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Frank London / Brass Conspiracy

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Another vague Tzadik cover

Frank London / Brass Conspiracy, 2024
CD, available from Tzadik and available from finer digital outlets everywhere.

I think I have been listening to Frank London explore jazz and world music on his trumpet here on the KlezmerShack since his Les Miserables days. I am, to put it mildly, a fan. I am especially grateful to this new recording (well, it was new in 2024), and I apologize for the late mention here. Sometimes I fall behind.

The Brass Conspiracy consists of a set of brass trio pieces - London on trumpet, plus Josh Roseman on trombone and Marcus Rojas on tuba, with occasional assists by percussion. Unlike most of London's ensembles, this is neither dance music, nor music for a specific commission. This album is dedicated to the exuberance of exploration by three brass brothers and their friends. From the opening "Engraftamento" one is swept along in a river of rhythm and experimentation. The mind grows. The toes tap. All is well. The various Rube Goldberg variations are similar in generating that river of flow.

In a related mode, the relaxed, noirish "Coup de Langue" takes a dreamier tone; Kenny Wolleson's steady drumming far back in the mix keeping things anchored. Likewise, the longer explorations on "Dedication." Taking the idea even further, the closing "Tell me the name" is a slomo shoutout to Dixieland and the roots of it all.

Sometimes, as on "Integralicious," or "Elemental" I am reminded of the joy of listening to favorite Stockhausen pieces, say, from "Aus den sieben Tagen" where the "not knowing" what sounds come next induces in me a sense of wonder and creativity—perfect music for listening, for meditating, for writing.

As I type this, the release of new album by the Klezmatics is imminent. From what I have heard so far, it will be excellent. But for the moment, this is the Frank London music I need to listen to. Check it out on Tzadik at your earliest convenience … or even inconvenience. Music this good is its own coompulsion.

Article by Ari Davidow, 14-Mar-2026.

Personnel this recording:
Frank London: trumpet
Josh Roseman: trombone
Marcus Rojas: tuba

with
Javier Diaz: drums, marimba (1, 4, 6, 9-11)
Onel Matos: congas (1, 4, 6, 9-11)
Kenny Wolleson: drums, vibes (2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12)

Songs

  1. Engraftamento 6:45
  2. Integralicious 6:29
  3. Rube G #2 2:51
  4. Elemental 9:09
  5. Coup de Langue 5:41
  6. Rube G #3 1:41
  7. Dedication 10:12
  8. Espiritu del Danzon 3:33
  9. Ting 6:43
  10. Rube G #1 3:21
  11. Tell Me the Name 4:22

All music composed by Frank London

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