As mass media continues to promote music as another instantly consumed product, the likelihood of new sounds — or even older ones — being ignored because they don’t fit the style of the moment intensifies. This is especially true when it comes to improvised music. But with the holiday season looming, more committed listeners may be seeking gifts for those who appreciate challenge rather than comfort in their music. Here are some CDs from 2013 that fit the bill. They include ones by established players, younger stylists plus important reissues. […]

Another reed experimenter is Montreal-based clarinetist Lori Freedman, whose seven improvisations on On No On are with percussionist John Heward. Related to the cerebral texture and timbre experiments of Butcher/Buck or Parker/Lytton, there’s no chordal instrument present to smooth the interface. The chief pleasure of these tracks is noting the substance of Freedman’s reed flurries and the strategies Heward pulls from his kit to parry her thrusts. Using his palms as often as sticks, Heward’s whacks or rolls are singular replies to the reed solos which frequently extend like run-on sentences, adding violent or narrowed projections to make a point. Marimba-like reverberations are called into play on those rare occasions when Freedman’s output turns legato. Overall while technical prowess is the point, by the final Improvisation 7, the narrative turns from squeaks and shudders to an almost jaunty melodiousness. […]

Nicolas Caloia will be in concert at L’envers in Montréal on 15 mai 2009 with Lori Freedman, Chris Burns, and John Heward.

Nicolas Caloia will be in concert at L’envers in Montréal on 15 mai 2009 with Lori Freedman, Chris Burns and John Heward.

The Murray Street Band, led by drummer John Heward, includes a number of Montréal’s most exciting improvisers. With musicians with backgrounds in free improv, new music, noise, punk, (post)-rock, world beat and jazz, the Murray Street Band’s sonic celebrations are bound to please and last long into the night! The concert takes place on February 26, 2009, at Casa del Popolo in Montréal.

On November 2, 2008, Joe Giardullo will be performing at L’envers alongside 16 of Montréal’s finest improvisers: Gordon M Allen, Philippe Battikha, Fred Bazil, Chris Burns, Pierre Cartier, Isaiah Ceccarelli, Michel F , Lori Freedman, John Heward, Philippe Lauzier, Étienne Lebel, Corinne René, Alexandre St-Onge, Sam Shalabi, Ida Toninato and Rainer Weins. Quite the orchestra!

The next Mercredimusics will host Lori Freedman, John Heward and Ellen Waterman on October 15, 2008 at Casa Obscura in Montréal.