Free jazz recordings that consist of nothing but percussion instruments are a rarity. For that matter, percussion-only recordings are a rarity in any type of jazz, be it fusion, swing, classic jazz, hard bop, cool jazz, post-bop, third stream, soul-jazz, or Dixieland. But
Milford Graves Percussion Ensemble is, in fact, a rare example of a free jazz recording that offers percussion instruments exclusively -- no trumpet, fluegelhorn, or cornet; no saxophones; no bass or cello; no acoustic piano or electric keyboards; no vibes; no accordion. Just percussion instruments from start to finish. This 1965 session finds
Milford Graves forming a duo with fellow drummer
Sonny Morgan; in addition to his drums,
Graves provides bells, gongs, and shakers -- and
Morgan also contributes some bells. But if the idea of a free jazz recording that adheres to an "all percussion all the time" policy sounds intriguing, the reality is that
Percussion Ensemble (which
ESP-Disk reissued on CD in 2008) isn't nearly as interesting as some might hope.
Graves and
Morgan's performances are aimless and not terribly inspired; unlike many of the avant-garde jazz recordings that
Graves was a part of in the 1960s, this 33-minute disc never really catches fire and never goes anywhere. And after
Percussion Ensemble is finished playing, the listener is left asking, "OK, what's the point? What is he trying to say?"
Graves had his share of creative successes over the years; he is a talented drummer, and his more substantial performances are an asset to jazz's avant-garde. But the disappointing
Percussion Ensemble is only recommended to completists. ~ Alex Henderson
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