ANGELIKA NIESCER – CHICAGO TAPES (Intakt Records) (Release date: 23rd January, 2026)

Most recently alto saxophonist Angelika Niescer released an acclaimed album with cellist Tomeka Reid called “Beyond Dragons”. ‘Rejoice, Disrupt, Resist’ is a pretty good title for the full on 8-minute opener. ‘Poranek’ is essentially a short duet with flautist Nicole Mitchell and the pace nor raucousness of the drums (Mike Reed) doesn’t let up. There’s also a second saxophonist (alto and tenor – Dave Rempis) in ensuring the energy levels don’t flag. ‘SAMO bsqt; has an enigmatic title and clocks in at 11-minutes. The flute flies in again with lines of counterpoint and Luke Stewart is a busy man on the bass trying to keep up although the space does open up for him about half way through for some adroit soloing before more serpentine sax lines emerge. Vibes by Jason Adasiewicz on ‘Ext.17’- with more duelling saxes- (also on the impressionistic ‘Great Sonic Owl’) provide a nice (quiet) sonic variation. ‘Fluxed ’ is relatively restrained. ‘Bouncin’ The Ledge’ is a playful number dominated by flute and sax with a change in melody half way through its 9 minutes, becoming quite frenzied. ‘Perigeo’ is relatively temperate to being with, a walking double bass inviting a flute solo and reaching a crescendo at its climax. ‘E Randolph Street’ is the most experimental of the lot. A free blowing uncompromising session like this is perhaps not to everyone’s taste but fans of the avant-garde are in for a treat.