the ECM label and had made a number of European tours.
No news yet whether the group will continue after Vandermark's departure.
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