Astro

ASTRO (Anders Svanoe’s Teleporting Rhythmic Orchestra)
Anders Svanoe-baritone saxophone
Pawan Benjamin-alto and tenor saxophones, flutes, Shehnai
Tony Catania-tenor saxophone
Jim Doherty-trumpet
Phil Zell-trumpet
Louka Patenaude-guitar
Henry Boehm-bass
Brad Townsend-bass
Michael Brenneis-drums/electronics
Nick Zielinski-drums

The group features an all-star group of improvisers and composers from the Madison area. The group will teleport musically from experimental to more familiar music written by baritone saxophonist, Anders Svanoe.

“The music here is anything but predictable and Svanoe writes memorable melodies, like the hard swinging bebop composition “Bird Strike” which would fit easily on a Pepper Adams recording. Svanoe’s heated solo gives way to the coolness of Doherty’s trumpet. Elsewhere the saxophonist goes toe-to-toe with Conroy on the brief meditative piece “Spiral Staircase Glamour;” and extends the reflection on “Altimeter High,” which could easily be confused with the music of Don Cherry. Then there’s the cartoon theme/Albert Ayler march “Walk On The SAS” which mines madcap for relevance. The closing track “Subsonic” features the bassists’ bowed and plucked sounds that give way to luscious harmonies. Svanoe’s richly verdant horn opens the composition to images of blue skies blue.”
Mark Corroto- All About Jazz