David Bindman Trio
«Imaginings»

• David Bindman - tenor saxophone
• Joe Fonda - double bass
• Kevin Norton - drums

1. Imaginings
2. Gadzo
3. Fast Line Fast Lane
4. Tie Me Sufre (Te-eh Meh Sufreh)
5. Wierd Blues
6. Narrative Two
7. Peace
8. Jitterbug Waltz
9. Hits
10. Narrative Four

Because The Spirit Room is centrally located, that is to say, close to no urban area, it has become the norm for groups to arrive by mid afternoon, unwind, sometimes even go to sleep, gather for an evening meal and begin the session(s) some time between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. When David, Joe, and Kevin arrived, after a 6-plus hour drive, I volunteered various forms of relaxing activities. David's response was, "I think we'd like to play. Is that OK?" It was a focus and enthusiasm that I felt foreshadowed the possibility of great things to come. Of course, based on discussions of a project and my familiarity with an artist's work, I've already tried to put the odds of artistic success on our side. Our job is to then just allow it to happen, to be as non-obstructive as possible.

There were other signs that also boded well for the music. Joe Fonda and I have had a professional relationship since the mid-70s, me as a critic and Joe as an active bassist in the fertile Connecticut - New York axis. Joe arrived in top spirits and he seemed remarkably at home in minutes. Kevin was returning to familiar ground, as this was his third trip to The Spirit Room, having led his own trio (George Cartwright & Mark Dresser) on Integrated Variables (CIMP 121) and later visited as a member of Brandon Evans' quartet (Chris Matthay/George Cremaschi) on Elliptical Transfigurations (CIMP 135). And, finally, David Bindman, whose strength and enthusiasm had so impressed me on his co-led date with Tyrone Henderson, Strawman Dance (Konnex Records), that I had listed it in a Critics' Poll as one of the best recordings of 1995. I looked forward to producing his first led session.

David, Kevin, and Joe have had common associations with each other for many years and have been working together as a trio since 1995. In addition, Joe and Kevin have been part of Anthony Braxton's regular quartet for over 2 years.

The first day's session ended relatively early, 10:30 p.m., and included "Weird Blues," which emphasized David's oblique approach, a strong, concise reading of "Imaginings," and the more abstract "Narrative Two."

The remainder of the session took place the next morning and exhibited a renewed energy and direction, all of which is quite evident and to which you now have the best seat in the house. Enjoy the concert.

All liner notes written by Robert D. Rusch:

1. FAB: Transforming The Space
2. Mark Whitecage's Other Quartet: Consensual Tension
3. Joe Fonda's Bottom Out: Loaded Basses
4. Joe Fonda Quintet: Full Circle Suite
5. David Bindman Trio: Imaginings