This record documents a Knitting Factory gig in late 1999, featuring Joe Morris with Mat Maneri on viola, Chris Lightcap on bass, and Gerald Cleaver on drums (all but Cleaver appeared on 1998's A Cloud of Black Birds). There are only four tracks but over 70 minutes of music -- a menu that calls for committed and adventurous listeners. The fairly sparse opener, a 20-minute collective improvisation called "Matter of Fact," is followed by Morris'"Don't Say Too Much," based on a structured, appealing groove in six. "Coil," another Morris composition, is busier (often frenetic in fact), with some fierce rhythm section interplay and a sizzling Maneri solo. And the aptly titled "Closeout," again collectively composed, stays off-kilter and rhythmically nebulous until Lightcap establishes a light, satisfying tempo that brings the tune home. Morris is in fine improvising form throughout; the live setting is definitely an advantage. - David R. Adler
Tracks
1. Matter Of Fact (Lightcap/Cleaver/Morris/Maneri)
2. Don't Say Too Much (Morris)
3. Coil (Morris)
4. Closeout (Lightcap/Cleaver/Morris/Maneri)
CHRIS LIGHTCAP bass
GERALD CLEAVER drums
JOE MORRIS guitar
MAT MANERI viola
Recorded November 6, 1999 live in performance in The Old Office at The Knitting Factory, New York City
Knitting Factory Works – KFR-272