X Man

"X Man," released on December 31, 1994, by Soul Note, is a captivating journey into the avant-garde jazz realm, masterfully crafted by the legendary drummer Andrew Cyrille. Recorded in May 1993 at the iconic Sear Sound in New York City, this album features a stellar lineup that includes flutist James Newton, guitarist Alix Pascal, and bassist Anthony Cox. The eight-track album, spanning a total of 61 minutes, is a testament to Cyrille's innovative spirit and his collaborators' exceptional talents.

The album opens with "Answer Me," composed by Alix Pascal, setting a gentle and melodic tone that might surprise those familiar with the avant-garde genre. This theme of gentle melodicism continues throughout the album, with each track offering a unique blend of improvisation and structure. "Novo," composed by Anthony Cox, and "A Simple Melody," composed by Andrew Cyrille himself, are standout tracks that showcase the band's ability to create intricate, yet accessible, jazz compositions.

"E-Squat," "05:05:00," and "Lydia" delve deeper into the avant-garde style, with complex rhythms and unconventional melodies that highlight the musicians' virtuosity. The title track, "X Man," and the closing track "Akan" round out the album, leaving the listener with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to explore the album's depths further.

"X Man" is a remarkable addition to Andrew Cyrille's discography, offering a unique blend of avant-garde and melodic jazz that is sure to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers to the genre. The album's gentle and melodic approach, coupled with its innovative compositions, makes it a standout release in the world of avant-garde jazz.