The Enchanted Messenger

"The Enchanted Messenger" is a thrilling live album by the Tony Oxley Celebration Orchestra, a fifteen-piece ensemble led by the renowned English percussionist Tony Oxley. Recorded in November 1994 at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt on the final day of the Berlin Jazz Festival, this album captures the raw energy and improvisational genius of the group, featuring the legendary trumpeter Bill Dixon as a special guest. The album is a testament to Oxley's compositional prowess and the orchestra's collective virtuosity, consisting of 19 interrelated sections that flow seamlessly into one another, creating a dense and exhilarating musical tapestry. With a duration of over an hour, "The Enchanted Messenger" is a challenging and rewarding listen, showcasing the orchestra's ability to build tension and complexity over time. The album was released in 1996 by the Italian label Soul Note and is a standout example of free jazz and avant-garde composition. Fans of innovative and boundary-pushing music will find much to appreciate in this dynamic and engaging live recording.