Discussions

"Discussions," the 2017 album by legendary saxophonist and composer Roscoe Mitchell, is a testament to his enduring influence in the realms of free jazz and avant-garde music. Released on Wide Hive Records, this album features Mitchell's Discussions Orchestra, a 20-piece ensemble that brings his compositions to life with a blend of experimentalism and classical music applications. The album is a collection of new orchestral arrangements of past improvisations, showcasing Mitchell's illimitable inventiveness and his role as a seminal artist for modern times.

The eight-track album, spanning over an hour, includes pieces like "Cascade," "I'll See You Out There," and "Frenzy House," each offering a unique blend of Mitchell's signature style and the collective prowess of the orchestra. The album was recorded in November 2016 and released in September 2017, with a slightly different track list available on the vinyl version. "Discussions" was also presented at the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, highlighting its significance in the contemporary jazz landscape.

Mitchell, an original member of the Art Ensemble of Chicago, continues to push the boundaries of jazz with his supreme improvisational skills and innovative compositions. "Discussions" is not just an album but a celebration of Mitchell's enduring legacy and his continued impact on the world of jazz. Whether you're a longtime fan of Roscoe Mitchell or a newcomer to his work, "Discussions" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the best of free jazz and avant-garde music.