Conference Call Spirals: The Berlin Concert CD

Recorded live at B-Flat Berlin, Berlin, Germany on March 11, 2003.

Conference Call is a quartet comprised of adventurous and versatile musicians, each of whom are also talented composers. For their Berlin concert, Conference Call mostly plays the first "three" lengthy compositions continuously. The episodic music includes some stirring sections to "Dreierlei" (although it ends inconclusively) and a memorable tango, "Little Pet's Diner," that is always close to the edge. Gebhard Ullmann is fine on bass clarinet and soprano but particularly expressive on tenor. "The Announcement" is a rant against the invasion of Iraq by the U.S. and "Three" continues the mood with a verbal improvisation leading into some violent group interplay. The quiet "Translucent Tones" (with Ullmann on bass clarinet) is an effective contrast and precedes the intense "No Hazmats." All in all, this is a stimulating date and nearly everything works, with each of the musicians (who include pianist Michael Jefry Stevens, bassist Joe Fonda, and drummer George Schuller) having their feature spots. ~ Scott Yanow

Conference Call's third release catches them live at B-Flat in Berlin, Germany on March 11th, 2003.  The material features compositions from each musician in this all-star group's line-up, including the versatile Schuller who replaces Matt Wilson and Han Bennink respectively from the band's first two recordings. Musicians: Gebhard Ullmann (bassclarinet, tenor and soprano saxophone), Michael Jefry Stevens (piano), Joe Fonda (bass), George Schuller (drums, cymbals, bells)*From All About Jazz:Hey, come on over and listen in to a Conference Call. There have been two well worth listening to in the past. As before, there is a new drummer in tow, George Schuller coming in place of Matt Wilson, who in turn had replaced Han Bennink. Sure, Wilson and Bennink have individualistic styles, but don't turn a deaf ear: Schuller's approach stokes the rhythm and the guys up front continue to be in fine fettle. The initial probe is set by Joe Fonda on the bass and Gebhard Ullmannn takes that strain on the tenor sax in wistful undulation before Michael Jefry Stevens let's his piano stamp the harmonic line that gradually powers in intensity, an urgent essaying of the melodic landscape which is dotted by Schuller on the offbeat. It coalesces in a dark, moody ambit, the punctuation of Stevens going against the shifting images of Ullmann with his honks, wails and linear transformations. "Comeuppance"? Sure, if it means a heady, heated happening! The approach to "Dreierlei" is more open-ended. The pace is deliberate at the outset, with Fonda setting the tempo, he has a wonderful solo spot on which he engages in a little dialogue with himself, against the bustle of Schuller. Stevens pulls in a sparkling array of notes and Ullmann bides his time, his soprano at first an airy flirt but later, a cutting swath, embedding deeply etched lines and augmenting them with loopy ones. The mood changes to a sombre one on "Translucent Tones." Stevens brings in a serene, almost fragile ministration, with Ullmannn cutting edge against the grain first on the bass clarinet and then on the tenor. It is appropriate that this song follows "Three" where truth and turmoil gather. More power to Fonda and the band for their stand! Visit 482 Music on the web. ~ Jerry D'Souza

Michael Jefry Stevens (piano); Joe Fonda (bass); George Schuller (drums, cymbals, bells).

Personnel: Gebhard Ullmann (bass clarinet, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Michael Jefry Stevens (piano); George Schuller (drums, cymbals, bells).

Recording information: B-Flat, Berlin, Germany (03/2003).

Photographer: Manfred Kiesant.

Conference Call: Gebhard Ullharm (soprano & tenor saxophones, bass clarinet);