Bassist Joe Fonda and pianist Michael Jefry Stevens contributed all seven originals to this program and co-lead the post-bop quartet. Trumpeter Herb Robertson takes several impressive solos, ranging from fairly straightforward statements to odd percussive sounds on "From the Source." The communication between Stevens (who is quite adventurous on "A Question of Love" before it becomes a haunting ballad) and Fonda is tight, evolving from having played together for quite a few years. Drummer Harvey Sorgen is subtle in support while Napoleon Maddox only appears on "Cotton," speaking some poetry. "Relentlessness," which has odd accents reminiscent of Anthony Braxton, is a highlight of this stimulating set which is well-worth checking out. ~ Scott Yanow
"The Fonda/Stevens Group has evolved into one of jazz/improvised music's most accomplished ensembles. Straddling the line between post-bob and free, they have come up with consistently satisfying albums. What's impressive is how they create a cohesive unit without grandstanding egos getting in the way." - Cadence MagazineWith over 20 years of performing together in various ensembles, this powerful acoustic NYC based jazz ensemble features the music of bassist Joe Fonda and pianist Michael Jefry Stevens performing with master percussionist Harvey Sorgen and the brillliant modern jazz trumpet legend Herb Robertson.
The group has performed 13 European tours in the past 8 years (1997 - 2004) including radio broadcasts for BRTN (Belgium), Saarbrücken Radio (Germany), WDR Radio Köln (Germany), Radio Bremen (Germany), Radio Zurich (Switzerland), Radio Nürnberg (Germany) VPRO Radio Amsterdam (Holland) and has been featured artist at the Ottawa International Jazz Festival (Canada), Halo Jazz Days (Brugge, Belgium), Jazzmeille Thuringen (Weimer, Germany), Jazzkroe Gent (Belgium), and Westfalisches Musikfest 1998 (Munster Germany).
Dubbed "one of the great and often underappreciated jazz groups of the modern era" by the All Music Guide, and "arguably one of the finest and hardest working modern jazz outfits in the business" by All About Jazz, the Fonda/Stevens Group has consistently toured and recorded to critical acclaim for more than a decade. Together since their days in the legendary Mosaic Sextet (with Dave Douglas, Mark Feldman, and Michael Rabinowitz) in the late 80's, the core rhythm section team of Michael Jefry Stevens, Joe Fonda, and Harvey Sorgen has collaborated under the Fonda/Stevens banner with front-line musicians such as Mark Whitecage and Paul Smoker. Their eighth recording, Forever Real, features frequent collaborator Herb Robertson, as well as first-time special guest Napoleon Maddox from the Cincinnati hip hop group, IsWhat?!.
From All About Jazz:John Cage said that music is all around us, ever present in the universe. Yet we do not always have the "ears" to decipher it. Forever Real offers the opportunity to exercise your "ears," presenting you with unique sounds that ebb and flow like the tide.
This effort is the eighth recording from the Fonda/Stevens Group. Largely unknown here in the US, the group is well recognized in Europe, certainly unfortunate as it deserves recognition. Bassist Joe Fonda and pianist Michael Jefry Stevens have played together in a variety of settings, notably with Dave Douglas in the early '90s. For more than a decade, with the addition of drummer Harvey Sorgen, this group has been a rare commodity, keeping a consistent foundation with longevity. Few working bands can boast such continuity given the inherent financial and logistical realities.
All of the compositions on this disc belong to either Fonda or Stevens. Stylistic categories are simply too confining for this ensemble's inventive originality. There is a running dialogue between all members during each song, with free flowing interplay and technically adept design. Those considering spectatorship should be aware that the music requires participation, not unlike reading a ser
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