Edward Vesala and Sound & Fury - Invisible Storm (1992)

More hot sounds from ECM in the Krakatau vein. Vesala's ensemble Sound & Fury offers alternating doses of sizzling Euro-fusion and more traditionally minded numbers during the full reign of INVISIBLE STORM. "Gordion's Flashes" erupts with mad symphony of horns, keyboards, and drums, suggesting Bill Bruford's Earthworks and even John Zorn's more lucid moments. And then–suddenly, unexpectedly– there's the soft, Isham-like ruminations of "Shadows on the Frontier."

These varying counterpoints of light and dark illustrate the method behind Sound & Fury's madness. The ensemble seems to relish these odd juxtapositions with a certain amount of glee. INVISIBLE STORM is an arresting slice of improvised-sounding "punk-jazz," played with precision and a demonic spirit. Chilly pseudo-fusion–anarchic and chaotic, though perhaps a bit more garde than avant-garde.

Tracklist:

1. Sheets and Shrouds - 0:33
2. Murmuring Morning - 1:19
3. Gordion’s Flashes - 6:27
4. Shadows on the Frontier - 7:53
5. In the Gate of Another Gate - 1:32
6. Somnamblues - 8:37
7. Sarastus - 5:34
8. The Wedding of all Essential Parts - 11:07
9. The Invisible Storm - 7:23
10. The Haze of the Frost - 3:22
11. Caccaroo Boohoo - 6:26

Personnel:

Jorma Tapio - alto saxophone, bass clarinet, flute, percussion, bass flute
Jouni Kannisto - tenor saxophone, flute
Pepa Päivinen - tenor, baritone and soprano saxophones, flute, alto flute
Matti Riikonen - trumpet
Iro Haarla - piano, harp, keyboards
Jimi Sumen - guitar
Edward Vesala - drums, percussion
Marko Ylönen - cello