In the realm of avant-garde jazz, where boundaries are more like suggestions and improvisation is the law of the land, Curlew's "East/West/Also" emerges as a vibrant relic from the past, freshly unearthed for contemporary ears. This digital release captures the band's 1990 performances in Stockholm and San Francisco, offering a sonic time capsule that showcases their dynamic interplay and genre-defying sound.

Curlew, a fixture of New York's downtown scene, was known for blending elements of jazz, rock, and experimental music into a cohesive, albeit unpredictable, whole. The lineup featured George Cartwright on saxophones, Ann Rupel on bass (the first lineup saw a young Bill Laswell picking bass strings), Pippin Barnett on drums, Tom Cora on cello, and Davey Williams on guitar. Each member brought their unique voice to the ensemble, resulting in a collective sound that was both intricate and visceral.

The album's recordings from the Fasching Club in Stockholm and the DNA Lounge in San Francisco capture the band at a creative peak. Tracks like "Kissing Goodbye" and "To The Summer In Our Hearts" exemplify their ability to weave melodic motifs with spontaneous improvisation, creating pieces that are as emotionally resonant as they are intellectually stimulating.

One can't help but be drawn into the whimsical titles and the stories they suggest. "The March (or Ornette Went to Miles' House and They Didn't Get Along)" hints at imagined musical encounters, while "St Dog" and "Rudders" evoke abstract imagery that complements the music's exploratory nature.

Listening to "East/West/Also" is akin to navigating a labyrinth where each turn reveals a new texture or rhythm. The band's synergy is palpable, with each member responding to the others in a dance of call and response, tension and release. It's a testament to their collective intuition and the shared language they developed over years of collaboration.

This release not only serves as a historical document but also as a reminder of the enduring power of live performance. In an era where studio perfection often reigns supreme, Curlew's raw, unfiltered energy offers a refreshing contrast. Their music, though rooted in a specific time and place, continues to resonate, challenging and inspiring listeners anew.