Geof Bradfield, professor of jazz saxophone and jazz studies in the NIU School of Music was part of a feature on NPR’s “Fresh Air” about the release of his trio’s new album “General Semantics.”
Fresh Air’s jazz critic Kevin Whitehead described the new effort, “Reed players Geof Bradfield and Ben Goldberg join formidable drummer Dana Hall on a new album that features humor, sobriety and a piece that’s funky one minute and chamber music the next.”
The trio were also the subject of a recent feature in the Chicago Reader. “This collective trio gives jazz school a good name.”
“General Semantics” is available now through Delmark Records.
The collaborative trio of Ben Goldberg (clarinet, contra alto clarinet), Geof Bradfield (soprano and tenor saxophones, bass clarinet), and Dana Hall (percussion) explores new directions on General Semantics. Their Delmark Records debut features original music by the trio as well as unique interpretations of Duke Ellington, Cecil Taylor, and Hermeto Pascoal. The unusual instrumentation-especially the lack of a bassist- enables the musicians to transcend traditional instrument roles of accompaniment, improvisation, and interaction and create music that embraces form and harmony alongside freedom and spontaneous improvisation.
This recording was created with the generous support of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and a Northern Illinois University Research and Artistry Grant.
