cadence (1997)

Cadence Magazine, December 1997
Bruce Eisenbeil’s original approach on Nine Wings is extraordinary, as it has to be to match Rob Brown’s unconstrained alto. Yet it’s clear from their free counterpoint in “Oak Tree,” “King of Comedy,” and “The Flapper” that they make a brilliant match. Eisenbeil escapes the usual fretboard constraints in a virtuoso engagement with sound that transcends style. The scope of his sonic dynamics makes most guitar improvisers sound academic, contrived or reliant on “effects, while he appears to escape such constraints. His unfettered playing recalls Ornette Coleman’s inventions at the Hillcrest Club. There’s wonderful music here that took my breath away while Brown and Grassi add beguiling support. Nine Wings contains some unbelievable guitar. Recommended.

– David Lewis