Stumble (album)


Stumble is the second album by the AALY Trio + Ken Vandermark, which was recorded live at Chicago's Unity Temple in 1998 and released on Wobbly Rail, a short-lived imprint started by Merge Records/Superchunk principal Mac McCaughan. AALY Trio is a Swedish free jazz band led by saxophonist Mats Gustafsson. Originally just a guest, Vandermark became a full member of the group.

Reception

In her review for AllMusic, Joslyn Layne states "These numbers are firmly entrenched in blues roots, carrying on a wailing, at times plaintive, blues spirit with conviction."
The Penguin Guide to Jazz notes that "Vandermark and Gustafsson are formidably like-minded, at least in the way they want the band to make its impression, and the sound of the quartet in full flight has a harsh, narcotic edge to it."
The JazzTimes review by Bill Shoemaker states "While there is plenty of wide-open blowing space for the two saxophonists, and the flexible, fluent Janson and Nordeson, there is an overarching ensemble cohesion that holds this album together."

Track listing

  1. "Stumble" – 11:52
  2. "Umeå" – 11:28
  3. "Hommage à Lillen" – 6:24
  4. "Song For Che" – 14:29
  5. "Why I Don't Go Back" – 13:40

Personnel