Mary Halvorson Quintet: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

[@itwashimmusic]

"Any intentional sonic event, or unintentional sonic event interpreted with meaning, is music." Dr. Steve Stanton And I live my life by it. Opens up the world...

[@SotocandoAlquimiaSonora]

Beautyful.. yeeesss... freemusic unite.. um chasing people tô realize this here in Brazil

[@gasparsereysitar]

From where is that quote?

[@itwashimmusic]

@@gasparsereysitar In lecture at City University, London

[@austinswinburn9212]

I liked one definition I heard from a fellow who's name I now forget "variation in air pressure."

[@jenschristianblom]

Life is not ruled by definitions. The worlds rich variation in musical expression was never an answer to a definition like: "Music is organised sound" and the like. These definitions are mostly employed by musicans with who need a concept, or something clever to share in an interview - ironically much more powerful than the music they construct. "Interresting" the critic will say...

[@ustwoalberts]

Those miniature tone bending devices the drummer employs somehow fit perfectly with the way ms. H bends and and sort of flickers her guitar strings. This band in a real unit. Mary Halvorsen is something else,as they say.A truly distinct and witty attitude. Thanks!

[@Gadzooki]

Beautiful compositions in the vein of Sun Ra, Dolphy, and Lateef (with many many other influences and inspirations.) Great performance, NPR please have more artists like this in the future!

[@mhiraldo]

Fantastic! Her best band yet! The negative 'likes' here just goes to show the age in which we are living. This would have been hailed as extraordinaire and superb in other times when creativity and originality were in vogue. This must sound completely off the wall to the new kids :) To me, raised on everything from Crimson to Ornette just sounds incredibly wonderful! Keep at it, gal!

[@MEGAMIGA]

Hear, hear!

[@KocmurMusic]

Nice to finally see some genuine creativity and musicianship among the countless Mumford and Sons tribute bands on NPR ;)

[@clarkstone-bear7742]

Il give you that there unique. But it dont sound like the practice at all. It sounds like they found people on the street. Gave them an instrument. And said, have fun kids.

[@EricMLopez]

The opposite is true. I think you need to listen a little more intently, because their interactions are brilliant

[@brandonvu5429]

It's so weird. One day, it can sound like random chaos, like what SparkShadow says. Then one day, it clicks. And it all makes sense and suddenly going back anything standard and predictable (Nothing wrong with that) is impossible. Jazz truly can be an acquired taste.

[@mattf9076]

SparkShadow 89 - How the hell did you make it to this youtube link?

[@Skinny_Karlos]

SparkShadow 89 No agro here but your comment says more about your ears than the music and musicianship. Beethoven was booed and heckled many times and the opening of his Fifth Symphony was fairly walked out on. Don't fret (no pun intended), your ears are just not as sophisticated as they might be. The 20C musical period can be difficult for many people who are locked harmonically and melodically to a more traditional and easy to aurally process pieces. If it's not for you then it's just not for you. All art is subjective but my personal assessment is that Mary Halvorson is a great talent both as a composer and performer.

[@jasper36]

I saw her with Trevor Dunn's trio many years ago, it was life-changing.

[@newclarence]

Just when I have about given up on hearing any new jazz that counts (again), I stumbled on to this and am so pleased. This music is so clear and in tune. None of the usual free jazz cliches and clanginess. Controlled and beautiful. This is my new band to love.

[@duteros]

Mary Halvorson is the real deal. She's not a "media darling". And I think she uses that to great artistic advantage. She is a hell of an interesting composer. And, while it is evidently lost on some, as a professional guitarist playing and teaching for decades, I can assure you: Mary Halvorson has incredible technical skills on the guitar. She is that rare creature, a fearless and courageous artist.

[@rickberry4477]

Helen Keller says so too 😂

[@m.r.abbink-gallagher9671]

Rock reflects or responds to or refutes the life around it; Jazz IS Life---unpredictable, off-the-wall, coming outta nowhere and never to be seen or heard again, spontaneous, illogically logical, dissonant and heart-achingly melodic, base, joyous, carnal and Holy.

[@samensa1]

jazz is life indeed!

[@MEGAMIGA]

Perfectly put!!!

[@wasteyelo1]

Never has the phrase "The lips of wisdom are closed, except to the ears of Understanding" been so applicable, it would seem. The freedom of expression within this performance is refreshing. Derek Bailey anyone? Lest not forget that, fundamentally, Jazz is an improvisational art form. This is true improvisation. Immaculate.

[@wasteyelo1]

+wasteyelo1 I've come back to this over the last few days. I'll definitely be buying a bit of this

[@evilscientistrecords]

I agree with you, but let's not forget that this project has rather precisely pre-written compositions, just compare them with the album versions!! There's some improv here, in certain places and solos, but most of what's played was composed by Mary Halvorson.

[@Tubemanjac]

@@evilscientistrecords Sheet music noticed. 😊

[@manstett7066]

This reminds me of some of King Crimson when they were in their amazing jazz phase. I love this stuff

[@troobadore]

I have ALWAYS loved NPR, bringing me great music from the guilty pleasures to the more intellectual- this is one of my favorites... great stuff please support NPR people.

[@peterbadore1338]

I first met Mary Halvorson when she was a student working with Anthony Braxton. He did two concerts at his school one week and I happened to be in town visiting family near Hartford, CT. I got a tip on this, so I hightailed it to the school and was amazed at her ability. After briefly chatting with Anthony, I made a beeline toward her and blurted out "Might fine guitar playing!" She took some radio info I gave her and eventually sent me a CD she made which I'm sorry to say I no longer have. But her status grew deservedly and one day she came to my hometown in Rochester, NY. I've been a fan since and continue to play her music on my program.

[@offbeathat5219]

One of the most best drum solos I've heard in a long time

[@AaronKoskelainenBass]

I don´t get why everybody has to shout out they don´t like this type of music? It´s free-jazz not everybody likes it.. geez people

[@JCHauntsman]

+AaronKoskelainenBass It's free, but it isn't jazz.

[@AaronKoskelainenBass]

Haunter! Improvised music

[@JCHauntsman]

AaronKoskelainenBass Just like falling down the stairs is "improvised travel," right?

[@AaronKoskelainenBass]

+Haunter! Ha! That's pretty well said but in free it's not like their playing some random notes there's almost always some kind of chart or a thing they're following. So if you decided your gonna jump down the stairs with an exact style i guess that would be pretty close?

[@JCHauntsman]

At the very least it would sound similar to this.

[@DavidMGarens]

I love this. This is Great ! Particularly the saxophone--a group that understands Jazz in and out, playing around the sounds of the past and the sounds of the present. I could listen to this all day.

[@donnicholson3200]

As soon as I read she was turned on to guitar by Hendrix at age 11, I knew I had to listen to this, not being a fan of "jazz" guitar - glad I listened. She is incredible and goes places guitar was meant to be.

[@vacuumtube1954]

Thank you NPR for posting this video of this incredible group. This is why I listen to NPR because they are a progressive thinking media. Mary Havorson is first rate and has put together a wonderful group here. Also have to thank Anthony Braxton on his influence here. Jonathan and Jon, superb, as are John and Chas on rhythm.

[@FeralStarRecords]

super weird to me that there are so many negative comments here. sentiments like "when do they stop tuning up" just make no sense here. halvorson's made some out there stuff (as one of braxton's go-to guitarists), but her work with her quintet is probably among her most accessible and melodic. gorgeous, creative, unpredictable compositions. and phenomenal playing, really engrossing to actually watch these musicians interact beyond just listening. guess my ears are just used/tuned to this whole sphere.

[@gefnuppland4810]

mesmerizing. i love you Mary Halvorson !

[@pietrometelli4876]

Mary con la sua Guild è portentosa, il gruppo è straordinario, musica di altissimo livello... Grazie ragazzi

[@anaparada7548]

This is the background music to a Montage of construction workers working in New York on 70s Sesame Street...I dig it.

[@duteros]

Settle down - I love all those guys very much. If you don't like Mary Halvorsen, or Ornette, or whoever, that's just fine. I'm not going to argue with you. But if you're going to mention Jim Hall then I'll leave you with this: Ornette Coleman was attacked the exact same way, with very similar contempt. People said he couldn't play, he was "Sloppy" and blah blah blah. Jim Hall came to his defense in the press, saying: "I don't care if he can't play 'God Bless America'." He even recorded with Ornette. It was the exact same thing as is happening here with all this shit about how awful "she" sounds. I'm personally intrigued by this performance; and while I might play and listen to more conservative "jazz" myself, I personally like what she is doing here, very much. She has way, way more courage than you, me, or anyone else on this page. And I admire that. She performs regularly with the best musicians in New York - Michael Formaneck, Craig Taborn, Tom Raney. I wonder why....

[@sgcmusic22]

Take a look at how hard this guy tried to convince someone on the internet

[@airsoft25g]

I liked it. I heard so many inspirations on here. AND she went to Berkeley! People really can't talk unless they've tried to learn jazz themselves and sometimes jazz is about that outside to box sound. those neighboring tones, passing tones, melodic voice leading, counterpoint, accidentals, it's all there! And this performance is stellar! And the chromaticism starting at 16:41! Reminds me of Schoenberg's twelve tone system! and those primordial lines! They are so perfectly arranged! and phrased! She does excellent! The first piece really reminded me of Central Park West by John Coltrane! The saxophone player did a remarkable job at achieving his tone! The trumpet reminds me of Miles Davis! And Ches Smith on drums! His style and finesse is so great! The bass has a great buoyant sound! This performance is nothing short of greatness!!!!

[@bigmamou]

Mary, you should be proud to be attacked here. Being included with some of the other players mentioned here only means you are scaring the ego out of a bunch of earless know-nothings......Keep it up! The spirit of Herman Poole Blount lives.

[@BongoFury33]

not very zen @@TheZenguitarguy

[@Draahobbs]

@@sgcmusic22 LOL! Lesson learned!

[@peterthomas5922]

This is beautiful work. I haven't heard these textures since John McLaughlin's Extrapolation album in 1969.

[@mr.beaverchair3622]

Yes! I'm glad someone else hears it! Mary is the only guitarist who has ever scratched my itch for more "Extrapolation"-like insanity.

[@mcrestwood7378]

awesome-its nerdy,punky,just full of spirited improv and the ensemble parts are very well crafted--lotta work went into this seemingly,,love mary`s use of the delay pedal and yeah as someone pointed out the fripp is present,,,a bit of trad also--i detect a bit of jim hall as well--great

[@mercerpatterson6290]

I had the opportunity to work with Mary Halverson on performing one of her songs with an ensemble I am in. It is really fantastic to see her music getting shown to a wider audience. It is some of the best shit out there and for all those bashing her saying she doesn’t know jazz, she was actually one of head guitarist at Jazz at Lincoln center. So...

[@blairhelsing630]

About 12 years back I was a judge among hundreds who reviewed hundreds of new music releases. I think that CD Baby organized this competition. I listened to hours of new music online and gave each release a rating. When Mary's music came up in the playlist (I think it was "Dragon's Head") it triggered the "this is something special" Spidey sense for me. I gave it high marks, have followed and purchased her music since, and was delighted to see the "Code Girl" tour at SF Jazz. Her compositions and approach to guitar drew me in. I stayed for the ensemble work.

[@nasuaesquina]

some people are unable to see the real beauty of music. this sound is incredible!

[@timothypeters3949]

Fabulous! Golden era hard bop indeed but in a thoroughly contemporary mode.

[@brownwolf2904]

Open your ears and let your mind do the listening. Exceptional and creative players, very clean and cohesive as a group.

[@alfonsoteja]

Honestly, the best music I heard in quite a while...!

[@rinahall]

go and see a psy asap

[@ProckGnosis]

I'm fairly new to Mary Halvorson's music, and though not all of it is my cup of tea (I'm more of a Wes Montgomery type), I can appreciate it pushes boundaries. Even weirder is the contrast between the discordant and sometimes jarring sounds she composes/produces, and a persona that sometimes comes across like she would be the lady in the library telling people to "shhhhh".

[@wesmatron]

It's like a musical balloon inflated to the point of almost bursting against dissonance and discord, but never quite getting there; skimming the edge of it but somehow making it sound pure a beautiful That may sound like pretentious shite, but I'm keepin' it real yo.

[@nuthineatholl6434]

Mr. McGuire: Now that you've graduated from Berklee, Ben, I just want to say two words to you. Just -- two words. Benjamin: Yes, sir. Mr. McGuire: Are you listening? Benjamin: Yes, I am. Mr. McGuire: Lyrical atonalism. Benjamin: Exactly how do you mean? Mr. McGuire: There's a great future in lyrical atonalism. Think about it. Will you think about it? Benjamin: Yes, I will. Mr. McGuire: Shhh -- enough said. It's a deal. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5KmeXtreZxnfNU ( ಠ ͜ʖಠ)

[@TonyfromBham]

'Very beautiful, lyrical stuff.

[@grzegorzmielcarek4359]

I keep coming back to it. And I keep coming back to it.

[@dividoguy]

I watched this embedded somewhere else before I came here to read the comments and I'm shocked at what I'm seeing. Where are these commentors coming from? I feel like this is fairly mainstream modern jazz. Maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but I was not expecting people to be hammering this band the way they are. Anyway, I loved it. Thanks NPR.

[@joshuarobertsbrainticklr]

King Crimson @ 4:10

[@franklineroberts]

Rush!

[@DarthClam]

+joshua roberts exactly! super fripp sounding

[@yuribillones5094]

I'm not surprised. (Knowing John Zorn took interest in Mary - Zorn's music at times takes cues from the Almighty Crim)

[@hunterthompson2206]

The drum solo in the first song was eye opening. I hadn't realized he's only got a snare drum until the solo - and then he proceeded to build a galaxy of sounds from just that snare. Well done!

[@danielking3090]

Wow, this comment section is cancer. I'd like to be a part of it. I will say that although I'm impressed and enjoy the timing and complexity of this performance, it does not "sound" all that pleasant. My enjoyment comes from the understanding. Trying to stay on time with them and appreciating the details like the drummer effecting the pitch of his snare drum and the effects he gets out of such a basic instrument is enjoyable to me. That being said, if you try to argue with someone that it sounds good, you're wasting your time. It's like golf, if you play it and understand and can appreciate the finer nuances of the game, and you'll enjoy watching it. If you don't, it'll appear boring. It doesn't mean anyone is less educated or more ignorant than anyone else; appreciation of this music comes from experience. Plain and simple. I'm now ready to receive my personal attacks and rebuttals.

[@mhiraldo]

This is just FANTASTIC...creativity and experimentation balanced so well as to not alienate the listener. Awesome!

[@Topstone1]

I hear Lark's Tongues/ Starless and Bible Black in there, Mary!

[@nycfunk]

Love the full spectrum of colors and shapes being explored with this group. Mary and company give a fresh new perspective on free-expression music.

[@MusicwithSteveG]

Lovely and original sound. Civilization. Thank you Mary, npr and band.

[@Countachockula]

I love this!

[@CallMeDblOSeven]

I'm not sure why this music worked so well for me, but it did, and I guess that makes it special for me. Thank you.

[@MOUTHTROMBONE]

This is some of the most intense music I've heard since the Strata Institute. Way to go Mary, so happy to find you on here!!!!!!

[@emaych2]

Congrats to Mary Halvorson for winning a 2019 MacArthur Foundation grant. Uneasy listening, brilliant musicianship.

[@rinahall]

What a shame!

[@joeldio2]

Always loved her approach !!! and the rest of them do a fantastic job of being in line with this idea that may not have existed before.

[@jasonmills6041]

I just stumbled upon this. I am really liking what I am hearing. It is intriguing. I really like the approach to sounds being so much a part of the music. The strange sounds she is getting with her delay to make the sound seem like it is speeding up and slowing down like a broken tape player is a unique use if that effect. It is cool to hear the other instrumentalists interacting with that and doing what they can to imitate it on their instruments. Mary has pretty astounding technique too. Her single note lines are perfectly performed. I am also enjoying the way it is making me experience music in a new way. It was a fantastic performance by each musician and I will be seeking more music from these individuals.

[@Emariess]

some insane techniques. amazing sounds.

[@patriciagullickson9591]

incredible musicians.... incredible sounds

[@oscarrocabert6268]

I really like this music. It is free and accurate at the same time. Thank you!

[@jahkneep8351]

and her solo on the second tune is awesome, nice use of what my ears tell me is a whammy pedal possibly, and some crazed shredding...wicked stuff...

[@笹岡泰満]

Very nice.This music has some kind of humor.

[@MultiUchihaitachi]

@* You ever come back to this comment and cringe at yourself for being so big mad about some free jazz?

[@GOLDSMITHEXILE]

very amazing, I hear that circle in the round vibe in this in places . That lad on snare drum does more creatively than most of your 9 piece kit/22 sabian cymbal freaks ever manage to achieve. Great stuff

[@TheKierensaysmaybe]

People, this is designed to challenge you. Those that are having a strong reaction to it, question the feeling and relish that you are repulsed! Just imagine when Ornette first came to NY back in 59'...

[@jozuecoronel10]

Well, for the no-jazz listeners, sure thing

[@davidllewellyn1437]

Kieren has it. This music is meant to be challenging. Remember, it's also improvisation over the chords that Mary wrote on the charts. If you've ever been to live theatrical or comedic improvisation , you know that sometimes there's a period of meandering and some skits that don't work followed by these beautiful moments when everything seems to come together. That's what I hear in these two pieces yes, sometimes it's rambling and you wonder what is this. And then like for example in the first piece at just before for four minutes Mary plays a riff that breaks the tension of the previous disharmony. If you listen to it from that standpoint that they are literally making it up in a sense as it's happening (based upon years of mastering scales on their respective instruments) then it becomes interesting.

[@TheKierensaysmaybe]

@@arunavsanyal918 Well done! You successfully outed yourself as an elitist. Ten points to Slytherin.

[@jamesbaldwin4061]

A wonderful performance. Love the tone of the trumpet and alto sax. Lovely team work. By the way, kudos on the recording. These concerts are captured so well in a space that makes mic'ing challenging (I would bet).

[@gregarnold1696]

So cool😎the sound of emotional concerns spilling into a euro road trip with some really good coffee ☕👌

[@carlbenvenuti2370]

Ches was my neighbor until i was 12, and by default my best friend. Our first band featured him on an assortment of spent yuban cans. i remember when his grandparents got him his first kit. there's really no one like him. pretty good for the son of a heart surgeon.

[@interstellish]

All members of this band are highly skilled, virtuoso musicians. They're making the music they want to make. I can understand if it's not your cup of tea, and I respect that! But I think it does them a disservice to say they don't know how to play, or whatever. These guys can play circles around a jazz standard. They want to make free jazz. Let 'em do it, and if it's not for you, right on, listen to something else.

[@bigmamou]

From a 68 years of playing guitar guy - Open your ears morons!! Frank would have luuuuved this! Congrats on your Mac Award Mary. Genius Award indeed!

[@beechwoodcleaners]

Was just thinking that! This is totally in zappas realm

[@sweetlaxlandoman]

is this the background music for ed edd and eddy?

[@stonerdemon]

Dude, that's exactly what came to my mind when I listened to this: 90's weird cartoon music.

[@juankplaysmusic]

Loved it. Not surprised by the mixed reactions. This is clearly beyond the typical jazz. Some say this is pretentious. I think there´s far more pretentiousness in your average "hear me blowing to Giant Steps at 250bpm" or the corresponding audience". I embrace people enoying themselves when playing music, and having the balls to improvise from scratch, as this bunch clearly do.

[@selimmilestone1958]

Crazy wonderful!

[@GospelGrooveRecords]

If dissonance and tension is the destination, then you have arrived. Can't say whether I like it or not, but I can say that they are talented.

[@ChristianBenci]

Awesome. Reminds me of Zappa.

[@tudormunteanu54]

This is a wonderful performance. Mary Halvorson is amazing, everything she does is exciting.

[@MIDIPipe]

Thanks so much for sharing this. It feels so refreshing!!! Nowadays the most of the Tiny Desk Concerts are incredibly boring 'cos the "composers" are extremely repetitive

[@thejamaican67]

Reminded me of the Lounge Lizards back on the 80's

[@rinahall]

Lol. U are crazy

[@zblofu]

I actually agree. This is what the Lounge Lizards would sound like if they were highly skilled Jazz musicians.

[@superga5]

@@zblofu Skilled or not, they came up with pieces like "Bob the Bob" or "You haunt me" which is deep stuff. (my opinion)

[@zblofu]

@@superga5 Could not agree more. I love the Lounge Lizzards too. Did not mean my comment as an insult as the LL are great at what they do. Not every musician needs to be a highly trained virtuoso.

[@andrewfrankel7163]

Mind completely, utterly blown.

[@birdyinabox]

Music is like poetry. It doesn't always need to be beautiful or pleasing to have meaning. Just read the poem "Cut" by Sylvia Plath. Not the most beautiful or pleasing thing in the world but very effective.

[@Kuyunu]

I’m here for my ear stretching appointment. Oo Thank you, I’m starting to feel better

[@anonomys6049]

I love the unpredictability!

[@Tubemanjac]

Like walking through the jungle, full of harmonics but with unexpected challenges behind every tree. 👌🎼

[@eleoptera]

love this

[@charliemch]

so enjoyable when listening on headphone.

[@tikocal]

20 mins of great music goes by so fast. repeat

[@dashtrumpet]

awesome. Love the sleigh bells at the end of the drum solo!

[@shimtest]

I'll readily admit I have no idea where Mary Halvorson's music comes from , and that's maybe the reason I really like it

[@Joshualbm]

High calibre, intelligent and fun. This gives me hope for the future of music and humanity. Hooray.

[@janosdeutsch503]

Nagyon jó . Mary Halvorson Anthony Braxton tanitvány. Jon Irabagon super.

[@geecen]

Really good.

[@mrnezbitt]

I find free jazz like this performance interesting and suspenseful. At times during the performance I found myself feeling a little overwhelmed. However, I think this piece definietly needs to be listened to more than once to appreciate each and every tone and phrase that appears. I find the sounds that Ches Smith is able to produce from just a hi-hat and snare is incredible and I never thought I would hear such sounds from such simply made instruments. To those that find it difficult I would listen again and try to listen out for any melodic lines that appeal to you, I find that melodies can often start and stop at different points likewise with the rhythm. Above all, I very much appreciate this and find it abstract and generally interesting to listen to, it is almost as if you have to find the music within the music. Almost like a story that makes you use imagination, its free to your interpretation.

[@Nuxunumo]

Didn't realize until halfway through that Ches doesn't have a bass drum, and he's killing it. :O

[@tonysalvador1160]

Great!! Thanks so much for posting this.

[@fernandoolmedo2558]

It reminds me of a jazzy kinda The Mars Volta atmosphere.

[@WGBHMusic]

Wow, harsh response to this one! I do agree with many others (this isn't my particularly favorite flavor of jazz), but no doubt solid musicians featured here. I hope our Antonio Sanchez video that will be going up in the next few days gets a warmer reception!

[@JustinDhuffman]

very very Beautiful. THank YOU

[@timd4499]

This is, well, an earful

[@blairhelsing630]

Mary's new album, "Cloudward" is wonderful

[@longdark4ever]

Somehow I am picturing Frank Zappa's later years when I listen to this.

[@mattwestwood8967]

Funny but I was thinking more early-period Fripp. There's more than a hint of A Sailors Tale to this.

[@rocklover41]

I'm pretty impressed that they got Walter White on bass

[@FatPeaceman]

+rocklover41 hahaha :D

[@SRTarlow]

+rocklover41 He's the one who walks...

[@EcDraven]

+rocklover41 LOL Say my name!

[@Arviav]

Great Drummer

[@thespungolator3421]

Ches smith channeling max roach in his solo

[@Clomwellschimdt]

This is how I feel every day.

[@jasper36]

Ches is great, love that feel!

[@robertlacy4425]

usually not a fan of modern jazz but this is epic what a blend of beauty and chaos. These musicians could play music that makes people comfortable and happy but I applaud their incredible creativity and bravery!

[@MuggsyStyle]

everyone knocking this - what are your favorite artists? this is great, you just have to use your brain a little

[@mattmatthews5414]

MuggsyStyle nickel back and the 1800needcashnow singers

[@SmarterTebya]

Prove it

[@CDarwinBrosius1]

Absolutely Amazing!

[@michaelnorris2522]

Amazing and beautiful!

[@nealandrus1767]

This is great! Sounds a lot like some of Tim Bernes stuff, particularly the "Science Friction" stuff. Also some very Robert Fripp influenced guitar playing, which is a plus. It's hard to find good stuff like this anymore, very pleased to have discovered this. I don't understand all the people knocking this. Have you not at least listened to Ornette Coleman, Albert Ayler, or later Coltrane? As far a free jazz goes this is actually pretty restrained and composed. I can't imagine what your ears are hearing.