Evidence Vol. 1 by Globe Unity Special: A Wild Ride Through Free Jazz Chaos
Alright, let’s talk about Evidence Vol. 1 by Globe Unity Special—a record that feels like it was born in a smoky Berlin basement during some late-night jam session back in '76. This isn’t your grandma’s jazz album (unless your grandma is super into avant-garde stuff, which would be pretty cool). It’s raw, unpredictable, and kinda genius.
First off, the lineup? Insane. You’ve got legends like Evan Parker tearing up the tenor sax, Steve Lacy weaving his magic on soprano sax, and Alex Schlippenbach laying down piano lines that sound like they’re trying to escape gravity itself. Oh, and don’t even get me started on Peter Kowald holding down both bass and tuba duties—what a beast. The whole crew here brings their A-game, no doubt about it.
Now, onto the tracks. There are four cuts on this bad boy, but I wanna zoom in on two because they stuck with me for different reasons.
Track 2: "Evidence"
This one’s an absolute banger—an explosive take on Thelonious Monk’s classic tune, rearranged by Schlippenbach himself. When Kenny Wheeler’s trumpet kicks in alongside Albert Mangelsdorff’s trombone, it’s like hearing a conversation between old friends who can finish each other’s sentences without missing a beat. But what really makes this version unforgettable is how wild it gets halfway through. Suddenly, everyone starts pushing boundaries, breaking rules, and just going nuts. It’s chaotic, sure, but there’s something beautiful about how tight they stay amidst all the madness. If you’re not nodding along by the end of this track, check your pulse—you might be dead.
Track 4: "Rumbling (To Joe Louis)"
Okay, so this one hits hard right from the start. Paul Lovens’ percussion sets the stage with these low, rumbling beats that feel almost tribal, like he’s summoning spirits or something. Then Gerd Dudek steps in on tenor sax, playing these haunting melodies that float over everything else. By the time Evan Parker joins in, wailing away on soprano sax, it’s clear this piece is paying homage to more than just Joe Louis—it’s celebrating resilience, struggle, and pure grit. Honestly, listening to this feels like being inside someone’s mind as they process life’s big questions. Heavy stuff, man.
What strikes me most about Evidence Vol. 1 is how alive it sounds. These musicians weren’t just showing up to play—they were creating something new, throwing caution to the wind, and letting the music guide them wherever it wanted to go. Sure, it’s not always easy listening, but when has great art ever been “easy”?
Here’s the thing though—I didn’t expect to laugh while writing this review, but halfway through revisiting the album, my cat jumped onto my desk and stared at me like I’d lost my mind. Turns out, she was probably judging my attempts to air-drum along to Paul Lovens’ insane rhythms. So yeah, maybe this album isn’t just food for thought—it’s also cat-approved entertainment.
If you’re looking for jazz that challenges you, moves you, and occasionally confuses you, give Evidence Vol. 1 a spin. Just maybe keep snacks nearby… you’ll need ‘em after getting lost in its whirlwind of sound.
