Cruel Frederick – We Are The Music We Play – Vinyl Record

Description

Cruel Frederick – We Are The Music We Play – Vinyl Record

Cruel Frederick’s We Are the Music We Play, released in 1991 by SST Records, is a distinctive fusion of jazz, rock, and avant-garde elements, showcasing the band’s experimental approach to music.

Southern California free jazz outfit Cruel Frederick existed during the late ’80s and early ’90s, during which time they recorded two albums for the renowned SST label. The group paid homage to such jazz icons as Ornette Coleman, Thelonious Monk, and especially Albert Ayler through their music as well as their song titles.

Cruel Frederick’s first album, Birth of the Cruel (1988), featured a lineup of Lynn Johnston on saxophones and clarinets, Jacob Cohn on alto saxophone, Guy Bennett on bass and trombone, and Jason Kahn on drums. For the follow-up, 1991’s We Are the Music We Play, only Johnston and Bennett remained on board, with Mike Ezzo taking over on drums.

The album features a blend of original compositions and unique interpretations of jazz standards, reflecting the trio’s versatility and creativity.

The lineup for this recording includes Hermann Bühler on alto saxophone, Guy Bennett on bass and artwork, Lynn Johnston on clarinet and saxophone, Mike Ezzo on drums, and Walter Zooi on trumpet (tracks 9 and 11).

The album was recorded in October 1990 at Pol Pot’s Pleasure Palace in Costa Mesa, California, capturing the band’s energetic and improvisational style.

We Are the Music We Play received positive reviews for its eclectic mix of genres and the musicians’ technical proficiency. The album is available on various streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, allowing new listeners to experience its unique sound.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal

SST Records

Track Listing
1. Little Rootie Tootie
2. We Are The Music We Play
3. Fool And The Jewel, The
4. Reflections
5. Blind Man In A Sleigh
6. Dee Dee
7. Those Dulcet Tones
8. Ms. Pines
9. Mingus At Moments
10. Well You Needn’t
11. Extending The Ting