Observations (album) explained

Observations
Type:	studio
Artist:	Steve Swell & Chris Kelsey
Cover:	Observations_cover.jpg
Released:	1996
Recorded:	February 16 & 17, 1996
Studio:	The Spirit Room, Rossie, New York
Genre:	Jazz
Length:	66:01
Label:	CIMP
Producer:	Bob Rusch
Chronology:	Steve Swell
Next Title:	Out and About
Next Year:	1996

Observations is the debut album by the American jazz trombonist Steve Swell and saxophonist Chris Kelsey, recorded in 1996 and released on CIMP.

Reception

In his review for AllMusic, Scott Yanow states: "Both Swell and Kelsey (who possess fairly original sounds) are not shy to utilize space nor to express themselves and their colorful interplay is the main reason to acquire this continually interesting avant-garde disc."

The Penguin Guide to Jazz notes that "the duo with Kelsey is a long-standing rehearsal partnership, and they read each other's moves with brilliant empathy."^[1]

Track listing

All compositions by Chris Kelsey & Steve Swell

1. "The History of Jazz is Replete with Anomalies" - 8:59
2. "Charlie Parker Did Not Want To Be Worshipped Like a God" - 12:22
3. "The Last Note Has Yet to Be Spoken" - 6:51
4. "Sedition Build Tradition" - 9:15
5. "Bill Clinton Digs Stan Getz" - 8:26
6. "The Best Things in Jazz Are Free" - 9:03
7. "Cage Was Occasionally Wrong" - 7:31
8. "An Afterthought" - 3:34

Personnel

• Steve Swell - trombone
• Chris Kelsey - soprano sax

Notes and References

1. Book: Cook, Richard. Richard Cook (journalist). Brian Morton . Brian Morton (Scottish writer) . The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD. 6th. The Penguin Guide to Jazz. 2002. Penguin. London. 0-14-051521-6. 1413.